7 Best Tokyo Sushi-Making Classes [2024 Update] (2024)

Tokyo has more sushi restaurants than any other city worldwide, making it the perfect place to learn how to make Japan’s most iconic dish. I’ve found the best sushi-making classes in Tokyo to save you time and effort.

For each course, I’ve highlighted the features and cooking techniques you’ll learn and the types of sushi you’ll make from the best experiences. I’ve also included a Tokyo sushi class comparison guide to make it easier for you to decide.

Why should you trust me? I’ve lived in Japan for nine years and have made and eaten a lot of sushi. A sushi chef in Japan trains for 10 years, so it’s impossible to learn every aspect of the craft in three hours.

After reading this, you’ll be more confident in picking a suitable sushi class.

And if you’re looking for related culinary experiences in Tokyo, check out my:

• Tokyo Cooking Classes – learn how to make different kinds of Japanese cuisine
• Tsukiji Market Tours – visit Tokyo’s old and full-of-character seafood market
• Toyosu Market and Tuna Auction Tours – experience the world’s biggest seafood market
• Tokyo Food Tours – discover delicious food and drink with local guides

Here are the seven best Tokyo sushi-making classes.

If you’re in a hurry, jump down to my at-a-glance comparison guide.

Price per person based on two people attending a class: $ = up to $89; $$ = between $90 & $144; $$$ = over $145.

1. Tokyo Sushi Making Class with a Professional Sushi Chef

Discover how to make sushi with a sushi master with 40 years of experience in his restaurant. Enjoy a small-group class with a fun, genuine, warm-hearted husband and wife team.

Don’t miss this authentic sushi class experience in the ambience of a Tokyo sushi restaurant.

• Learn key techniques of sushi-making from grating real wasabi, how to cut fish, and crafting different styles of sushi—including nigiri (hand-pressed), maki (rolled) and gunkan (battleship)
• Cook tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette) in the chef’s kitchen
• Get verbal and written instructions from the sushi chef and his wife
• Savour the sushi meal you’ve created with miso soup, a desert and green tea
• Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary restrictions catered for
• Includes: A comprehensive sushi cooking class, eating the sushi you created, 1 dessert, 1 drink and a certificate
• Price: $$
• Location: Nakameguro
• Duration and start time: 2 hours, 11am

I did this fantastic sushi class, and I highly recommend it. The sushi chef Nobu is an excellent teacher, and he and his wife Kaya are so kind and charming.

The sushi you make consists of a classic set menu and includes nigiri (hand-pressed), maki (rolled) and gunkan (battleship) sushi, and tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette).

This class is at the sushi chef’s restaurant, which makes a massive difference to the overall experience and ambience. It included sashimi-style fish cutting and an introduction to handling different Japanese knives.

The pace and delivery of the course were perfect; we were not rushed and had plenty of time for photos and to enjoy our sushi. As a bonus, the restaurant is in Nakameguro, a hip and relaxed local Tokyo neighbourhood.

Chris P King – Food Tours Japan

2. Tokyo Sushi Cooking Class with a View

Discover how to make sushi in a relaxed restaurant environment with impressive outdoor views of Tokyo. Enjoy receiving instructions and guidance from a knowledgeable and friendly team.

Grab yourself a drink and have fun in this laid-back Tokyo sushi cooking class.

• Learn how to shape nigiri (hand-pressed) and gunkan (battleship) sushi
• Savour the sushi you’ve made and plenty more
• Family-friendly Tokyo sushi class suitable for small children
• Appreciate panoramic Tokyo scenery — including Asakusa, the Sumida River and Tokyo Skytree — from the rooftop balcony
• Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available to purchase on the day
• Includes: Nigiri sushi-making experience and eating the lunch or dinner you’ve made
• Price: $
• Location: Asakusa
• Duration and start time: 2 hours; 10am, 2pm and 4pm

3. Tokyo Rolled Sushi Class with Tsukiji Market Visit

Enjoy a top-rated and value-for-money rolled sushi cooking class with a guided trip to Tsukiji Market. Learn how to make authentic washoku (Japanese cuisine) in a Tokyo cooking studio.

Engage in Japanese seafood culture with this excellent two-for-one experience.

• Discover how to make futomaki (fat-rolled) and temari (ball) sushi
• Cook tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette) and miso soup
• Explore the hustle and bustle of Tsukiji Market and learn about its seafood and produce
• Savour the sushi, omelette and miso soup meal you’ve created
• Includes: Rolled sushi-making class and side dishes, lunch (your creation), digital recipe and certificate, and a guided walking tour of Tsukiji Market
• Price: $$
• Location: Tsukiji (start) and Chiyoda (finish)
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, 9.30am and 12.30pm

Check out my complete list of the best Tsukiji Market tours.

Compare Tokyo Sushi Making Classes: Comparison Guide

Here’s a quick comparison guide to help you decide on the right Tokyo sushi-making class for you. Compare what type of sushi you’ll make, unique class features, the location and price.

Price per person based on two people attending a class: $ = up to $89; $$ = between $90 & $144; $$$ = over $145.

All Tokyo sushi cooking experiences and tours include English-speaking instructors and guides.

4. Sushi Making Course in Tokyo

Learn how to make sushi on a complete course with step-by-step instructions. You’ll make many types of sushi, so you’ll be well-equipped to create your own at home.

Join a well-established and highly-rated Tokyo sushi-making course handily located in Shinjuku.

• Discover how to create nigiri (hand-pressed), maki (rolled), gunkan (battleship), uramaki (inside out — California style) and inari (fox) sushi
• Learn techniques for making sushi rice, tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette) and tofu
• Enjoy an informal afternoon with friendly and experienced instructors
• Eat the sushi you’ve created accompanied by miso soup at the end
• Optional vegan, vegetarian, halal or other dietary requirements
• Includes: Making and eating 8-9 different kinds of sushi, miso soup, Japanese green tea and recipes
• Price: $
• Location: Shinjuku
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, 1.30pm

5. Sushi-Making Experience with Tsukiji Market Visit

Discover how to make sushi with a professional sushi chef and a guided visit to Tsukiji Market on this highly-acclaimed experience. Immerse yourself in a fun and educational half-day of Tokyo’s sushi culture.

Combine a sushi cooking workshop with Tsukiji — Tokyo’s spiritual seafood home — on this great-value adventure.

• Experience making sushi with a professional sushi chef in his authentic Tokyo restaurant
• Learn how to create nigiri (hand-pressed) and maki (rolled) sushi
• Explore Tsukiji Market with expert commentary from your guide
• Uncover seafood you’ve never seen before and sample snacks along the way (market food not included)
• Eat your sushi lunch with additional side dishes
• Vegan, vegetarian, allergies, gluten-free and other dietary requirements are catered for
• Includes: Sushi-making workshop, sushi lunch and extras, Japanese green tea, a guided walk around Tsukiji Market and transport fee
• Price: $$
• Location: Tsukiji (starts) and Shinjuku (ends)
• Duration and start time: 4 hours, 8.30am

Find out about more Tsukiji experiences and Tokyo fish market tours.

6. Deco Sushi Making Workshop in Tokyo

Discover how to make decorative art-style deco sushi with mochi (rice cake) making and try on a kimono in this great-value experience. Enjoy a unique workshop with an experienced and well-known design sushi instructor.

Combine three fantastic experiences — art sushi-making, mochi pounding and kimono-wearing — for the price of one.

• Learn the delicate and unique art of making deco sushi rolls
• Choose from deco (art-style) or classic nigiri (hand-pressed) sushi class
• Pound mochi into a cake traditional style with a wooden mallet and mortar
• Savour the food you’ve created with Japanese tea
• Optional try on a kimono and photoshoot with your sushi
• Vegan and vegetarian ingredients on request
• Includes: Deco sushi and mochi-making workshop, eating your creation with other dishes, tea and optional kimono-wearing
• Price: $$
• Location: Chuo
• Duration and start time: 2.5 hours; 9am, 12.30pm and 6pm

7. Sushi Making Workshop and Exclusive Toyosu Market Visit

Discover how to make sushi with a professional chef and take an off-limits tour of Toyosu’s wholesale seafood market. Enjoy an extraordinary market insider experience and one of Tokyo’s best sushi-making classes.

Immerse yourself in Tokyo’s sushi culture on this exclusive Food Tours Japan partner experience.

• Learn how to make nigiri (hand-pressed) and maki (rolled) sushi in a sushi chef’s restaurant
• Explore Toyosu Market’s seafood wholesale area — which is closed to the public — with a market insider
• Select the freshest fish at Toyosu Market for your sushi workshop
• Savour the sushi you’ve created with additional side dishes
• Watch market professionals cut a massive tuna and see seafood you never knew existed
• Includes: Sushi-making class with a professional chef, sushi lunch with extras, Japanese tea and a guided tour of Toyosu’s wholesale seafood market
• Price: $$$
• Location: Toyosu (start) and Shinjuku (finish)
• Duration and start time: 4.5 hours, 8.30pm

Find out about the best Toyosu Market and tuna auction tours.