Kyoto: Sushi Making Class in Historic Townhouse Near Gion

Summary

Hands-on sushi class Kyoto townhouse small group near Gion

You’ll step into a restored Kyoto townhouse near Gion for an intimate sushi making class led by a local instructor in English. Learn to season rice, shape nigiri and maki rolls with fresh ingredients, and enjoy your creations as lunch in a peaceful setting. It’s relaxed, personal, and leaves you with more than just full stomach—you’ll remember how it felt to laugh over imperfect sushi together.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I signed up for this sushi making class in Kyoto mostly because I was curious if my clumsy hands could actually make anything edible. Walking up to the old wooden townhouse near Kiyomizu-dera, the street was quiet except for the sound of someone sweeping — that soft swish against stone. Inside, it smelled faintly of vinegar and cedar, and there were only seven other people, which made me relax a bit. Our instructor, Ms. Sato, greeted us with a bow and a smile so wide it made me forget how nervous I was about rolling rice without it falling apart.

We started by learning how to season the rice — warm, sticky, almost sweet when you taste it on your fingers (which you will). Ms. Sato showed us how to shape nigiri and maki rolls with salmon and tuna so fresh they almost glistened. She told us little stories about each fish and even let us try making gunkan with corn, which I’d never heard of before. At one point I tried to say “tamago” (the Japanese omelet) and totally butchered it; she just laughed and corrected me gently. There’s something comforting about being allowed to mess up in front of someone who’s been doing this their whole life.

Lunch was just what we’d made — nothing more satisfying than eating your own slightly lopsided sushi while sunlight slants through old paper windows. The room felt peaceful but not stiff; people chatted quietly or just watched the steam curl off their tea. I still think about that moment when everyone went quiet for a second after tasting their first piece — like we all realized at once that we’d actually done it ourselves. If you want a real hands-on day trip sushi class in Kyoto with an English-speaking guide (and lunch included), this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kyoto sushi-making class experience

• Arrive at traditional townhouse
• Join small group of 8 participants
• Learn to season sushi rice
• Craft nigiri and maki sushi
• Use fresh fish and local ingredients
• Enjoy sushi creations in serene setting

Top questions

Where is the sushi making class held in Kyoto?

The class takes place in a renovated historic townhouse near Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion.

How many people are in each sushi class?

The workshop is limited to 8 guests for an intimate experience.

Is the instructor fluent in English?

Yes, the Japanese instructor leads the class entirely in English.

What types of sushi will I learn to make?

You’ll make nigiri (salmon, tuna, squid, yellowtail), gunkan (corn), maki rolls (salmon & avocado), and tamago (Japanese omelet).

Is lunch included in the experience?

Yes, you’ll eat the sushi you prepare during the workshop as your meal.

Are aprons or gloves provided during the class?

Yes, both apron and gloves are provided for comfort and hygiene.

Can families or solo travelers join this activity?

This sushi making experience welcomes solo travelers, couples, families, and food enthusiasts.

Is this activity suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to raw fish use.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the venue.

What’s included

Your day includes expert guidance from an English-speaking Japanese instructor inside a traditional Kyoto townhouse near Gion; all ingredients plus apron and gloves are provided; you’ll get hands-on practice making various types of sushi; and finally enjoy your own creations as lunch or dinner depending on your workshop time.