Tokyo: Sushi Making Class with Two Side Dishes & Miso Soup

Discovering Japan One Sushi Roll at a Time: A Review of the Tokyo Sushi Making Class

If you’ve ever wanted to get a real taste of Japanese cuisine beyond just eating sushi, this hands-on sushi making class in Tokyo offers a fantastic opportunity. For $89 per person, you’ll spend about 2.5 hours in a welcoming setting, learning to craft authentic nigiri, a sushi roll, and two delicious side dishes. The class is conducted in English, making it accessible even for those with limited Japanese language skills.

We love that this experience combines culinary skills, cultural insights, and a touch of artistry. The instructor guides you through the process of preparing sushi rice, making broth for miso soup, and using traditional Japanese kitchen tools—a real treat for foodies and curious travelers alike. One of the standout features is the personalized certificate in Japanese, a nice reminder of your newly acquired skills.

A minor consideration is that while the class is suitable for beginners, those with more advanced cooking experience might find it a bit basic. It’s best suited for travelers who want a fun, educational, and memorable hands-on activity that they can recreate at home. If you’re a foodie eager to learn about Japanese ingredients and culture in a relaxed environment, this class ticks many boxes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic experience: Learn to make traditional nigiri and sushi roll with professional techniques.
• Cultural insights: Discover Japanese ingredients, tools, and traditions through hands-on participation.
• Value for money: The class includes two side dishes, miso soup, green tea, and a Japanese certificate.
• Skill level: Perfect for beginners, providing a gentle introduction to Japanese cuisine.
• Memorable souvenir: Receive a personalized certificate with Japanese characters.
• Location: Easy to find behind Wakatake restaurant, marked by a big green heart motif.

What to Expect from the Sushi Making Class

Location & Meeting Point:
The class takes place behind Wakatake restaurant, distinguished by a large green heart on its door. The coordinates (35.70358657836914, 139.80209350585938) make it straightforward to find, even if you’re new to Tokyo. The setting is intimate, usually with small groups, which enhances the learning experience.

Duration & Accessibility:
At 2.5 hours, the session is long enough to enjoy the process without feeling rushed. It’s designed for beginners, so you won’t need any prior experience—just a willingness to get your hands a little sticky.

The Itinerary & Highlights:
The instructor begins by teaching you how to make perfect sushi rice, which is the foundation of good sushi. Expect to learn about Japanese ingredients like rice vinegar, nori, and fresh fish—knowledge that empowers you to recreate these dishes later at home.

Next, you’ll make eight pieces of nigiri, hand-formed and topped with various ingredients, giving you an appreciation for the craftsmanship involved. Then, you’ll roll your own sushi roll, a fun activity that allows some creative freedom within traditional methods.

The class also introduces two side dishes: spinach sesame sauce and Japanese-style omelet (dashi maki tamago). These additions showcase how Japanese cuisine often balances flavors and textures, from the delicate greens to the savory, fluffy omelet.

Kitchen Tools & Techniques:
One of the most enjoyable parts is handling unique Japanese kitchen tools, which might include things like a hangiri (wooden rice bowl) or a makisu (bamboo sushi rolling mat). You’ll learn techniques like hand-pressing nigiri and rolling sushi properly—skills that can impress friends back home.

Tasting & Cultural Touches:
While the focus is on making, you’ll also enjoy green tea, a staple beverage in Japan, served during or after the class. The experience culminates with the presentation of your own sushi creations and a certificate in Japanese, making it a meaningful souvenir.

The Value of This Experience

When considering value, think of it this way: for $89, you’re not just paying for a meal but for an educational experience that covers cooking skills, cultural insights, and an authentic taste of Japan. The inclusion of side dishes and miso soup means you leave with a complete mini-meal, plus the satisfaction of knowing you can replicate something similar at home.

The class size tends to be small, which allows for personalized instruction. This intimate setting enhances learning and makes it easier for questions to be answered about ingredients or techniques. Plus, the certificate in Japanese adds a charming, personalized touch to your travel mementos.

