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

If you’re visiting Tokyo and craving an authentic culinary experience, a sushi making class is a fantastic way to dive into Japanese culture beyond the usual sightseeing. This hands-on class, priced at $89 per person for about 2.5 hours, offers a well-rounded introduction to sushi craftsmanship, Japanese ingredients, and traditional kitchen tools.

What makes this experience stand out? First, you’ll learn to make traditional nigiri and a sushi roll, which are the foundation of Japanese sushi artistry. Second, the class emphasizes making two side dishes and miso soup from scratch, giving you practical skills to recreate at home. Lastly, the inclusion of a Japanese-style certificate and green tea turn this into a memorable cultural souvenir.

A possible consideration? The class is designed for beginners, so if you’re already experienced in sushi making, it might feel more introductory. Also, the meeting point is slightly tucked away, so some travelers find it easier to navigate beforehand.

This experience is best suited for food lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and curious travelers wanting an interactive, educational, and delicious activity during their stay in Tokyo. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this class offers a blend of skill-building and cultural insight that’s quite rewarding.

Key Points

• Authentic Japanese cooking: Learn to make traditional nigiri and sushi rolls.
• Cultural insights: Discover ingredients, tools, and techniques rooted in Japanese tradition.
• Practical skills: Create two side dishes and miso soup that you can replicate at home.
• All skill levels: Perfect for beginners and those interested in Japanese cuisine.
• Enjoyment & certification: Sip green tea and receive a Japanese-style certificate.
• Convenient location: Near a distinctive green heart motif on the back of Wakatake restaurant.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Sushi Making Experience in Tokyo

The Itinerary and Structure

This class, hosted by SAMURAI COOKING LLC., is designed to be both educational and fun. The instructor, speaking fluent English, guides you through the entire process, ensuring you understand each step, from selecting ingredients to shaping sushi. The meeting point is behind the Wakatake restaurant, marked by a noticeable green heart motif on the door, coordinates 35.70358657836914, 139.80209350585938—an easy landmark to find with a bit of map prep.

Making Sushi Rice and Nigiri

The class begins with an introduction to Japanese sushi rice, which is essential as the base of all sushi. You’ll learn how to wash, cook, and season rice properly, gaining the skills needed to produce that perfect sticky texture. Once your rice is ready, you’ll get hands-on experience forming eight pieces of nigiri, each hand-formed and topped with a different type of fish or seafood (depending on availability). One reviewer notes, “The nigiri was hand-shaped with care, and it was satisfying to see my own work come together.”

Rolling Sushi and Side Dishes

Next, you’ll roll a sushi maki, practicing the technique of spreading rice and rolling with bamboo mats. Alongside sushi, you’ll make two side dishes: spinach with sesame sauce and a Japanese-style omelet (dashi maki tamago). Both are traditional accompaniments that deepen your appreciation for Japanese cuisine. One participant mentioned, “The spinach sesame sauce was a revelation; I never knew how simple ingredients could taste so authentic.”

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The Broth and Miso Soup

The class includes preparing broth for miso soup, an integral part of Japanese meals. You’ll learn how to make dashi (a broth from dried fish and seaweed) and combine it with miso paste, giving you the skills to prepare comforting soup at home. The instructor emphasizes the importance of quality ingredients and traditional techniques, which elevates the flavor compared to store-bought versions.

Using Unique Japanese Kitchen Tools

A highlight for many is the chance to use traditional Japanese kitchen tools. These tools, often unfamiliar to Western cooks, play a crucial role in achieving authentic results. The instructor demonstrates their proper use, which adds a layer of appreciation for Japanese craftsmanship in kitchenware.

Enjoying Green Tea and Certification

Throughout the class, you’ll sip on green tea—a staple in Japanese meals—and, at the conclusion, receive a Japanese certificate. The certificate is a thoughtful touch, offering a tangible reminder of your newfound skills and cultural understanding.

