Tokyo: Tsukiji Fish Market Tour & Sushi Making with Chef

Summary

Wander Tsukiji’s lively market then roll your own sushi with a pro chef

You’ll walk through Tokyo’s bustling Tsukiji Fish Market with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Then head upstairs for a hands-on sushi making class with a professional chef—expect sticky fingers, laughter over imperfect rolls, and lunch featuring your own creations plus tea and dashi soup. It’s lively, genuine, sometimes messy—and leaves you with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if you could actually make sushi that tastes even half as good as what you get in Tokyo? I had my doubts too. We met outside Tsukiji Honganji Temple—easy to spot, but don’t let Google Maps trick you into going around the back (our guide waved a sign and laughed about how often that happens). The air was thick with the scent of grilled eel and something briny, like seaweed and early morning. You hear the vendors calling out prices, old men in aprons slicing fish with practiced hands. It’s busy but not frantic—just the right kind of chaos for a food lover.

Our guide, Yuki, seemed to know everyone. She pointed out a stall selling tamago (sweet egg omelet) and told us it’s the best breakfast in the market—I tried to say “tamago” properly and she grinned at my accent. We ducked into alleys filled with tiny shops selling knives, pickles, dried bonito flakes. I kept getting distracted by shiny things (so many knives!) but Yuki always gathered us back up. She explained bits about Japanese food culture—how freshness is everything here—and why tuna is such a big deal at Tsukiji. I liked that she didn’t rush us or make it feel like a school trip.

The sushi making part was upstairs in this old building right in the market—no elevator, just creaky stairs and that faint wooden smell you only get in Japan. Our chef didn’t speak much English but his hands did all the talking; he showed me how to shape nigiri and I totally messed up my first one (rice everywhere). He just smiled and fixed it for me without making me feel dumb. We made tuna nigiri, salmon nigiri, tamago, and these skinny little rolls called hosomaki—I still think about how sticky the rice felt on my fingers. Lunch was what we made ourselves plus one perfect piece from the chef—mine looked wonky next to his but tasted so fresh I didn’t care.

I left feeling full but also kind of proud—like I’d actually learned something real about Tokyo food culture instead of just watching from the sidelines. If you’re curious about where your sushi comes from or want to try rolling your own (and don’t mind getting rice stuck under your nails), this day trip to Tsukiji Fish Market is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tsukiji Market tour and sushi making

• Explore Tsukiji Fish Market
• Learn about Japanese foods and utensils
• Enter Japanese style sushi classroom
• Learn to make nigiri and rolled sushi
• Enjoy sushi made by yourself and chef
• Drink traditional dashi soup and green tea

Top questions

How long does the Tsukiji Fish Market tour & sushi class take?

The activity usually lasts around half a day including both the guided market tour and sushi making workshop.

Is hotel pickup included for this Tokyo sushi tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet at Tsukiji Honganji Temple main gate at the set time.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available during the sushi class?

No, unfortunately vegetarian, halal, gluten-free or allergy-specific requests cannot be accommodated.

What types of sushi do we make in the class?

You’ll learn to make four types of nigiri (including tuna, salmon, tamago) plus one rolled type (hosomaki).

Is this tour family-friendly? Can kids join?

Yes! Infants and toddlers are free if they share their parent’s kit; kids can participate using shared utensils.

Where does the tour end?

The endpoint is either Tsukiji or Shinjuku depending on date; sometimes Asakusa or Yotsuya if venue changes.

Do I need special shoes or equipment?

No special gear needed but comfortable walking shoes are recommended as there’s quite a bit of walking.

Will we visit Toyosu fish market on this tour?

No—the tour explores Tsukiji outer market and mini wholesale area since inner market moved to Toyosu in 2018.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walking tour through Tokyo’s lively Tsukiji Fish Market with stories from your local guide; all fresh ingredients for making four kinds of nigiri sushi plus one rolled type; step-by-step instruction from a professional sushi chef; use of proper utensils sourced right from the market; lunch featuring your own handmade sushi alongside expertly prepared pieces from the chef; traditional dashi soup; finest Japanese green tea; and transportation fee between locations if required by venue change on your date.