Shizuoka Sushi Class at Shimizu Port: Hands-on nigiri with a chef

Roll nigiri, taste it fresh, learn why Shimizu's fish matters

A 2-hour private sushi-making class at Shimizu Port for cruise guests, taught in English by a professional chef using locally caught Shizuoka seafood. You visit the Sushi Museum (recreating Shimizu's streets from a century ago), make maki and nigiri rolls with hands-on instruction, then eat what you prepared plus pieces the chef finishes. All materials and tools are provided. Optional sake tasting is available for guests 20 and older. The guide meets you directly at the port.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sushi museum visit and sushi making

• Visit Sushi Museum at S-Pulse Dream Plaza
• Join maki sushi making session
• Enjoy tasting nigiri sushi
• Optional sake tasting for adults

The Experience

How do you spend two hours between ship and shore when you want to learn something, not just see it? This class starts at the Sushi Museum inside S-Pulse Dream Plaza, where the space recreates Shimizu's streets from 100 years ago: a visual setup that works for photos while an English audio guide fills in the history. Then you move to the working part: a professional sushi chef walks you through maki rolling first, then the nigiri technique using seasonal fish that came from the water near the port that morning.

You make the rolls yourself. The chef demonstrates, corrects your hand position, and explains why the rice temperature and the knife angle matter. When you finish, you eat what you rolled (the nigiri you pressed, the maki you shaped), and the chef plates additional pieces so you taste the range of what's possible. If you want it, Shizuoka sake is available to order separately for guests 20 and older, paired to the fish you just learned to work with. All ingredients, knives, and rolling mats come with the booking. No sushi experience is required.

The whole thing stays private: no other groups, no shared tables, no waiting for a turn. Your English-speaking guide handles the logistics and meets you at Shimizu Port when your ship docks, so there's no transport puzzle if you're arriving by cruise.

What’s included

• Museum entry and guided visit with English audio.
• hands-on maki and nigiri instruction with a professional sushi chef.
• fresh Shizuoka seafood and all rolling tools.
• the sushi you make plus chef-prepared pieces to taste.
• English-speaking guide at Shimizu Port.
• photo support during the class.

Days and timesMon · Tue · Wed · Fri · 10:30

Ages18 to 64 years · Seniors (65+) · 13 to 17 years · 4 to 12 years · Under 4 — Free

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it startsMeeting point, per the operator: “Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. Look for a guide holding a sign with the Viator logo and your name.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Authentic Cultural Experiences in Shimizu

Is this one for you?Book this if your cruise docks at Shimizu Port and you want hands-on sushi-making rather than a museum-only visit: the 2-hour window fits a typical port call, and the private format means you set the pace without waiting for other groups.

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Top questions

Can children come?

13 to 17 years; 4 to 12 years; under 4, free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What exactly do I make during the sushi class?

You make maki rolls and nigiri sushi under the chef's instruction. The maki comes first as a foundation, then you move to nigiri: pressing rice and topping it with fresh Shizuoka seafood. You eat everything you roll, plus additional pieces the chef prepares to show technique and variety.

Is this class suitable if I've never made sushi before?

Yes. No prior experience is required. The professional chef teaches the basics (hand position, rice temperature, knife angle), and guides you through each step. All tools and ingredients are provided.

How does the timing work if I'm arriving by cruise ship?

The class runs 2 hours from Shimizu Port, where your English-speaking guide meets you directly when you disembark. You have time to complete the museum visit, the hands-on class, and taste your sushi before you need to return to the ship.

Can I do the sake tasting?

Yes, but only if you're 20 or older. Shizuoka sake is available as a paid add-on at checkout, paired with the sushi you've made. It's optional. You can skip it and focus on the food.

What is the Sushi Museum like?

The museum recreates Shimizu's streets and atmosphere from 100 years ago, when the port was a center of the sushi trade. English audio guides are available, and it's designed as a photo spot before you move into the hands-on class.

What's included in the price?

The class includes the museum visit, all sushi-making instruction, fresh ingredients and tools, the nigiri and maki you prepare, additional sushi the chef makes, and an English-speaking guide. Sake tasting is separate and optional.