Sushi Making Class in Nara: Learn Nigiri from Rice to Fish

Prepare sushi rice, grate fresh wasabi, slice sushi-grade fish, and shape nigiri under live instruction

A hands-on sushi-making class in Nara where you prepare every component from seasoned rice to finished nigiri under the guidance of a skilled instructor. The 90-minute session covers rice preparation, wasabi grating, fish slicing and sushi assembly, with eight pieces to take with you and a certificate marking the end. Small groups mean instruction tailored to your level, whether you're starting from scratch or refining existing skills.

The experience

You start by learning how to prepare perfectly seasoned sushi rice: the foundation that separates amateur rolls from the real thing. Then you move through each step: grating fresh wasabi and experiencing its sharp aroma, mastering the knife work to slice sushi-grade fish, and finally shaping and assembling nigiri like a trained hand would. The class runs 90 minutes, structured so every participant moves through the same sequence regardless of prior experience.

Small group sizes mean the instructor can adjust guidance to where you actually are, whether you've never held a sushi knife or you've made rolls at home. You'll use authentic tools and techniques, not shortcuts. The class includes eight pieces of premium sushi you've made yourself, various toppings to choose from, a souvenir photograph, and a certificate of completion. Vegetarian, vegan, Muslim-friendly, gluten-free and non-raw options are available. Let the organizer know before you arrive.

The class is held in central Nara and is wheelchair accessible, with public transportation nearby. A live guide conducts the session in English or Japanese. If you're running late, contact the organizer by phone [phone]) as soon as you know: arrivals more than 30 minutes late are treated as cancellations with no refund, and partial refunds aren't issued if you miss part of the experience.

What’s included

• Rental cloth in various styles so you can choose one.
• eight pieces of premium sushi you've made.
• certificate of completion.
• souvenir photograph.
• lecture on sushi-making techniques.
• choice of toppings including green onion, ginger and seasonal varieties.
• vegetarian, vegan, Muslim-friendly, gluten-free and non-raw options upon request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 13:00 and 16:00

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 200

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Wheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Umemori Sushi School

Is this one for you?Book this class if you want to learn the full sushi-making process step by step rather than watch a demonstration. You're handling the rice, the knife and the fish yourself, not observing from the side. The 90-minute format fits a morning or afternoon in Nara without consuming your whole day.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

36 verified traveler reviews

5 ★36

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

How much sushi do I actually make and take home?

You make eight pieces of premium nigiri during the class and take them with you at the end. The toppings vary by season, and you choose your favorites from what's available that day.

What if I've never made sushi before?

The class is built for all levels, from complete beginners to people who've made sushi at home. The instructor tailors guidance to your skill level within the small group.

Is the class in English?

Yes, a live guide conducts the session in English or Japanese, so you can choose the language that works for you.

What does the certificate mean?

It marks the completion of the class and is a souvenir of the experience. You also receive a photograph taken during the session.

Can I do this with dietary restrictions?

Vegetarian, vegan, Muslim-friendly, gluten-free and non-raw options are all available. Tell the organizer about your needs before the class starts.