Image 1 of 10 in carousel.
Image 2 of 10 in carousel.
Image 3 of 10 in carousel.
Image 4 of 10 in carousel.
Image 5 of 10 in carousel.
Image 6 of 10 in carousel.
Image 7 of 10 in carousel.
Image 8 of 10 in carousel.
Image 9 of 10 in carousel.
Image 10 of 10 in carousel.

Culinary Retreat

A journey through Japan’s food culture.

Details
DATE
DECEMBER 10-14, 2025
DURATION
5 DAYS, 4 NIGHTS
LOCATION
KYOTO
RETREAT INCLUDES:
  • 4 nights accommodation at Maana Homes
  • Daily breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Knife workshop: learn the artistry of Japanese cutlery
  • Cooking & conversation with a renowned chef
  • Local farm visit: sustainable practices from seasoned farmers
  • Pottery class: craft your own piece with cultural insight
  • Koji & miso making: discover generational fermentation traditions
  • Welcome gift package
Through our 5-day retreat, participants dive deep into Japan’s rich culture of food.
Each day, we’ll venture beyond the usual paths, into lesser-known areas of the country, learning from specialists who have devoted their lives to practices such as caring for knives, making tableware with clay and stone, traditional cooking, and preserving and fermenting methods.
Active hands-on learning, paired with cultural context, unlocks the Japanese art of living well and prompts us to explore how we can incorporate these wisdoms into our own lives.
PRICE
EARLY BIRD
$5,500 USD + tax (Apply by 9/30/2025)
Standard Rate
$6,000 USD + tax (Apply by 10/31/2025)
Group Rate
PLEASE CONTACT US
Wall with stone base and roof tilesBamboo lattice with a wooden frameWorkshop with table
Join the journey
Have questions or want to know more? Reach out and reserve your spot, as spaces are limited.
Get in touchView full itinerary

One day at the Culinary retreat: Farm-to-Table

10:00 AM

Visit Ohara farm and gather this season’s produce

Harvest vegetables while learning about traditional natural agricultural practices, what is in season this time of year in Kyoto, and how seasonality is reflected in Japanese cooking.
11:30 AM

Farm to table lunch in Ohara

Enjoy a simple farmer’s lunch in the middle of the countryside.
2:00 PM

Learn knife skills with a generational blacksmith

A masterclass dedicated to Japanese hamono (blades). Discover the full spectrum of Japanese knives—their shapes, sizes, purposes, regional variations, and the history that connects them to Japan’s sword-making tradition. Using the produce harvested that morning, participants will also learn how to sharpen their knives and practice precise cutting techniques.
5:30 PM

Kyoto flavors: Dashi introduction and private dinner

Learn essential techniques such as dashi making and the seasonal principles of classic Kyoto-style cuisine with chef Atsushi Nakahigashi. The session concludes with a unique interactive dinner to enjoy together.
9:00 PM

Evenings at Maana Homes

As the sun sets, return to your home away from home in Kyoto—a private, peaceful retreat. Run a warm bath to melt away the day's adventures, brew a soothing cup of tea, and settle into a cozy corner. Pause, reflect, and journal on the day's events and learnings, savoring the moments of discovery and prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.
Hand peeling daikon with a chef's knifeJapanese kitchen knives with polished blades
Seasonal tasting plate with wine glasses on tableHarvesting leafy greens at a farm
Host setting a seasonal meal at a communal dining table
Hands kneading soybeans during miso makingAssorted small bites and tea served on a stone plate
Cedar fermentation barrels bound with bambooTraditional Japanese farmhouse with garden
Open-air bath area with wooden stool and stone basins beside a garden

Details

Price
5,500 USD + tax. Early bird rate until end of September, 2025.
6,000 USD + tax. Standard rate until end of October, 2025.
Deposit & Cancellation Policy
A non-refundable deposit of 800 USD is required to secure your spot.
Cancellations made within 30 days of the retreat are non-refundable.
Food Allergies
Please include any food allergies or intolerances in the application form.
Contact Us
retreats@maana.jp
In collaboration with

Kyoto Research Institute

Kyoto Research Institute was founded under the direction of Momoko Nakamura. Momoko’s interest stems from 20 years of communicating and educating on cookery culture and the food system, informed by anthropological field research across the Japanese archipelago. The Institute’s research now extends beyond food, expanding into both textile and home, with the growing understanding that each pillar of Japanese living originates from a single terroir.
Learn more
Wood rings