Sushi Tours and Classes in Tokyo

Sushi is undoubtedly one of the most popular dishes to have ever come out of Japan. While sushi restaurants can be found all over the world, there is no better place to indulge in sushi cuisine and culture than in Tokyo.

Sushi tours and classes in Tokyo provide an authentic insight into one of Southeast Asia’s oldest and most famous dishes.

Learn about the incredible art of sushi-making, visit where ingredients are sourced and taste a variety of traditional sushi dishes.

Here's everything you should know about sushi tours and classes, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Tokyo.

What are the best sushi tours and classes in Tokyo?

Luxury sushi class with special access at Toyosu Fish Market

Learn how to make a variety of delicious sushi dishes with this half-day masterclass in Tokyo. This in-depth class is aimed at beginner chefs and is led by a well-respected Japanese sushi master.

Start your tour with a convenient hotel pickup (from hotels in selected areas) and get driven to the new Toyosu Fish Market in a luxury van. At the fish market, you’ll shop for fresh ingredients and receive a brief tour of the famous market.

Make your way to the classroom, where you’ll learn how to open and filet the fish that you’ve just bought from the market. Once your fish is prepared, you’ll learn various techniques involved in the sushi-making process.

Enjoy the satisfaction that comes with preparing your own sushi as you sit down to eat the dishes you’ve prepared.

Tsukiji Fish Market walking tour and rolled sushi class

Learn about Tokyo’s buzzing seafood scene and the impact that seafood has on local cuisine with a visit to Tsukiji Outer Fish Market. The outer fish market, which is filled with a variety of stalls, has been around for nearly 100 years!

Meet your guide outside a local temple and make your way to the fish market, where you’ll enjoy its vibrant atmosphere and over 400 market stalls.

Your guide will lead you to the most interesting attractions and teach you about Tokyo’s culinary scene.

Upon the completion of your Tsukiji Fish Market tour, you’ll head to a nearby cooking school, where you’ll learn the art of sushi rolling.

In addition to sushi, you’ll also learn to make other traditional dishes such as miso soup and egg omelets.

Once you’ve created several dishes, you’ll get to sit down and relax with your tour group— feasting on the meal that you’ve created.

Small-group sushi class in Tokyo

Make your way to Cooking Sun in Shinjuku, where you’ll learn to master some of the most important techniques associated with Japanese cooking.

This 3-hour class is limited to 10 people, so you’ll receive a personal experience from your cooking instructor.

The class focuses on various sushi dishes, and you’ll learn to prepare sushi rice, fish, stock soup, toppings and fillings before rolling three different types of sushi. Your instructor is with you every step of the way to ensure that your sushi is a success.

At the end of the class, you’ll get to feast on the dishes you’ve created, which will be accompanied by miso soup and green tea. This authentic experience can cater to vegetarians, so be sure to communicate your dietary preferences ahead of time.

Deluxe sushi-making experience in Tokyo

Learn about the fascinating history and culture of sushi with this deluxe sushi-making experience that takes place near the Tokyo Tower.

The instructor will ensure that you master sushi basics within just a couple of hours and that you learn skills to last a lifetime.

The three types of sushi that you’ll learn to make during the class include nigiri, gunkan maki and hosomaki zushi (thin sushi rolls). The sushi class is designed to be suitable for extreme beginners, professional chefs and everyone in between.

In addition to hands-on instruction, we also offer souvenir sushi kits that you can take home with you. The sushi that you make during this class will rival any of the dishes made at Tokyo’s very best sushi restaurants!

Once your sushi dishes are complete, you’ll relax and enjoy the meal that you’ve created. Your instructor will teach you about the various sushi-related condiments and Japanese dining etiquette as you eat and you are welcome to ask questions.

Sushi-making class in Asakusa, Tokyo

Admire the stunning views of Asakusa as you participate in a sushi-making class that is designed to provide you with skills that you can use again and again. By the end of the class, you should feel confident to host a sushi dinner party in your home!

Choose between a morning or afternoon class, and feel free to bring your children along with you as the class is family-friendly. Learn how to make sushi from scratch, using fresh local ingredients.

In addition to creating a variety of sushi dishes, you’ll also learn more about the fascinating history of Asakusa and the role that sushi plays in the area. The instructors all speak English, so feel free to ask questions.

What is on the itinerary?

Sushi-making classes usually take place in a restaurant or a local home. However, there are many classes that also visit local fish markets, such as Tsukiji Fish Market, so that you can see where fresh ingredients are sourced.

Some sushi tours visit a variety of sushi restaurants in areas like Shinjuku and Asakusa, allowing you to taste different dishes at each restaurant. Each sushi tour is different, so make sure that you check the itinerary before booking a tour/class.

What are the prices of sushi tours and classes in Tokyo?

Tsukiji Fish Market tours that include a basic rolled sushi-making class typically cost around US$110 per person for the 3-hour experience.

More in-depth Sushi-making classes in Tokyo, which do not visit the fish market, usually cost between US$100 and US$130 per person for a group class in which all ingredients are included.

‘Luxury’ sushi tours, which include hotel transfers and instruction from a sushi master, cost close to US$400 per person for the comprehensive experience. These tours are often aimed at beginner chefs.

What are the inclusions of sushi tours and classes?

Sushi-making classes in Tokyo are inclusive of all ingredients and equipment needed to make the sushi dishes. You’ll receive instruction from a professional chef and be given a drink of choice when you sit down to savor your sushi creations.

Sushi tours in Tokyo are typically inclusive of several different sushi tastings with drinks. You are led by a local guide, and if the tour includes multiple locations, transport is also included in the cost of the tour.

Where does it start?

Sushi tours and classes usually begin at restaurants in some of Tokyo’s more popular suburbs. In some cases, you may be asked to meet at well-known landmarks, such as Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple and Cooking Sun.

There are a few tour operators that offer hotel transfers for tour participants staying at hotels within a specific area.

A hotel pickup is an easy and convenient way to start your tour as you won’t have to navigate public transport or pay for a taxi.

What is the typical duration?

Sushi-making classes that include a tour of one of the local markets typically last between 3 and 4 hours, although there are a few tours that are as long as 5 hours.

Basic sushi-making classes usually last between 1.5 and 2.5 hours and are perfect for those on tighter schedules.

When is the best time for a sushi tour in Tokyo?

Sushi tours that visit Toyosu or Tsukiji Fish Market usually take place quite early in the morning.

This is because the market stalls usually close in the early afternoon. In contrast, most sushi-making classes happen in the afternoon or evening.

Book your sushi tour or sushi-making class for the beginning of your stay in Tokyo as these tours serve as a great introduction to Japanese dining etiquette.

Learn what sushi dishes you enjoy most so that you know what to order throughout the rest of your stay in the city.

What other gastronomic experiences can you enjoy in Tokyo?

• Cooking classes in Tokyo
• Beer tastings in Tokyo
• Tea ceremonies in Tokyo
• Kaiseki Cooking Classes in Tokyo
• Wine tours and tastings in Tokyo
• Wagashi Making Classes in Tokyo

Travel tips

• Book your sushi tour in Tokyo ahead of time to secure your spot on your preferred excursion.
• Let your guide/instructor know if you have any dietary requirements or food allergies.
• Vegan and vegetarian options are usually available for all tours and tastings.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes if you are visiting a fish market.