Authenticity and hands-on participation are what set this tour apart. Unlike trying sushi in a restaurant, here you get your hands dirty—a genuine experience that transforms you from a diner into a sushi chef, even if just for a few hours.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Making Sushi Rice:
We loved the way the instructor broke down the process, emphasizing how important the rice’s texture and seasoning are. They explained how to wash and cook the rice properly, then mix in seasoned vinegar, so the rice is fluffy and slightly sticky—ideal for shaping and eating.

Forming Nigiri:
This part really reveals the artistry behind sushi. You’ll learn to press the rice gently but firmly, and top it with ingredients like fish or seafood. The instructor demonstrated, then guided each participant, which is helpful for nervous hands.

Rolling the Sushi Roll:
Using the bamboo makisu, you’ll roll your own sushi, learning how to keep the ingredients tight and even. This activity is surprisingly satisfying, and you’ll appreciate the skill involved once you master it.

Preparing Side Dishes:
The spinach sesame sauce is a quick, flavorful dip that complements sushi nicely. The Japanese-style omelet, dashi maki tamago, introduces you to the art of creating fluffy, layered omelet slices. These dishes demonstrate how Japanese cuisine balances flavors and textures, adding variety to your sushi platter.

Broth for Miso Soup:
Making the broth from scratch allows you to experience the simplicity and depth of Japanese cooking. You’ll learn the basics of preparing a flavorful dashi base, essential for many Japanese dishes.

Enjoying Your Creations:
At the end, you get to taste your handmade sushi, side dishes, and soup—an enjoyable culmination that rewards your effort. The green tea helps cleanse the palate and introduces you to a common Japanese beverage.

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Who Will Love This Experience?

This class is perfect for beginners, curious travelers wanting a hands-on cultural activity, and anyone interested in Japanese culinary traditions. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy learning new skills and want a memorable, authentic experience in Tokyo. If you’re traveling with a partner, family, or friends who enjoy a relaxed, interactive activity, this is a great choice.

People looking for a break from sightseeing that enriches their understanding of Japanese culture—and leaves them with practical skills—will find this class both enjoyable and valuable. It’s less about a quick tour and more about creating something with your own hands.

FAQs

Is this class suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed for beginners, with step-by-step guidance that makes even novices feel confident in their sushi-making abilities.

How long is the class?
It lasts around 2.5 hours, enough time to learn, practice, and enjoy your culinary creations without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers making sushi, two side dishes, miso soup, green tea, and a Japanese-style certificate. You also get to take home the sushi you make.

Can I recreate these dishes at home?
Absolutely. The class focuses on the basics of Japanese ingredients and techniques, so you’ll have the skills to make sushi and side dishes on your own.

Where do I meet the instructor?
Behind Wakatake restaurant, marked by a large green heart on the door. The coordinates provided make it easy to find.

Is there any age restriction?
Children under 3 years old are not suitable for this class, but older kids and teens will likely enjoy it.

What language is the class conducted in?
It’s conducted in English, ensuring clear communication and easy understanding.

Final Thoughts

This Tokyo sushi making class offers a delightful blend of culinary education, cultural insight, and fun. For those wanting a practical, engaging activity that yields tangible results—fresh sushi, side dishes, and a certificate—this class hits the mark. It provides a personal connection to Japanese cuisine that’s hard to get by simply dining out.

Perfect for beginners, food lovers, or curious travelers, it’s a chance to step beyond the typical sightseeing and dive into Japan’s culinary soul. The small group setting, detailed instruction, and authentic ingredients make it a meaningful experience that can enrich your trip and give you skills to impress friends and family back home.

If you’re seeking an authentic, hands-on introduction to Japanese cooking with a friendly guide and a memorable souvenir, this class is well worth considering. It’s a delightful way to connect with Japanese culture through food—one sushi roll at a time.

You can check availability for your dates here: