Naha Makishi Public Market : Sushi Making Experience

Nestled in the heart of Naha, the Makishi Public Market offers a unique sushi-making experience that’s hard to beat. Participants can explore the bustling market, hand-select the freshest ingredients, and learn the art of sushi preparation from a skilled chef. It’s a culinary adventure that immerses visitors in the local culture and leaves them with a newfound appreciation for this iconic Japanese dish. Whether you’re a sushi enthusiast or simply curious, this 2.5-hour experience promises to be a highlight of any trip to Okinawa.

Key Points

• A 2.5-hour sushi making experience held daily at Naha Makishi Public Market, with sessions in English and Chinese for up to 20 participants.
• The experience includes a market tour, sushi making instruction from a chef, and the opportunity to create and eat your own sushi.
• Prices range from $164.48 to $131.58 per person, with up to 20% discount, and reservations must be made at least one week in advance.
• The event is held on the 3rd floor of the Makishi Public Market, with participants expected to arrive 30 minutes before the start time.
• The experience is not suitable for vegans and vegetarians, and guidelines must be followed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable event.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The Naha Makishi Public Market offers a 2.5-hour sushi making experience, available daily in English and Chinese.

The sessions run at 11:00 and 17:00, with a maximum of 20 participants per event. A minimum of 4 participants is required; otherwise, the event will be canceled.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The sushi making class includes a tour of the market to see the fresh fish used, instruction from a sushi chef, and the opportunity to make and eat your own sushi.

Experience Details

As part of the sushi making experience, guests tour the Naha Makishi Public Market to see the fresh fish used in sushi.

An instructor then teaches participants the art of sushi making.

Guests will:

1. Learn sushi making techniques from the instructor.
2. Prepare and eat their own sushi creations with the group.
3. Enjoy beverages like sake and beer available for purchase.
4. Receive 8 pieces of sushi, as well as red soup stock, gari, green tea, and an original tenugui towel.

The sushi varieties may change seasonally.

Pricing and Reservations

How much does the sushi making experience cost? Prices range from $164.48 to $131.58 per person, offering up to a 20% discount.

Reservations are completely advance – a spot must be booked at least one week prior to participation. The good news is you don’t have to pay upfront. Simply reserve your spot and pay later.

With a maximum of 20 participants per event, it’s best to reserve early. And if the minimum of 4 participants isn’t met, the event will be canceled with a full refund.

Free cancellation is also available up to 24 hours in advance.

Meeting Information

To get to the sushi making experience, participants meet at the 3rd floor of the Makishi Public Market.

Arrival is expected 30 minutes before the event starts, and participants should arrive 10 minutes early.

The meeting point provides a convenient and central location for the sushi making event.

The key meeting information includes:

1. Location: 3rd floor of Makishi Public Market
2. Arrival time: 30 minutes before event start
3. Recommended arrival: 10 minutes early
4. Event reception: Held at the meeting point

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Important Guidelines

While the sushi making experience is designed for participants to enjoy, there are a few important guidelines to be aware of.

The event isn’t suitable for vegans and vegetarians, as it involves preparing and consuming raw fish. Smoking, intoxication, littering, making excessive noise, and nudity are prohibited.

The cancellation policy provides a full refund if the event is canceled due to insufficient participants.

Aprons aren’t provided for the sushi making portion, so participants should dress accordingly.

Following these guidelines ensures a smooth and enjoyable sushi making experience for everyone involved.

Market Tour

Before making their own sushi, participants begin the experience by touring the Naha Makishi Public Market. They explore the bustling stalls, seeing the vibrant atmosphere.

The tour highlights:

1. Seeing the freshest catch of the day, straight from local fishermen.
2. Learning about traditional Okinawan ingredients and their cultural significance.
3. Discovering unique local produce and artisanal products.
4. Observing the skilled merchants and their time-honored sushi preparation techniques.

This market tour sets the stage for the hands-on sushi making that follows, providing participants with a deeper appreciation for the ingredients and traditions.

Sushi Making Lesson

After exploring the vibrant market, participants make their way to the sushi making station.

An experienced instructor guides them through the art of sushi preparation. Participants learn how to properly handle the rice, select the freshest fish, and assemble the delicate rolls.

With focused attention, they meticulously craft their own sushi masterpieces. The aroma of the nori, rice, and fresh seafood fills the air as participants work together.

Once completed, they savor the fruits of their labor, enjoying the unique flavors and textures of the homemade sushi.

An immersive cultural experience awaits.

Sushi Tasting

Once the sushi making is complete, participants eagerly await to savor their homemade creations.

The instructor guides them through the proper etiquette and technique for tasting the sushi.

Participants can enjoy:

1. Eight pieces of sushi made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
2. Complementary beverages, including sake and beer, available for purchase.
3. Red soup stock, gari (pickled ginger), and green tea to enhance the sushi experience.
4. An original tenugui towel to take home as a memento of the sushi-making adventure.

With their newfound sushi-making skills, participants can now impress friends and family with their culinary expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Sushi Ingredients?

Participants should not bring their own sushi ingredients to the event. The experience includes all necessary materials and ingredients for making sushi under the guidance of an instructor. Bringing outside items is generally not permitted.

Is There a Vegetarian/Vegan Sushi Option Available?

Unfortunately, the sushi making experience is not suitable for vegans and vegetarians as it focuses on preparing traditional sushi with raw fish. There doesn’t appear to be a vegetarian or vegan sushi option available for this specific event.

How Often Is the Menu Updated?

The menu for the sushi-making experience is updated seasonally, with the specific sushi varieties changing to reflect the freshest locally-sourced ingredients. Participants can expect a varied assortment of sushi types during their hands-on sushi-making class.

Can I Request a Specific Type of Sushi?

Participants can’t request specific sushi types, as the menu may change seasonally. However, the experience includes 8 pieces of sushi, and the varieties served are determined by the instructor based on the freshest ingredients available that day.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Experience?

Unfortunately, the sushi making experience is a fixed 2.5-hour program. Extending the duration is not an option. Participants are encouraged to arrive early and maximize the time to explore the market and learn from the instructor.

The Sum Up

The Naha Makishi Public Market’s sushi-making experience offers a unique cultural and culinary adventure. Participants can explore the lively market, learn from a skilled chef, and savor their handmade sushi. With flexible pricing and convenient location, it’s an opportunity not to be missed for sushi enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: