Tokyo: Sushi Making Class & Lunch with Local Instructors

Summary

Sushi rolling laughter and flavors in a cozy tokyo kitchen

You’ll join a small group in Tokyo for a hands-on sushi making class led by local instructors—rolling nigiri, crafting tamagoyaki, and sharing laughs over sticky rice attempts. Enjoy your creations with miso soup and fresh wasabi at the end. It’s not just about learning recipes—it’s about feeling part of something real for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

"Try not to squeeze too hard," our instructor Yuki said, gently guiding my clumsy hands as I tried to shape my first nigiri. I glanced at the others around the table—some focused, some giggling at their own sticky rice disasters. The kitchen smelled like warm vinegar and seaweed, with sunlight slipping through the window onto our aprons. I’d never realized how much goes into getting that rice just right. It’s trickier than it looks on TV.

We started with tamagoyaki—Japanese rolled omelet—which was honestly harder than I expected (my roll looked more like a squashed pillow). Yuki didn’t mind though; she just laughed and showed me again, her movements so quick and practiced. There were nine of us in the group, all strangers at first but by the time we were prepping shrimp and slicing cucumber for hosomaki, people were swapping stories about their favorite sushi back home. Someone tried to say “itadakimasu” before we ate—Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin—probably butchered it.

Making sushi in Tokyo with locals felt different than any recipe video or restaurant meal. The California roll was familiar but somehow tasted brighter here, maybe because we made it ourselves or maybe just because of the miso soup steaming next to us. When we finally sat down together to eat what we’d made—with fresh wasabi that cleared my sinuses—I remember thinking how quiet everyone got for a moment. Just eating, sharing glances, and nodding at how good it all turned out. I still think about that view from the window while eating my last piece of inari.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sushi making class and tasting

• Attend sushi making introduction
• Learn about Japanese ingredients
• Watch sushi making demonstration
• Make tamagoyaki omelet
• Prepare sushi rice and toppings
• Roll and shape sushi
• Enjoy sushi meal with miso soup

Top questions

How long is the sushi making class in Tokyo?

The class lasts 3 hours from start to finish.

Is this sushi class suitable for beginners?

Yes, no experience is needed and instructors guide you step by step.

Are vegetarian options available during the class?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if you request them when booking.

What types of sushi will I learn to make?

You’ll learn nigiri, hosomaki (thin roll), California roll, and inari (tofu pouch) sushi.

Is raw fish cutting included in this class?

No, pre-sliced fish is used; there is no raw fish cutting instruction.

How many people are usually in each group?

The maximum group size is 9 people per class.

Are children allowed to join this Tokyo sushi making experience?

The minimum age is 6 years old for participants.

Is English spoken during the sushi making class?

Yes, local instructors speak English throughout the experience.

Where does the Tokyo sushi making class take place?

The class takes place in Tokyo with easy access via public transportation.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes all recipes and fresh ingredients for every type of sushi you’ll make, apron and towel rental so you can dive right in without worry, plus guidance from friendly local instructors who speak English—and when it’s done, you get to sit down together for lunch with miso soup before heading back out into Tokyo.