Kyoto: Sushi Making Class Kawaramachi with English Staff

Summary

Hands-on sushi making near Kyoto’s bustling streets, real local teachers and laughter

You’ll roll up your sleeves in central Kyoto and learn sushi making from local teachers who keep things lighthearted. Try shaping nigiri and temari sushi yourself, taste what you’ve made alongside new friends, and leave with a small gift plus some kitchen confidence. It’s not about perfection — it’s about sharing laughs and flavors you’ll remember.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if you could actually make sushi that looks half as good as what you see in Japan? I did — or at least I thought I’d try. We found ourselves just a few minutes’ walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, ducking into this little place where the smell of vinegared rice kind of hits you before you even get your apron on. Our teacher, Yuki-san, greeted us with this big smile and handed me a towel (I had soy sauce on my hands before we even started). She spoke English but kept slipping into Japanese when she got excited about the history bits — honestly, it made it feel more real somehow.

The class itself was way more hands-on than I expected. We learned about nigiri sushi first — nine pieces each, which sounds like a lot until you realize how tiny your first attempts look next to Yuki-san’s perfect ones. She showed us how to shape the rice with just enough pressure (it’s harder than it looks), and there was this moment where everyone sort of laughed because my salmon nigiri looked like a sad little snowball. The room was full of chatter and clumsy attempts at rolling — plus that sharp tang of pickled ginger in the air. For vegetarians, they swapped out fish for these bright slices of cucumber and pickled radish; it actually looked beautiful on the bamboo mat.

I didn’t expect to enjoy eating what I made so much — maybe because we’d worked for it? Sitting down together at the end felt almost like being invited into someone’s home. There were gifts at the end (I won’t spoil it) and people comparing their “masterpieces.” Li laughed when I tried to say “gunkan-maki” in Japanese — probably butchered it, but nobody seemed to mind. If you’re looking for a sushi making class in Kyoto that feels relaxed but still teaches you something real, this is worth your afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sushi making experience in Kyoto

• Walk to Kyoto Kawaramachi station
• Attend sushi history lecture
• Make Nigiri, Temari, or Sushi Rolls
• Enjoy eating your sushi

Top questions

How long does the Kyoto sushi making class last?

The session lasts 90 minutes from start to finish.

Is there a vegetarian option for the sushi class?

Yes, the Sushi Roll Course offers a vegetarian option with vegetables instead of fish.

Where is the location of the sushi making experience?

It’s just a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line.

Are English-speaking staff available during the class?

Yes, staff speak English and guide you through each step.

What types of sushi do participants make?

You can choose from Nigiri Sushi, Temari Sushi, or Sushi Rolls (with gunkan-maki included).

Are children or infants allowed in the class?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during the session.

Does the experience include eating the sushi made in class?

Yes, after making sushi you get to eat everything you’ve prepared.

Are seafood allergies accommodated?

Shrimp and crab allergies can be accommodated; octopus or squid can be substituted if needed.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes all fresh ingredients for your chosen course (nigiri, temari or rolls), hands-on instruction from friendly English-speaking staff right near Kawaramachi Station, time to eat everything you make together at the end, plus a special gift to take home as a keepsake from your Kyoto sushi adventure.