Todoroki: Sushi making experience

If you’ve ever dreamed of crafting your own sushi with an authentic Japanese chef in a cozy home setting, the Todoroki Sushi Making Experience by Tokyo Sushi Class offers just that. This isn’t your typical cooking class — it combines culinary skills with a fascinating insight into fishery science, making it ideal for curious travelers who want more than just a hands-on activity.

We love that this experience features a fisheries graduate as an instructor, ensuring that your sushi isn’t just beautiful, but rooted in real expert knowledge. The relaxing atmosphere at the instructor’s home, plus the chance to learn about sushi etiquette and fish origins, makes it stand out. The affordable price of $67 (about 11,000 yen) offers genuine value for a truly unique, educational, and delicious experience.

One thing to keep in mind is that the class takes place in a residential setting, so it might not suit those seeking a high-energy, commercial sushi workshop. However, for those who prefer intimacy, authenticity, and expert insights, this tour hits the spot. It’s particularly perfect for travelers wanting a more personal, immersive look into Japan’s sushi culture, especially if you’re interested in both cooking and fishery science.

Key Points

• Authentic experience led by a fisheries graduate and ex-sushi restaurant head chef.
• Educational focus on sushi origins, etiquette, and fishery insights.
• Relaxing home environment with a friendly, English-speaking instructor.
• Affordable price offering great value for both learning and tasting.
• Flexible options including basic sushi-making and advanced roll sushi lessons.
• Support for sightseeing and local recommendations post-class.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Todoroki Sushi Class

A Unique Instructor with a Rich Background

The instructor at TOKYO SUSHI CLASS is not just a sushi chef but also a fisheries scientist who graduated from Kindai University’s Fisheries Department. This is significant because it means your sushi lessons are rooted in a thorough understanding of fish lifecycle and sustainability practices — a bonus for those interested in the bigger picture of Japanese cuisine. The instructor’s experience as a head chef in Australia adds a global culinary perspective, blending traditional Japanese techniques with a bit of international flair.

The Setting: A Cozy Home in Todoroki

Meeting at Todoroki Station, just 10 minutes before the start, travelers are guided to the instructor’s home. The setting itself is a highlight: a relaxed, homely atmosphere where you can genuinely feel comfortable learning. While the house is kept clean and tidy, note that there is a cat that naps in the bedroom during the day — perfect for cat lovers, but worth mentioning if allergies are a concern.

The location offers more than just sushi. After the class, the instructor is happy to help with sightseeing tips or suggest hidden local spots, adding a personal touch that enhances your visit. For larger groups, an additional fee applies if you need to use a rental kitchen, so it’s worth planning ahead if you’re traveling in a big crew.

The Class Options: Tailored to Your Interests

There are two main options:

• The Sushi Making Experience (11,000 yen / ~$67), which includes a lesson on sushi origins and etiquette, along with making your own sushi. This option also offers support with sightseeing after the class, making it more than just about cooking.

• The Authentic Sushi Making Lesson (25,000 yen), focusing specifically on popular roll sushi that you could easily incorporate into a restaurant menu. It’s ideal for those wanting a more professional skill set.

Both options last around 2-3 hours, including tasting time, making it manageable even for those with busy schedules.

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What’s Included?

Your fee covers all the necessary ingredients for sushi-making, along with miso soup, tea, and rental aprons. These small touches add convenience and keep the focus on learning and enjoying your time. The class is conducted in English, so no language barrier should be an issue.

Meeting and Ending Point

The experience begins with a meet-up at Todoroki Station, where the instructor is waiting to guide you to their home. The class generally concludes back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

The Experience in Action

The Learning Curve

From the reviews, it’s clear that the instructor’s background in fishery science and his experience as a chef combine to deliver a comprehensive lesson. Guests appreciated the academic fish talk — learning about the origins of fish used in sushi, sustainability practices, and proper etiquette.

One reviewer noted: “It was fascinating to learn how bluefin tuna is farmed and the importance of fish conservation in Japanese cuisine.” This added depth to what could otherwise be a simple cooking class.

Practical Skills and Hands-On Time

Participants get hands-on experience in preparing sushi rice, cutting fish, and rolling. The instructor’s method emphasizes precision and care, ensuring you understand each step. Many found this approach instructive without feeling overly technical or intimidating.

The class also teaches the etiquette of sushi, which many travelers might not be familiar with. This attention to cultural detail elevates the experience from just cooking to a true cultural lesson.

Tasting and Post-Class Support

After making your sushi, you’ll enjoy tasting your creations along with miso soup and tea. Several reviews mentioned the satisfaction of eating sushi that you made yourself, especially knowing the effort and knowledge that went into it.

Post-class, the instructor often offers local sightseeing tips. For instance, some guests were guided toward lesser-known spots around Todoroki, transforming a simple class into a memorable cultural outing.

The Value and Price Point

At $67 (11,000 yen), this experience offers exceptional value. It combines education, authentic culinary skills, and a relaxed atmosphere. Compared to more commercial sushi classes in Tokyo, which can be pricier and less personal, this experience emphasizes quality and intimacy.

Considerations

While the location and setting are charming, it is a residential home, so it may not suit travelers seeking a high-energy, bustling class. The presence of a cat might also be a consideration for those with allergies. For larger groups, an additional fee for the rental kitchen applies, so planning ahead is recommended for bigger parties.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This class is ideal for foodies and culture enthusiasts who want an authentic, hands-on sushi lesson combined with some educational insights into fishery science. It suits travelers looking for a more personalized, intimate experience rather than a large, commercial workshop.

If you’re interested in learning about sushi etiquette, fish origins, and want to bring home skills that could enhance your restaurant menu or dinner parties, this class hits the mark. It’s also perfect if you’re traveling solo or in a small group and appreciate a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

The Sum Up

The Todoroki Sushi Making Experience offers a rare blend of culinary skills, cultural knowledge, and personal warmth. Led by an instructor with a solid background in fisheries and professional sushi experience, it delivers more than just a cooking lesson — it provides a window into Japan’s rich sushi traditions and sustainable practices. The homely setting and flexible options make it accessible and enjoyable for a diverse range of travelers.

While it’s best suited for those who value in-depth learning and a relaxed environment, even casual sushi lovers will appreciate the chance to craft and taste their own sushi in Tokyo. It’s a meaningful way to deepen your understanding of Japanese cuisine and create lasting memories.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed to be accessible for all skill levels, and the instructor’s guidance ensures anyone can enjoy making sushi, regardless of experience.

How long does the class last?
The class generally takes about 2-3 hours, including tasting.

What should I bring or prepare?
No need to bring anything; all ingredients and tools are provided. Just arrive 10 minutes early and inform the instructor of any allergies or dietary restrictions.

Can I join if I have allergies?
Yes, but it’s important to inform the instructor in advance so they can accommodate your dietary needs.

Is there an option for group bookings?
Yes, but for larger groups, an extra fee for using a rental kitchen applies, so check availability beforehand.

What’s included in the price?
All necessary ingredients, miso soup, tea, and rental aprons.

What language is used during the class?
The class is conducted in English, making it easy for international travelers.

Where do we meet?
At Todoroki Station, just 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there any cultural etiquette I should know?
The instructor will teach you sushi etiquette as part of the lesson, ensuring you understand proper practices.

This experience offers a genuine, educational, and enjoyable introduction to sushi in a warm, relaxed setting. Perfect for those who want to learn, taste, and take away more than just a full stomach.

You can check availability for your dates here: