AKEMI’s SUSHiKiTCHEN: A fun sushi cooking lesson in Tokyo

If you’re heading to Tokyo and craving an authentic, interactive experience that goes beyond just eating sushi, Akemi’s SUSHiKiTCHEN offers a wonderful way to learn the art of sushi-making firsthand. Located conveniently near Shinjuku and Shibuya, this 2-3 hour class costs around $94 per person and is perfect for those keen to understand Japanese food culture while rolling their own sushi. Guided by the friendly and knowledgeable Chef Akemi, you’ll learn to prepare four popular types of sushi — Nigiri, Maki, Gunkan, and Inari — and enjoy your culinary creations in an inviting, home-style environment.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the relaxed, at-home setting makes you feel like you’re cooking with friends rather than in a commercial kitchen. Second, the carefully selected ingredients, including premium seafood and perfectly seasoned rice, elevate the quality of your sushi and give you insights into Japanese culinary standards. On the downside, if you’re someone who wants total control over your menu, you might find the set menu limiting, as you won’t be choosing your specific sushi types beforehand. Still, this class is ideal for foodies, culture enthusiasts, and families with children over 10 who want a taste of Japan’s culinary heritage.

In our view, this experience suits travelers looking for a personalized, hands-on activity that combines learning, eating, and cultural insight — all in a friendly environment. If you love food classes that offer more than just tasting, this is a memorable way to deepen your appreciation for Japanese cuisine.

Key Points

• Authentic, home-style environment creates a relaxed, intimate atmosphere perfect for learning.
• Learn to prepare four types of sushi, offering a comprehensive understanding of Japanese techniques.
• Carefully selected ingredients ensure high-quality sushi with a genuine taste.
• Includes a lunch or dinner featuring your own sushi, plus sake and dessert for a complete meal.
• Accessible from major hubs like Shinjuku and Shibuya, making it easy to fit into your Tokyo itinerary.
• Vegetarian options are available, catering to different dietary preferences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Choose Akemi’s Sushi Class in Tokyo?

Tokyo’s food scene is legendary, but sometimes, the best way to truly connect with a culture’s cuisine is by making it yourself. This class delivers that experience in an accessible and friendly way. The welcoming nature of Chef Akemi and her husband Dan creates a warm, family-like environment, which many reviewers appreciated. Teresa mentioned how she “learned so much about sushi” while enjoying a delicious meal, calling it “one of the highlights” of her trip. Davide praised the “great food and professional lesson,” feeling like he was “cooking in a Japanese family’s home.”

The class’s structure—starting from preparing seasoned rice to rolling and pressing various sushi types—gives you a solid foundation. Damay highlighted how she “highly recommends” the experience, especially noting the special tofu sushi as a surprising highlight. Many appreciate the small group size, which allows for personalized attention and an engaging experience.

The opportunity to enjoy sushi you’ve made yourself at the end of the lesson is a rewarding payoff, coupled with the chance to sample sake and dessert. Plus, knowing the origins of Edo sushi and understanding Japanese food culture adds depth to your culinary journey.

What to Expect on the Day

The experience typically lasts around 2-3 hours, with options for a morning class with lunch or an afternoon class with dinner. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a friendly greeting and a brief introduction to the class. You might be picked up from a nearby station (like Sakura or the major hubs), making transportation hassle-free.

Chef Akemi, who speaks both English and Japanese, guides you through each step, showcasing her expertise while encouraging you to participate actively. The process begins with preparing the vinegar rice — a crucial step in authentic sushi — then moves on to making gunkan (battleship sushi), makizushi (rolled sushi), nigiri, and inari (fried tofu pockets). Throughout, you’ll learn about the history and cultural significance of each type.

The ingredients are carefully curated, including fresh seafood, vinegar rice, and vegetarian options like tofu, ensuring a variety of tastes. The set menu means you’ll be making pre-selected types of sushi rather than choosing your favorites, which keeps the class streamlined but might limit customization.

Once your sushi is assembled, you sit down to enjoy your self-made meal, often accompanied by Japanese sake and dessert. The reviews note that the atmosphere remains warm and welcoming, with Chef Akemi paying close attention to each guest.

The Authenticity and Cultural Value

What sets this class apart from other cooking experiences? It’s the focus on authentic techniques and the personalized attention from a trained chef. The experience isn’t just about cooking; it’s about understanding the cultural roots of sushi — from its origins in Edo-era Japan to its modern forms.

Reviewers repeatedly praised the professionalism and warmth of the hosts. Damay felt she was “cooking like in a Japanese family,” which says a lot about the informal, friendly atmosphere. Davide appreciated the detailed instructions, which left him feeling confident to recreate sushi at home after the class.

The inclusion of a sake tasting and a dessert rounds out the experience, making it a full culture. Plus, the fact that the class is accessible from Shinjuku and Shibuya means you can easily combine it with sightseeing, shopping, or exploring Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods.

Value for Money

At $94 per person, the price reflects not only the hands-on instruction but also the quality ingredients, the meal you prepare yourself, and the cultural insights. Compared to dining out for sushi in Tokyo, this experience offers more value — you’re learning, actively participating, and enjoying a meal that’s tailored to your effort.

Many reviews mention the generous extras like sake, drinks for kids, ice cream, and matcha tea, which enhance the value. The small group size means you get individual attention, making the lesson more effective and enjoyable.

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Who Is It Best For?

This class is perfect for food lovers eager to learn authentic Japanese techniques, families with children over 10, and cultural enthusiasts wanting a deeper understanding of Tokyo’s cuisine. If you enjoy interactive experiences that result in a tangible, tasty reward, this is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a customizable menu or are on a very tight schedule, you might want to consider other options.

The Sum Up

Akemi’s SUSHiKiTCHEN offers a warm, authentic, and educational culinary experience that makes sushi-making accessible and fun. The personal attention from Chef Akemi and her husband Dan, combined with great ingredients and a relaxed setting, deliver a memorable immersion into Japanese food culture. It’s especially suited for those who want to learn a skill, enjoy delicious food, and connect with local traditions in a genuine way.

Whether you’re a culinary novice or a seasoned foodie, this class provides practical skills and cultural insights that will let you recreate sushi at home and impress friends back home. It’s a chance to enjoy Tokyo’s hospitality and culinary craftsmanship in a genuinely welcoming environment.

FAQ

• How long does the class last? Typically around 2-3 hours, depending on the option you choose.
• Where is the class located? It’s conveniently near Shinjuku and Shibuya, two major Tokyo stations.
• Can I participate if I’m vegetarian? Yes, vegetarian options like tofu sushi are available; just specify your preference when booking.
• Are children allowed? The experience isn’t suitable for children under 10.
• Is there a set menu? Yes, you will make four pre-selected types of sushi; customization isn’t available.
• Do I need to pay in advance? You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility.
• What should I wear? Casual, comfortable clothes are fine, and an apron is usually provided.
• Will I learn about sushi history? Yes, Chef Akemi explains the origins of Edo sushi and Japanese food culture.
• Is the experience suitable for solo travelers? Absolutely, it’s a small group experience ideal for individual adventurers.
• What if I have allergies? Allergies cannot be accommodated, so inform the host beforehand if you have concerns.

This class is a delightful way to turn a simple meal into a meaningful, cultural adventure — all while having fun in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here: