Tokyo: Private Sushi Making Class with Michelin Chef

Summary

Tokyo sushi workshop with chef’s knife skills and seasonal fish

You’ll get hands-on with classic nigiri, maki rolls, and gunkan during this private Tokyo sushi making class led by a Michelin-trained chef. Learn why seasonality matters as you slice, shape, and taste your own creations—plus enjoy stories and laughs with local guides along the way.

What’s the experience like?

He pressed a piece of tuna into my palm, just for a second, like it was some kind of secret handshake. The rice was still warm — not hot, not cold — and I could smell the vinegar before I even looked down. Our sushi master (he told us to call him Sato-san) had this way of moving that made everything look easy. I tried copying his nigiri technique and, well, mine came out lopsided. Sato-san just grinned and said something about “character.” I think he meant my clumsy rice ball had personality, but maybe he was being polite.

The whole thing started with a quiz about sushi history — which I totally failed. There was this quick moment where our guide explained how the seasons change the fish you use in Tokyo, and suddenly the whole idea of “fresh” felt different. The room smelled faintly like seaweed and sharp ginger; it wasn’t loud but you could hear knives tapping on wood boards every so often. When we got to maki rolls, my hands were sticky with rice and I kept glancing at Sato-san’s fingers — so fast, but never rushed.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much during a private sushi making class in Tokyo. One of the staff helped me say “gunkan” properly (I think I still messed it up), and we all took photos holding our very imperfect creations. Eating what you just made is weirdly satisfying — maybe because you know exactly how much you struggled with each piece. I still think about that first bite; soft fish, cool rice, a little wasabi sting behind my nose.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Authentic sushi making workshop

• Introduction to sushi history
• Participate in sushi quiz
• Watch sushi master demonstration
• Make nigiri, maki, and gunkan sushi
• Enjoy and photograph your sushi

Top questions

How long does the private sushi making class last?

The workshop runs for 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Is lunch included in the Tokyo sushi making class?

Yes, you eat your own handmade sushi during the experience.

Are dietary restrictions like vegetarian or gluten-free accommodated?

Yes, allergy-friendly and dietary needs can be accommodated if notified in advance.

Where does the sushi making class take place in Tokyo?

The exact location isn’t listed here but it’s accessible by public transportation.

What types of sushi will I learn to make?

You’ll make nigiri (fish over rice), maki rolls (seaweed-wrapped), and gunkan (battleship style).

Is there an English-speaking guide during the workshop?

Yes, fully bilingual staff are present throughout the experience.

Can children join the private sushi making class?

This information isn’t specified in the provided details.

What happens if I arrive late to my booking?

If there’s no contact within 5 minutes after start time, it’s considered a no-show with no refund.

What’s included

Your day includes all carefully selected ingredients prepared by a Michelin-trained sushi master, hands-on guidance from bilingual staff throughout your private workshop, plus time to enjoy your own handmade sushi as lunch or dinner before heading back out into Tokyo’s busy streets.