In a quiet historic Kyoto neighborhood, discover the flavors at the heart of Japanese cooking and how simple ingredients and time-honored techniques create its delicate, satisfying taste. 【Learn About Umami】 Begin with an introduction to umami, Japan's fifth taste, and learn why dashi is the foundation of countless Japanese dishes. 【Bonito Shaving & Dashi Tasting】 Shave dried bonito yourself, a rare experience outside Japan. Then taste and compare four kinds of dashi to discover how their flavors and aromas differ. 【Make Your Own Japanese Meal】 Prepare your own miso soup and onigiri using techniques you can recreate at home, and enjoy them with three seasonal side dishes made with dashi. 【A Philosopher's Table】 JURAKU sits in Nishijin, where philosopher and art historian Taichiro Kobayashi (1901–1963), known as "the Burckhardt of the East," was born and raised. His days began at a table much like this one, nourished by the umami-rich flavors of everyday Kyoto cooking. Enjoy your meal in that same spirit, away from Kyoto's busiest streets. 【Personalized Journey】 Enhance your visit with an optional cultural experience.* *Options vary by season. Please check our website for updates.