Cook, Wrap, and Picnic in Kyoto
Cook, Wrap, and Picnic in Kyoto
Cook, Wrap, and Picnic in Kyoto
Cook, Wrap, and Picnic in Kyoto
Cook, Wrap, and Picnic in Kyoto
At Cook, Wrap, and Picnic,you'll experience the heart of Japanese home cooking by making onigiri (Japanese rice balls) and a traditional Kyoto-style bento.
Using Kyoto's pure underground spring water, each grain of rice becomes soft, fragrant, and full of natural flavor.
Onigiri is more than just food—it is a way of sharing care, connection, and culture. My hope is that this simple homemade meal will bring warmth, smiles, and meaningful memories of Kyoto.
Whether you're a beginner or already love Japanese cooking, you'll be guided step by step. After cooking, enjoy a relaxing picnic along the beautiful Kamo River—one of Kyoto's most iconic spots.
Join us for an authentic, peaceful, and unforgettable morning in Kyoto.
Organizer
Toshiko Shoshihara
Hello, I’m Toshiko, your instructor.
I grew up with a deep love for Japanese home cooking— meals made not only with skill, but with heart. Among them, omusubi has always been special to me because it represents care and connection.
I created Cook, Wrap, and Picnic to share this feeling with guests from around the world. Seeing travelers enjoy the bento they made while sitting by the Kamo River brings me true joy.
My goal is to create a space where food, culture, and people come together— leaving you with a memory of Kyoto that lasts long after your trip.
Make your own handmade Japanese bento, shape warm omusubi with care, and enjoy a peaceful morning picnic by the Kamo River.
After your meal, take part in a traditional nodate (outdoor matcha ceremony), using fresh shrine water collected earlier in the morning.
This fully private experience allows you to learn at your own pace and enjoy an authentic moment of Kyoto food culture.
Cooking with Kyoto's Natural Spring Water
We use pure underground spring water drawn from Kyoto's natural aquifer. This soft, mineral-balanced water has been treasured by locals for centuries and is key to authentic Kyoto cuisine.
The gentle quality of this spring water enhances the natural flavor and aroma of rice, making each grain perfectly tender and delicious. Experience the true taste of Kyoto through water that has nourished this city's culinary traditions for generations.
Your cooking experience takes place at Shuhari, a beautifully restored traditional townhouse located in Kyoto’s historic Okazaki district— an area known for culture, museums, shrines, and seasonal beauty.
The word Shuhari represents stages of learning in Japanese culture:
Shu (守) learn and preserve tradition
Ha (破) explore and adapt
Ri (離) innovate and create your own way
This philosophy is woven throughout the space— simple, traditional, and welcoming.
Inside Shuhari, time moves gently. The tatami floors, wooden beams, and soft natural light create a calm atmosphere where cooking becomes more than a task— it becomes a meaningful ritual.
It is the perfect setting to learn the spirit of Japanese home cooking while experiencing the elegance and quiet beauty of Kyoto.
For more about Shuhari and its story, please visit their official website:
shuhari-kyoto.jp
27-2 Shogoin Rengezo-cho,Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi,Kyoto 606-8357 Japan
For those coming by train
8-minute walk from Sanjo Keihan Station on the Tozai Subway Line
10-minute walk from Sanjo Station on the Keihan Main Line / 5-minute walk from Jingu-Marutamachi Station
For those coming by car or taxi
Approximately 20 minutes from Kyoto Station.
Head east on Kawabata Nijo, then head 100 meters north on Shin-Ainomachi Street, 10 meters past the post office.
If you have any questions about this experience, please feel free to contact us using the form below.
