SOBA – Buckwheat Noodles
Experience making 80% buckwheat soba noodles from scratch.
Soba making is simple, but it requires a few important tips. I will first demonstrate how to prepare the dough and cut the noodles thinly. After that, it’s your turn — each guest will make their own soba from start to finish.
Cutting the noodles is one of the most important steps, so you will cut your own soba using traditional tools.
Once your noodles are ready, we will blanch them and enjoy your handmade soba with two different types of soba dipping sauce. I will also serve fresh vegetable tempura.
For vegan guests, we prepare a vegan soba soup without fish broth.
Tempura (天ぷら) is a classical Portuguese dish brought to and popularized by Japan, consisting of seafood or vegetables that have been battered and deep fried. Tempura is a typical home-style cooking in Japan. It is often referred to as a representative dish to Japan. Although there are various theories, it is said that Tokugawa Ieyasu, the general of the Edo period, liked tempura so much that he allegedly died from eating too much.
1. Mix & Knead the Dough
We start by mixing 80% buckwheat flour and 20% wheat flour, then add water little by little and knead the dough until smooth.
2. Roll the Dough
Using a long rolling pin, we stretch the dough into a thin, even sheet.
3. Cut the Noodles
You’ll use a traditional soba knife to cut the dough into thin noodles. It looks delicate, but we’ll do it together step by step.
4. Cook & Taste
We boil your freshly made noodles and enjoy them with two kinds of homemade soba dipping soup and toppings.
Vegan soup (no fish broth) is available.
A warm, small-group experience where you can discover a new Japanese flavor.
Hello!
I love traveling, and have visited many countries, And I always enjoy the foods.
When I traveled, I always wonder what the local people eat every day. So, I want the foreign travelers to share what I always cook at home.
If you are vegetarian and find the difficulty to eat the Japanese dishes, please come to my kitchen.
Mainly, I share you the vegetarian dishes here, but I can share the ordinary dishes with eggs and meats, if you want. So, please feel free to ask me.
And I also started making soba and found that it is very interesting.
Soba is one of the most popular Japanese foods, and it has a long history.
In Japan, we can eat soba anywhere.
Let's enjoy making soba and other Japanese dishes.
Soba cooking is also for vegetarians and vegans.
And we are located just behind the philosopher’s path. On your way to sightseeing, we suggest you join us. Our house is the old parents' house and it's nostalgic and relaxing. So
The closest station
Kinrin Syako Kyoto City Bus
How to get to the station?
From Kinrin Syako Kyoto City Bus: 5mins
Free pick up service
This host can pick up you for free from the closest station!
Exact location provided after booking.
Irina, Australia
★★★★★My soba noodle class and the whole experience with Makiko and the other Host was very special and personal. Very easy and well explained tutorial followed up with my hands on practice, finished up with delicious lunch and a warm conversation. I highly recommend this activity for everyone who is looking to do something truly authentic while in Kyoto. The location is also unique - it’s in a beautiful old house, in a very short walk from the “Philosophers path”. Thanks so much again! Irina
Jun 2026
Response from Zawa
Irina san,
Thank you for your coming to our cooking and warm review. We were very happy to have you our cooking and also enjoyed being with you.
We hope you to come back and look forward to cooking together again.
Caroline, United States of America
★★★★★Our soba class with Maki and her husband was perfect! They were so sweet and taught us so much about Japanese cooking. We really enjoyed spending the afternoon with them, and the food was delicious!
Oct 2025
Response from Zawa
Caroline San,
Thank you for coming! We had a great time with you.
I am also glad that you enjoyed Soba making.
We hope your days in Japan are happy and safe!
Best wishes,
Joanne, United States of America
★★★★★Makiko and Zawa were an absolute joy to be with! The soba making class was so much fun and held in an intimate small group setting. It was a hands on experience and produced yummy soba that you get to try! Their family and home are so lovely! We were grateful to spend time with them. Awesome experience!
Sep 2025
Response from Zawa
Thank you for coming Joan San! We were very glad to have you our guests, and we also enjoyed spending time with you. We hope you travel safe and joy.
Kaitlin Kinzer, United States of America
★★★★★Michiko and her husband were so welcoming and amazing! We had such a great time, learned a lot, and are so glad we took the time to take the class. We learned more than just soba and can’t wait to take back everything we learned to the states!
May 2025
Response from Zawa
Kaitlin San, thank you so much.
We are very glad to have you our place and sharing time with you.
We wish your happy trip!
galit, Israel
★★★★★We had a great experience. They welcomed us in a beautiful traditional house. They prepared for us and everything was perfectly planned. They demonstrated how to make it and then we made the soba ourselves. At the end of the preparation, we had a very delicious vegan meal. I highly recommend the workshop.
May 2025
Response from Zawa
Galit San and HOY San (Sorry if I mis-spelled), Thank you for coming. We really enjoyed having you our place and making Soba together. I'm very happy you like Soba.
Please make Soba at home and share with your family.
I hope your safe trip.
Or, Israel
★★★★★We had a great time and learned a lot in this soba making lesson. The whole experience was very fun and we highly recommend it, even if you are not a cooking fan
Oct 2024
Response from Zawa
Thank you for coming. I’m also had fun to share the time with you and talk with you.
I hope you have wonderful time in Japan.
Trudi Fava, New Zealand
★★★★★Michiko and family are wonderful hosts. Our group of four had fun and enjoyed our delicious noodle feast. Than you so much. A real highlight of our Japan trip!
Jul 2024
Response from Zawa
Thank you for your attendance to our soba making. I was also enjoyed with you. I wish your good time in Japan.
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Response from Zawa
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Please go to Kinrin Syako Kyoto City Bus which takes 5 mins from Kinrin Syako Kyoto City Bus. Then Zawa (host) will pick you up there!
Duration of this cooking class is 2 hours.
Up to 4 people can join Zawa's cooking class.
Yes, Make Soba from scratch at a Local Home: A Cozy, Limited‑Seats Experience (Max 4 Guests Only)” The Vegans and the vegetarians are welcomed. has a vegetarian option.
Yes, Make Soba from scratch at a Local Home: A Cozy, Limited‑Seats Experience (Max 4 Guests Only)” The Vegans and the vegetarians are welcomed. has a vegan option.
It costs 13000 per person.
You will receive the confirmation within 24 hours.
We accepts these cards on airKitchen.
Cancellations up to 48 hours prior to the class begins will be fully refunded by the airKitchen cancellation policy.
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The Vegans and the vegetarians are welcomed. | Cooking Class in Kyoto/Japan){kind=link}