Tokyo Tsukiji: Sushi Making Class with Chef & Market Ingredients

Summary

Sushi skills with a Tokyo chef fresh from Tsukiji market

You’ll step into Tsukiji market’s heart for a hands-on sushi making class with a professional chef guiding every move. Watch fresh fish prepared up close, learn real techniques using proper utensils, then sit down to enjoy your creations — plus a few chef-made surprises. It’s intimate, lively, and you’ll leave with sticky fingers and some real bragging rights.

What’s the experience like?

“Try not to squish the rice — gentle hands!” That’s what our sushi master said, grinning as I fumbled with my first nigiri at the Tsukiji Fish Market. The place buzzed outside, but inside the classroom (up three creaky wooden flights, so maybe skip heels), it was all quiet focus and the faint scent of vinegar. Our guide, Emi, handed out aprons and joked that my rolling technique looked like I was making a burrito. Fair enough.

I didn’t expect to watch a whole fish get expertly taken apart right in front of us. The chef moved so fast with his knife — he explained each step in English, but honestly, I was mostly just staring at his hands. There was this moment when he sliced through salmon and you could almost hear how soft it was. We used real utensils from local shops, not those plastic ones you get at home. It made everything feel more serious somehow.

Making sushi in Tokyo is nothing like trying it back home. The tuna was bright and cold; the tamago sweet and light. My fingers stuck to the rice at first (Emi laughed — apparently everyone does that), but eventually I got it looking almost right. Lunch was just us around a low table, eating what we’d made while the chef whipped up a few extras — his shrimp nigiri disappeared in about two seconds. Green tea tasted grassy and hot, which felt good after handling all that cold fish. I still think about that first bite of my own roll… kind of proud, honestly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sushi making and tasting in Tsukiji

• Watch fish disassembly show
• Learn about Japanese knives
• Understand sushi types and preparation
• Make nigiri and rolled sushi
• Use proper sushi utensils and tableware
• Enjoy your sushi creations
• Taste professionally prepared sushi

Top questions

Is this sushi making class in English?

Yes, both the host and sushi master speak English during the class.

Where is the sushi class held in Tokyo?

The class takes place inside Tsukiji Fish Market in central Tokyo.

Do I need experience to join this sushi making class?

No experience is needed; beginners are welcome and guided step by step.

What types of sushi will I make?

You’ll make four kinds of nigiri (like tuna, salmon, tamago) and one rolled sushi (hosomaki).

Are ingredients included in the price?

Yes, all fresh ingredients from Tsukiji market are included.

Is lunch included after making sushi?

Yes, you eat what you make plus some extra pieces prepared by the chef.

Can children join this activity?

Yes; infants must sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller for access.

Are allergies or dietary requests accommodated?

The hosts try to accommodate allergies if notified ahead but cannot guarantee halal or kosher options.

What’s included

Your day includes all fresh ingredients sourced directly from Tsukiji market, use of proper utensils and authentic tableware from local shops, guidance from an English-speaking host plus a professional sushi master, and a meal featuring your own handmade nigiri and rolls along with extra chef-prepared pieces—plus traditional dashi soup and Japanese green tea before you head out again into Tokyo’s bustle.