Tokyo Tsukiji Market Food Tour & Sushi Cooking Class

Walk Tsukiji’s lively market then make sushi in Tokyo’s top cooking school

You’ll meet your guide at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple before weaving through Tokyo’s bustling Tsukiji Outer Fish Market (sampling snacks and learning local secrets), then head to Japan’s largest cooking school for a hands-on sushi lesson. Enjoy your homemade lunch with new friends and take home recipes (and maybe some imperfect sushi rolls). It’s lively but never overwhelming. Just honest fun.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tsukiji Market and Sushi Cooking Lesson

• Meet guide at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
• Walk and explore Tsukiji Outer Fish Market
• Pass by Ginza district by bus
• Attend sushi cooking class at ABC Cooking Studio
• Enjoy your sushi creation for lunch

The experience

Li, our guide, waved us over at the entrance of Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple. I’d barely finished gawking at the stone lions before she grinned and asked if we’d ever tried tamagoyaki. I hadn’t. She bought one from a stall nearby, handed me a warm slice, and said “Japanese omelet: sweet, right?” It was still steaming and softer than I expected. The smell of grilled fish drifted through the air, mixing with something sharp and salty from another stand. People were everywhere but somehow it didn’t feel rushed. Just busy in that Japanese way where everyone flows around you.

The Tsukiji Outer Fish Market is honestly a sensory maze: tiny alleys packed with vendors calling out prices, old men filleting tuna with knives longer than my arm (I’m not exaggerating), stacks of seaweed and buckets of shellfish I couldn’t name. Li pointed to a little shop selling konnyaku, “devil’s tongue,” she explained, which sounded ominous but tasted kind of chewy and cool? She laughed when I tried to say it in Japanese. I probably butchered it. We sampled pickled ginger and nibbled on dried squid while she told us about how the inner market moved years ago, so now this outer bit is where all the action is for visitors. Honestly, you could just wander here for hours.

After about an hour or so (time blurs when you’re eating everything), we hopped on a short ride past Ginza (those neon signs even in daylight are wild), and ended up at ABC Cooking Studio. It’s huge inside. Bright white counters, big windows, lots of chatter from other groups. Our instructor showed us how to press rice for sushi without squishing it flat (harder than it looks). Rolling maki was trickier: mine looked like it exploded but tasted fine. We made a konnyaku dish too since it was August. They gave us the recipe to take home though I doubt mine will look as pretty.

Sitting down together to eat what we’d made felt oddly satisfying after all that chaos outside. There was a quiet moment when everyone just focused on their first bite (soy sauce, fresh fish, sticky rice), and for some reason that sticks with me more than anything else from the day.

What’s included

Your day includes guidance from an English-speaking local expert at Tsukiji Outer Fish Market with plenty of tastings along the way, transport over to ABC Cooking Studio near Ginza for your hands-on sushi class (apron provided), drinking water at the studio, plus all ingredients for your meal, which you’ll share together before heading out into central Tokyo again.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Tuesday, Thursday and FridayDepartures at 09:30 and 12:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (9 to 12 years) · Under 9: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by ABC Cooking Travel

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (9 to 12 years). Children under 9 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is this tour only in English?

The tour includes an English-speaking guide throughout.

Do we visit the inner wholesale fish market?

No, only the outer market is included due to relocation policies.

How long does the whole tour last?

The experience takes about 3 hours total.

Is lunch included?

Yes, you eat what you cook during the sushi lesson for lunch.

Where does the tour start?

You meet your guide at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple's main entrance.

Are there any age or height restrictions?

The minimum age is 9 years old and minimum height is 130 cm (4.2 ft).

Is transportation between locations provided?

Yes, transport between Tsukiji Market and the cooking studio is included.

I have dietary restrictions, can I join?

The menu may vary by season. Contact organizers ahead for details.

Can I bring luggage or a stroller?

No strollers or luggage are allowed during the tour.