Tokyo: Japanese Knife Workshop & Tuna Don or Sushi Making

Slice sashimi with expert knives then taste your own Tokyo creation

You’ll start in a real Tokyo kitchen learning how to handle Japanese knives before slicing fresh tuna for your own donburi or sushi lunch. Watch your instructor’s technique up close, practice sharpening blades yourself, then sit down to enjoy your handmade meal with miso soup and sake tasting. It’s hands-on and surprisingly personal—you might even laugh at your first clumsy slice.

What’s included

Your day includes all tools and aprons for hands-on lessons, expert guidance from a local chef, your own Tuna Don or sushi set plus miso soup for lunch, original sake tasting during your meal, a certificate of participation to take home—and if you feel inspired afterward, there’s a shop discount waiting downstairs before you leave.

Traveler reviews

4.99★★★★★★★★★★

81 verified traveler reviews

Ratings come from travelers who booked this exact experience. We never edit or filter them.

Read all the reviews ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Japanese knife and sashimi workshop

• Register at 10:45
• Greeting and introduction
• Watch Japanese knife video
• Watch knife demonstration
• Practice sashimi knife with dumplings
• Practice cutting tuna
• Make tare sauce and marinate tuna
• Sharpen Japanese knives
• Make Tuna Don
• Taste Tuna Don and sake
• Greeting and introduction for sushi
• Watch tamagoyaki making show
• Watch Japanese knife video again
• Watch knife demonstration by Mr. Kumagai
• Practice sashimi knife with dumplings
• Practice cutting for sushi
• Make sushi
• Photo and tasting time with sake
• Optional knife sharpening experience

The Experience

I walked into the Tokyo workshop not really knowing if I’d be any good with a sashimi knife. The air had that faint metallic smell you get in kitchens, mixed with rice vinegar and something savory—maybe the miso warming up. Our instructor, Kumagai-san, greeted us with this calm energy that made me relax right away. He showed us how to hold the knife—his hands moved so smoothly it almost looked easy. I tried to copy him (not quite as graceful), and he grinned when my first slice of tuna was a little too thick. “Good for donburi,” he said, which made everyone laugh.

We watched this short film about Japanese knives—honestly, I didn’t expect to care much about knife history but there’s something hypnotic about seeing steel hammered and shaped like that. There was this moment where we all got quiet, just watching Kumagai-san sharpen a blade on the stone. The sound is softer than you’d think—a kind of whisper against the whetstone. When it was our turn, I felt weirdly proud getting the edge just right (or close enough). My hands smelled like rice and fish by then, which I didn’t mind at all.

The best part for me was making Tuna Don from my own slices—marinating them in tare sauce we mixed ourselves. The color of the tuna changed a little as it soaked up flavor. Sitting down together at the end, eating what we’d made with miso soup and sipping sake (I’m no expert but it tasted clean and sharp), it felt more like being invited into someone’s home kitchen than any cooking class I’ve done before. Oh—and if you want kakigori after lunch, just ask them on the day.

Top questions

What do you make during the Tokyo Japanese knife workshop?

You’ll prepare either Tuna Don (marinated tuna rice bowl) or sushi using fish you cut yourself.

Is knife sharpening included in both workshops?

Knife sharpening is included in the Tuna Don workshop; in the Sushi workshop, it’s demonstrated but optional for guests after eating.

Can children participate in the class?

Children aged 6-11 can join but aren’t allowed to use knives; adults or instructors will help them cut fish.

Is sake tasting part of the experience?

Yes, original sake tasting is included during the meal at both workshops.

Are there vegetarian options available?

No vegetarian options are mentioned; main dishes use fresh tuna.

How long does the workshop last?

The Tuna Don workshop starts at 10:45 AM and ends around 12:30 PM; Sushi workshop runs from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM.

Is pickup included?

No hotel pickup is provided; public transportation options are nearby.

Can I buy knives or tools after class?

You get 10% off all items at the shop on the same day as your workshop visit.