Strengthen the immunity!! Making miso in Japanese old house.

Discover the Joy of Making Miso in a Traditional Kyoto Setting

This Kyoto-based miso-making tour offers a unique chance to connect with Japanese culinary traditions in an authentic setting. For just over $46, you’ll spend about an hour in a peaceful old Japanese residence, learning how to craft your own miso — a staple in Japanese cuisine and a boost to your immune system. What really makes this experience memorable is its focus on wellness, environmental sustainability, and the rich culture behind miso.

We particularly love the hands-on aspect, which makes the process engaging and memorable. However, keep in mind that this is a short, one-hour experience — so if you’re after a comprehensive Japanese cooking class, you might need to look elsewhere. This tour fits best for travelers eager to learn a traditional craft, interested in wellness, or seeking a meaningful, eco-conscious activity during their Kyoto stay.

Key Points

• Authentic Setting: Experience making miso in a traditional, beautifully preserved Japanese old house.
• Health and Sustainability Focus: Learn about the nutritional benefits of miso and the eco-friendly use of soy pulp (okara).
• Hands-On Participation: Get involved in the process, mixing your own miso under expert guidance.
• Eco-Friendly and Vegan Options: The recipe uses tofu refuse, making it both healthy and environmentally conscious.
• Tasting and Take-Home: Enjoy tasting your own miso and other local treats, plus bring home about 500g of your handmade miso.
• Limited Group Size: Small group experience (max 6 travelers) ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Why This Miso Making Tour Is a Special Experience

Kyoto’s charm lies in its ability to merge tradition with quiet elegance, and this tour captures that essence perfectly. Hosted by Maiyuur Culture Retreat, the experience offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city streets, right in the heart of an old Japanese residence. This setting alone makes the activity feel more immersive and authentic, allowing you to step back in time while learning a practical skill.

The core of this class is making miso using okara, which is soybean skin or tofu refuse. Traditionally, miso is made from whole soybeans, a process that takes months to ferment. Here, the use of okara not only speeds up the process but also emphasizes sustainability—reducing waste by giving a second life to what would normally be discarded. As Naomi, the passionate host, explains, this method is both healthy and eco-friendly, which adds a meaningful dimension to the activity.

The class begins with a comprehensive explanation of the benefits of miso, including how it can improve gut health, and tips on leading a wellness-oriented lifestyle. This sets the tone for a holistic experience that goes beyond just cooking. You’ll learn about Japanese natural seasoning, and how miso fits into traditional diets, all delivered in a friendly, accessible way.

The Step-by-Step Experience

Arrival and Introduction:
You start by arriving at the meeting point, Kaze no Waon, conveniently located near public transportation. The host, Naomi, greets you warmly, sharing her background as a massage therapist, tea instructor, and cooking teacher — a combination that underpins her holistic approach.

Understanding Miso’s Benefits:
Naomi explains why miso is regarded as a health food in Japan, emphasizing its nutrients and role in maintaining a healthy digestive system. She discusses how miso can be incorporated into various dishes, especially in vegan and gluten-free diets, which are part of her menu.

The Miso-Making Process:
Here’s where the magic happens. Instead of the long, traditional process of soaking and boiling whole soybeans, Naomi’s method uses tofu refuse, or okara — soybean pulp. This ingredient is healthier and faster to prepare but often wasted, making this approach both innovative and environmentally friendly.

Participants get hands-on with the mixing, kneading the okara with koji (a traditional natural seasoning), salt, and water. Naomi’s guidance ensures everyone feels confident, even if you’ve never cooked before. The process takes about 20-30 minutes, and you’ll be able to see how simple it is to produce nutritious, flavorful miso with minimal fuss.

Tasting and Enjoying:
Once your miso is mixed, you’ll sample some miso-based treats: miso soup, miso paste, and okara mochi. These tasting sessions highlight the versatility of miso and its role in creating delicious, healthy dishes. Several reviews mention how much they enjoyed the tasting, with one describing it as “peaceful and a lot of fun.”

Take-Home Miso:
Finally, you’ll package and leave with approximately 500g of your freshly made miso, which will need to ferment for at least three months. Naomi provides storage tips, ensuring your miso will develop its full flavor potential.

