Tokyo: Hand-Rolled Sushi Making and Sake Tasting

Experience the essence of Japan’s culinary culture with this hands-on sushi and sake tour in Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district. For $74 per person, you’ll learn to craft delicious hand-rolled sushi with fresh ingredients and taste a selection of ten different sake varieties expertly paired with your creations. This immersive experience is led by an English-speaking guide, ensuring clear instructions and cultural insights. Expect to spend a couple of hours exploring two of Japan’s most iconic foods, all in a central, easy-to-access location.

What we love about this tour is the chance to get your hands dirty making sushi in a relaxed environment—no previous experience needed—and then savoring the harmonious pairing of sushi and sake. It’s a fantastic way to deepen your appreciation for Japanese cuisine while gaining practical skills you can replicate at home. Plus, being located in the lively Asakusa area means you can combine this experience with visits to famous temples or shopping streets.

A small consideration is that the experience is relatively short, so if you’re looking for a full-day culinary immersion, you might want to supplement it with other activities. Also, the price includes most of what you need, but additional sake bottles or extra tastings are not covered, so keep that in mind if you develop an interest in particular varieties.

This tour suits food lovers, first-time visitors curious about Japanese cuisine, or anyone eager to learn how to prepare sushi. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy interactive experiences and want a memorable, authentic taste of Tokyo’s food scene.

Key Points

• Hands-On Learning: You’ll make your own sushi rolls using fresh ingredients like tuna, salmon, mackerel, and even Japanese omelet.
• Sake Pairings: Enjoy tasting ten different kinds of sake, guided by an expert, which highlights how well sake complements sushi.
• Location Convenience: Based in Asakusa, a lively district famous for its temples and street food, making it easy to combine with sightseeing.
• Inclusive Experience: The price covers your sushi set, ingredients, and sake tasting, with alternative drinks for those under 20.
• Informative Guide: An English-speaking host ensures clear instruction and cultural context, making it friendly for international visitors.
• Flexible Booking: Keep your plans open with a “reserve and pay later” option, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Detailed Review

The Setting and Location

Starting in Asakusa, a neighborhood known for its traditional shops, temples, and lively streets, this experience offers more than just sushi making. The meeting point is conveniently located along Kokusai Street, close to major sights like Senso-ji Temple. This makes it easy to fit into a day of exploring Tokyo’s historic side. The workshop takes place indoors, in a space that feels welcoming and relaxed, perfect for beginners or those with limited cooking skills.

The Itinerary and What You’ll Do

Your journey begins with a warm welcome from your guide, who introduces the basics of sushi making. The session then moves into the practical part, where you’ll get your hands on freshly prepared ingredients such as raw tuna, mackerel, salmon, and even Japanese omelet. Guided step-by-step, you’ll learn how to roll your own sushi, focusing on techniques that keep everything neat and flavorful.

What’s particularly nice is the variety of ingredients offered. As one reviewer remarked, “We loved the way the instructor explained how to handle ingredients like tuna and cucumber, making it easy to replicate at home.” The hands-on approach helps you understand the process, from spreading rice properly to rolling tightly.

The Sake Tasting Experience

Once your sushi rolls are ready, the fun shifts to pairing and tasting. You’ll sample ten different kinds of sake, guided by your host, who explains the nuances of each type. The tasting is designed to show how sake can enhance the flavor of sushi, emphasizing the importance of temperature, aroma, and texture. If you’re under 20 or prefer not to drink alcohol, non-alcoholic options and desserts are available.

One guest commented, “The sake tasting was a revelation—I never realized how different each sake can be, and how perfectly they paired with the sushi we made.” This part of the experience transforms sushi from a simple dish to a carefully curated culinary pairing, giving you insight into Japanese drinking culture.

The Overall Experience

The whole workshop lasts about 2-3 hours, making it a manageable yet fulfilling activity. The pace is relaxed, allowing plenty of time for questions and individual attention. Small groups ensure a personal experience, which many travelers appreciate.

The value of $74 becomes clear when you consider that the price includes your sushi set—often enough for a satisfying meal—and a guided tasting of ten sake varieties. Additional sake bottles or tastings are not included, but many guests find the experience more than enough to satisfy their curiosity about Japanese flavors.

Insights from Traveler Reviews

Feedback highlights the friendly guidance and the authentic feel of the experience. One reviewer said, “We appreciated how the instructor shared stories about sake and sushi, making it more than just a cooking class—it was a cultural lesson.” Another noted the freshness of ingredients and the practical tips on rolling sushi, which they plan to try again at home.

Some mention that the experience is suitable for all ages, with alternatives provided for minors, making it a family-friendly activity. The only potential downside for some could be the limited duration, as they wish it were longer to explore more varieties or explore other Japanese dishes.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Dress comfortably; you’ll be handling sticky rice and slippery fish.
• Arrive promptly to maximize your time and enjoy the full experience.
• Consider adding some sake bottles to your souvenir collection, though they’re not included.
• If you’re a vegetarian or have allergies, it’s worth checking in advance about ingredient options—though the standard menu features seafood and egg.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine without the complexity of a full restaurant meal. It’s perfect for those who enjoy hands-on activities and want a memorable skill to take home. It also suits travelers interested in understanding the cultural pairing of sushi and sake, which is central to Japanese hospitality. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find it engaging and educational, especially if you’re curious about Japanese culinary traditions.

Final Thoughts

A sushi-making and sake-tasting workshop in Tokyo’s Asakusa offers a wonderful blend of culture, food, and fun. It’s not just about eating—it’s about understanding how these iconic foods are crafted and enjoyed in Japan. The experience’s friendly guides, accessible location, and inclusive nature make it a worthwhile addition to your trip.

While it’s a relatively short activity, the skills you gain and the flavor insights will stay with you far longer. Plus, you’ll leave with your own freshly made sushi and a new appreciation for sake. Whether you’re a culinary novice or a seasoned gastronome, this experience is a charming way to connect more deeply with Tokyo’s food scene.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, absolutely. The workshop is designed to be beginner-friendly, with clear guidance from an English-speaking host, making it easy for anyone to learn how to make sushi.

How long does the workshop last?
It typically lasts around 2-3 hours, providing enough time to learn, make your sushi, and enjoy the sake tasting without feeling rushed.

Are there options for non-drinkers or minors?
Yes. Participants under 20 or those who prefer not to drink can have non-alcoholic drinks and dessert instead of sake, making it family-friendly.

What ingredients are included?
The workshop features ingredients like raw tuna, salmon, mackerel, shrimp, Japanese omelet, tuna mayonnaise, and cucumber, giving a good variety for sushi rolls.

Can I buy additional sake bottles?
Additional sake bottles are not included in the price, but you can purchase them separately if you wish to take some home or try more varieties.

Is the location easy to find?
Yes. The meeting point is along Kokusai Street in Asakusa, a busy area with good signage and close to major sights, making it easy to reach.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes. Reservations are recommended, but you can also opt to reserve and pay later, with cancellation possible up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund.

This sushi and sake experience in Tokyo blends practical skills with cultural insight, making it a rewarding choice for those eager to taste Japan beyond the tourist spots. It offers a friendly, authentic environment to learn, create, and savor—perfect for making your trip truly memorable.