Osaka Namba: Sushi Making Class with Sake & Same-Day Booking

Summary

Sushi rolling laughs in namba with local guides and sake

You’ll laugh your way through shaping nigiri and rolling maki alongside local instructors in Namba, taste fresh sushi you’ve made yourself, sip Japanese sake, and maybe even hear a family story or two. This hands-on sushi making class is close to Dotonbori and includes all ingredients plus your meal — just bring your curiosity (and maybe don’t wear white).

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the clatter of knives and a soft, vinegary tang in the air — we’d barely stepped inside the little kitchen space just off Namba Station when our instructor, Yuki, greeted us with this huge grin. She handed me an apron (mine had a cartoon fish on it, which made me feel about eight years old again) and started chatting about how sushi wasn’t always fancy restaurant food. There was this big wooden tub of rice steaming gently in the corner, and I caught myself just standing there, kind of nervous to mess it up.

We learned to shape nigiri first — Yuki showed us this gentle wrist flick that looked easy until I tried it. My first one came out lopsided but she just laughed and said “perfectly homemade.” The other folks in our group were a mix: a couple from Melbourne who kept joking about their “sushi careers,” and two kids who took the temari course (their tiny hands made perfect round balls). At one point, Yuki poured us each a little cup of sake — sharp and warm at the same time — and told us about her dad fishing in Osaka Bay when she was young. It felt like more than just a cooking class; I didn’t expect to feel so at home.

I picked the sushi roll course because they offer vegetarian options if you ask ahead (just mention it when booking). Rolling seaweed is trickier than you’d think — my cucumber roll split down the side but tasted fine anyway. When we finally sat down to eat what we’d made, there was this hush for a second as everyone took their first bite. Sweet egg omelet, cool rice, salty nori… I can still remember that mix of flavors. And then someone spilled soy sauce and we all cracked up again. The whole thing lasted about 90 minutes but honestly? It went by fast.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hands-on sushi making experience

• Arrive near Namba Station
• Attend sushi history introduction
• Make Nigiri, Temari, or Sushi rolls
• Enjoy eating your sushi creations
• Try Japanese sake with meal

Top questions

Is this sushi making class beginner-friendly?

Yes, it’s designed for beginners with step-by-step guidance from English-speaking instructors.

Where is the class located?

The class is just steps from Namba Station near Dotonbori in Osaka.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes, vegetarian sushi rolls are available if you mention it during booking under “Special Requirements.”

How long does the class last?

The experience lasts around 90 minutes total.

Is sake included in the sushi making class?

Yes, you get to try Japanese sake with your meal during the class.

Can children join this activity?

Yes, kids are welcome and have their own portion sizes; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What types of sushi will I make?

You can choose between nigiri sushi, temari sushi, or sushi rolls (with gunkan-maki included).

Do I need to bring anything special?

No special equipment needed; aprons and all ingredients are provided on site.

What’s included

Your experience covers all fresh sushi ingredients for your chosen course (including vegetarian options if requested), use of aprons and tools during class, guidance from friendly English-speaking staff in central Namba near Dotonbori, plus your full meal of handmade sushi with Japanese sake tasting before you head out again — same-day bookings welcome too.