The Experience’s Atmosphere and Logistics

The tour’s small group size (max 6 people) makes it feel intimate and relaxed. Naomi’s warmth and expertise shine through, creating an atmosphere that’s both educational and calming. The setting in a traditional old house adds a layer of authenticity and serenity, making the experience more than just a cooking class — it’s a cultural moment.

The duration is just about an hour, which makes it perfect if you’re short on time but still want a meaningful activity. The price of approximately $46 provides good value considering the personalized guidance, tasting, and the tangible souvenir of your own miso.

The only potential consideration is that the class is a short introduction; for those passionate about detailed Japanese cooking, this might serve as a delightful primer rather than a comprehensive course. Also, since the fermentation process takes months, you won’t see the final product during the class but will receive instructions on proper storage.

Authentic Insights from Past Participants

A reviewer named J_O described their experience as “wonderful,” highlighting Naomi’s passionate approach and how she took the time to explain each step clearly. They appreciated the hands-on nature and found the activity “peaceful.” Another guest praised the class as great value for money, noting that they loved learning how to make a healthy, eco-friendly miso from tofu refuse.

Many reviewers also enjoyed the tasting segment, with comments about the delicious miso soup and mochi, which underscored how the tour combines education with delightful flavors. It’s clear that the experience appeals to those interested in wellness, sustainability, and authentic Japanese cuisine.

Practical Details and Tips

• Booking in advance is recommended — on average, 8 days ahead.
• The experience is mobile ticketed for convenience.
• It’s located conveniently near public transit, making it easy to access.
• The activity is ideal for small groups (up to 6 people), ensuring a more personalized experience.
• The cost of $46.15 per person reflects the value of expert guidance, tasting, and a memorable cultural activity.
• Since the process involves making miso that ferments over months, expect to receive instructions for proper storage at home.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This miso-making experience is perfect for travelers who want to connect with Japanese culinary traditions in a mindful, eco-conscious way. It’s great for those interested in wellness, as the host emphasizes the health benefits of miso. Food lovers curious about vegan and gluten-free cooking will find it especially valuable, as the ingredients used are plant-based and free from MSG.

It’s also suitable for anyone wanting a calm, cultural activity that’s both fun and educational. If you’re looking for a quick, hands-on experience that offers a tangible souvenir and insights into sustainable food practices, this is an excellent choice. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking for an authentic, peaceful activity will enjoy the setting and personalized attention.

The Sum Up

This Kyoto miso-making tour offers a genuinely meaningful glimpse into Japanese food culture, with a focus on health and sustainability. The intimate setting, guided by a passionate host, makes it more than just a cooking class — it’s an opportunity to learn, taste, and participate in a tradition that has nourished generations.

The use of okara as a base for miso is not only innovative but also environmentally responsible, giving this experience added value for eco-conscious travelers. The tasting and take-home miso ensure you leave with both a delicious memory and a practical skill to incorporate into your wellness routine back home.

This experience is best suited for curious, health-minded travelers who value authenticity, craftsmanship, and eco-friendly practices. It’s an affordable way to deepen your appreciation of Japanese cuisine while engaging in a peaceful, culturally rich activity. Whether you’re a foodie, a wellness enthusiast, or someone simply seeking a unique Kyoto memory, this miso-making class is a small investment in a flavorful, mindful journey.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for approximately one hour, making it a quick yet meaningful activity during your Kyoto visit.

Is the miso I make suitable for vegans and gluten-free diets?
Yes. The ingredients are vegan-friendly, and the recipes are gluten-free, aligned with the host’s focus on healthy, plant-based foods.

Can I take the miso home immediately?
You will receive about 500g of your homemade miso to take home. Keep in mind it needs to ferment for over 3 months before it’s fully ready to eat.

Is it suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Naomi’s guidance and the simple, quick method using okara make it accessible to all skill levels, even if you’ve never cooked before.

What is okara, and why is it used?
Okara is soybean pulp or tofu refuse, a healthy, nutrient-rich byproduct of soy processing. Using it in miso reduces waste and speeds up fermentation, making it both eco- and health-friendly.

What are the benefits of making miso this way?
You’ll learn about its health benefits, including gut health, and contribute to sustainability by avoiding industrial waste. The class also offers insights into leading a wellness lifestyle through traditional foods.

Embark on this Kyoto miso-making tour for a memorable mix of culture, health, and eco-consciousness. It’s a simple yet enriching activity that leaves you with more than just a souvenir — it offers a new appreciation for Japanese culinary tradition and sustainable living.