Osaka: Sushi Making Class in Dotonbori with Sake & Vegan Options

Summary

Hands-on sushi making in Osaka’s Dotonbori with sake tasting and chef guidance

You’ll roll up your sleeves in Osaka’s Dotonbori for a sushi making class led by local chefs—making 12 pieces (nigiri and gunkan), with sake or beer included. Vegan, vegetarian, and halal menus are available so everyone gets involved. Expect laughter over sticky rice and small moments you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the faint tang of vinegar in the air — not sharp, just enough to make my mouth water a bit. We were right in Dotonbori, but tucked away from the neon chaos outside. Our guide, Hiroko-san, handed me a chef’s jacket that felt stiffer than I expected (and yes, I looked ridiculous but nobody seemed to care). She grinned and said, “Today you’re sushi master.” I laughed because my rice always sticks everywhere except where it should.

I didn’t realize how meditative it’d feel to press rice into shape — warm and sticky against my palms — while Hiroko-san circled the table correcting our clumsy nigiri. She switched easily between English and Mandarin for everyone there (Li laughed when I tried to say ‘gunkan’ properly; I definitely butchered it). The fish was glossy and fresh-smelling, but they had vegan options too — even seaweed with pickled plum for one guy who was halal. There was this moment when we all paused just to look at our little creations lined up like a parade. Kind of silly but also proud?

Sipping cold sake after my sixth piece (I lost count), someone asked if we could really do this at home. Hiroko-san shrugged and said, “Just remember your hands.” That stuck with me more than any recipe. Outside you could hear the city again — music from a shop down the street, laughter from somewhere above us. It felt good to be part of something so ordinary but special at once. Honestly, I still think about that first bite of rice and wasabi together — way better than what I’d expected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sushi making class in Osaka

• Arrive at Dotonbori location
• Wear sushi-chef costume
• Learn to make 12 sushi pieces
• Make nigiri and gunkan sushi
• Enjoy Japanese sake and beer
• Follow guidance in English, Chinese, Korean

Top questions

How long does the Osaka sushi making class last?

The class is about 90 minutes long.

Is the sushi making class suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan menu options available.

Where is the sushi making experience located?

It takes place in Dotonbori, Osaka.

Do they provide English-speaking guides?

Yes, guidance is available in English as well as Chinese and Korean.

Is alcohol included in the experience?

Japanese sake and beer are included during the class.

How many pieces of sushi will I make?

You’ll make 12 pieces of sushi: nigiri style and gunkan style.

Are children or infants allowed at the class?

Infants and small children can attend; prams or strollers are welcome.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and the venue itself are wheelchair accessible.

Are service animals allowed during the activity?

Yes, service animals are permitted.

What’s included

Your experience includes all fees and taxes, a hands-on 90-minute sushi making class with guidance in multiple languages, use of a chef costume during the session, 12 pieces of homemade sushi (with vegan, vegetarian or halal options), plus Japanese sake or beer to enjoy alongside your creations before you head back out into Osaka’s bustle.