The Value of This Experience

At $89, this class offers excellent value, especially considering the hands-on nature, quality of ingredients, and cultural insights. Compared to dining out, which might be more expensive and less interactive, this experience delivers practical skills that you can carry home. Plus, the opportunity to learn about Japanese ingredients and cooking techniques from a knowledgeable instructor enriches your trip beyond mere observation.

Several reviews point out how fun and engaging the process is, especially using unique Japanese kitchen tools. One reviewer said, “It was fun to work with these tools and see how much they influence the final product.” The class is suitable for beginners, making it accessible and encouraging for those who may have never cooked sushi before.

The Itinerary in Detail

The start of the class with rice preparation is crucial—it’s the foundation of all sushi, and many mention how understanding rice cooking is a game-changer. The instructor walks you through washing, boiling, and seasoning the rice, and many appreciate the detailed explanations provided. The process demystifies what might seem like a simple dish but is actually a precise craft.

The hand-formed nigiri allows you to feel the texture and pressure needed to shape perfect bites—something very satisfying, especially with positive feedback from participants like, “I was surprised at how easy it was once you get the hang of it.” The sushi roll teaches rolling techniques, and the side dishes introduce you to Japanese flavor profiles that are both healthy and flavorful.

The Cultural and Culinary Insights

This class is more than just food prep—it’s an appetizer to Japanese culture. The instructor explains the significance of ingredients like dashi, the art of shaping sushi, and the etiquette surrounding Japanese dining. You also learn about the importance of presentation and the artistry involved in sushi making.

Meeting Location and Practicalities

The meeting point’s subtle yet distinctive green heart motif makes it easy to locate, especially if you arrive a few minutes early. The class’s duration of 2.5 hours is just enough to keep it engaging without feeling rushed. The small group setting makes for a more personal experience, and the instructor’s English fluency ensures clear instructions.

Considerations for Travelers

While the class is well-suited for beginners, those with specific dietary restrictions may want to clarify ingredients beforehand. The class isn’t suitable for children under 3 years old, which makes sense given the focus on knife skills and food handling.

In terms of location, some travelers may find the area slightly tucked away from main tourist spots, but the experience itself more than compensates for that. Advanced booking is recommended, especially if you want the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This class is ideal for foodies eager to learn authentic Japanese cooking techniques, culture seekers wanting a hands-on experience, and travelers aiming to bring home practical skills. If you enjoy interactive activities that go beyond sightseeing, you’ll find this session both fun and educational. It also makes a great gift for someone interested in Japanese cuisine.

For those who prefer a quick, superficial activity, or are seeking a luxurious dining experience, this may not be the best fit. However, if you want a meaningful, skill-based activity that immerses you in Japan’s culinary tradition, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

Is this class suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed for beginners, making it accessible even if you’ve never cooked sushi before.

What will I learn during the class?
You will learn how to make sushi rice, shape nigiri, roll sushi, and prepare two side dishes—spinach sesame sauce and Japanese omelet—plus miso soup.

Are ingredients and tools provided?
Yes, all ingredients and traditional Japanese kitchen tools are provided as part of the class.

Can I recreate these dishes at home?
Absolutely. The class teaches basic techniques and recipes that you can practice back home to impress friends or family.

What is the meeting point?
Behind the Wakatake restaurant, marked by a big green heart motif on the door, at coordinates 35.70358657836914, 139.80209350585938.

How long is the class?
The class lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Is the experience family-friendly?
It’s suitable for adults and children over 3 years old, but keep in mind, young children may not fully appreciate the hands-on aspect.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there an option to pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

Final Thoughts

This sushi-making class is more than just a cooking lesson; it’s a cultural mini-journey into Japan’s culinary heart. The opportunity to create authentic dishes, learn about ingredients, and handle traditional tools makes it both practical and memorable. The inclusion of side dishes and miso soup, along with a certificate, enriches the experience beyond just sushi.

It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy interactive, skill-based activities and want tangible takeaways from their trip. If you’re after a genuine, fun, and educational culinary adventure in Tokyo, this class offers excellent value for the price. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to master a few Japanese cooking secrets—you might just find yourself making sushi at home with newfound confidence.

You can check availability for your dates here: