Tokyo: Toyosu Market Tour and Sushi Making Class

Tokyo: Toyosu Market Tour and Sushi Making Class
Location: Honshu, Japan
Country: Japan
Price: $216 per person
Supplier: Kanosan’s KITCHEN

A Quick Overview

If you’re visiting Tokyo and looking for an experience that blends local culture, fresh seafood, and hands-on culinary fun, this tour might be just the ticket. For $216 per person, you’ll spend the morning exploring Toyosu Fish Market with a knowledgeable guide and then head to a private kitchen in Shinjuku for an interactive sushi-making class.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it offers a rare chance to see the inner workings of one of the world’s largest fish markets, including a visit to restaurant supply shops where Japanese knives and dry foods are highlighted. Second, the sushi class is designed to be both educational and delicious, giving you the skills to craft your own sushi from fresh seafood.

One potential consideration is the timing—the activity starts early, at 8:30 am, so you’ll need to be prepared for an active morning. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 10 or travelers with mobility challenges, due to the nature of the sites and transportation involved.

This experience suits foodies, curious travelers, and anyone eager to get beyond typical sightseeing for an authentic taste of Japan’s seafood and culinary culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Market Experience: Guided tour of Toyosu Fish Market, including visits to supply shops.
• Fresh Seafood Procurement: Special permission allows you to see seafood procurement firsthand.
• Culinary Skill Building: Learn how to make sushi with a professional instructor in a private kitchen.
• Local Culture: Gain insight into Japanese fish markets and knife craft.
• Flexible and All-Inclusive: All ingredients are provided, so you just need to bring your appetite and curiosity.
• Ideal for Food Lovers: Perfect for those interested in Japanese cuisine and seafood.

Exploring Toyosu Fish Market

The morning begins near Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai Escalator hall, conveniently close to a Lawson convenience store, making arrivals straightforward. Your guide, who has special permission to access the inner market, will meet you here at 8:30 am.

This early start is crucial because Toyosu is not just a marketplace; it’s a hub of activity that’s best experienced before the crowds arrive. You’ll step onto one of the largest fish intermediate dealer floors in the world, a bustling scene filled with enormous blocks of ice, fresh catches, and a symphony of sounds—from the shouts of fishmongers to the clatter of ice.

What we loved here was the personal touch of having a guide who could explain the nuances of the market—its history, how seafood is sourced, and the different types of fish and shellfish. The fact that your guide has special permission to accompany you behind the scenes adds an element of exclusivity and insight you simply can’t get alone.

A highlight is visiting restaurant supply shops, where Japanese knives are on display alongside dry foods—think dried seafood, seaweed, and other essentials that make Japanese cuisine so distinctive. As one reviewer noted, “Seeing the knives and dry foods made me appreciate the craftsmanship and ingredients that go into sushi.”

While the market itself is fascinating, the real value comes from understanding how this place functions as the backbone of Tokyo’s seafood culture. You’ll learn about the different types of seafood that are most popular and why some fish are prized more than others.

Transitioning to Sushi Making

After about 20-30 minutes at the market, you’ll hop on a short ride on the Yurikamemo line followed by a transfer to the Yurakucho line, heading to Shinjuku. The journey, roughly 20 minutes, is a smooth transition from Tokyo’s bustling fish market to a more intimate culinary setting.

The private kitchen in Shinjuku offers a relaxed atmosphere for learning. After a brief rest, your professional instructor will guide you through the process of preparing sushi. The group size is small enough to allow for personal attention, but not so tiny that you won’t feel part of a lively, shared experience.

The sushi-making process begins with the instructor demonstrating the techniques—how to handle rice, cut fish, and assemble various types of sushi. You will participate in some of these steps, making your own nigiri, rolls, and other sushi varieties.

A reviewer mentioned, “The instructor was patient and explained everything clearly. I felt like a sushi chef by the end of the class.” The focus is on fresh ingredients—you’ll be working with seafood directly procured from the market earlier that morning, which elevates the whole experience.

Once your sushi is assembled, it’s time to enjoy your creations, along with a chance to chat with your guide and fellow participants. Many guests find this part especially satisfying, as the food is delicious and the atmosphere friendly.

Practical Details and Logistics

The entire tour runs from about 8:30 am to 2-3 pm, giving you a full morning of sights, smells, and skills. The tour includes all necessary ingredients for sushi, so there’s no need to worry about extra costs.

Transportation between the market and the kitchen is arranged, and the route is straightforward. The meeting point is easily accessible from Shijo-mae station on the Yurikamemo line and the Toyosu Shijomae bus stop.

Participants are advised not to wear sandals or flip-flops for safety reasons, and the experience is not suitable for children under 10 or wheelchair users.

Booking is flexible—you can reserve now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours beforehand.

More Great Tours Nearby

What Others Say

Many reviewers appreciate the authenticity of the experience. One said, “Seeing the market in the morning, then making sushi myself—this was a highlight of my trip.” Others mention the deliciousness of the food and how the class made them feel more confident in preparing sushi at home.

Some guests also appreciate the insider knowledge provided by guides, noting that it added depth to their understanding of Japanese seafood culture.

A few mention that the early start can be a bit tiring but worth it for the intimacy and freshness of the experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for food lovers, especially those eager to learn about Japanese seafood and sushi. It’s also perfect for travelers who enjoy hands-on activities and want a more personalized, insider view of Tokyo’s fish markets.

If you’re interested in culinary skills, or simply want to taste the very freshest seafood while gaining new knowledge, this tour offers excellent value.

However, it might not suit those with limited mobility or those traveling with young children, given the early start and physical nature of the market visits.

The Sum Up

This combined market tour and sushi-making class offers a fascinating, authentic slice of Tokyo’s culinary scene. You’ll get to witness the buzz of Toyosu, with its vast arrays of seafood and lively traders, then channel that freshness into your own sushi in a cozy private kitchen.

The experience provides genuine insight into the Japanese fish market culture and a rewarding skill in sushi preparation—something you can (hopefully) impress friends and family with back home.

While the price might seem high, it reflects the quality of access, instruction, and ingredients involved. It’s a great value for foodies and curious travelers who want to go beyond sightseeing and dive into Tokyo’s culinary heart.

If you’re ready for a morning of flavor, learning, and fun, this tour could be a highlight of your trip—an experience that’s both educational and delicious.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Transportation between the market and the private kitchen is arranged as part of the experience, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes and avoid sandals or flip-flops for safety. You’ll be walking through the market and working in a kitchen, so practical footwear is best.

Can children under 10 participate?
No, this tour is not suitable for children under 10 years old due to the nature of the activities and sites involved.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, giving you flexibility to plan your schedule.

Are all ingredients provided?
Yes, all necessary ingredients for making sushi are included in the tour fee.

Is this experience suitable for non-English speakers?
Yes, the tour is offered in English and Japanese, making it accessible for most travelers.

This tour perfectly combines culinary discovery and cultural insight, making it an excellent choice for those wanting a true taste of Tokyo’s seafood scene. Whether you’re a sushi novice or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll come away with new skills—and hopefully, a few delicious creations to share.

You can check availability for your dates here: