Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Japanese food is sushi: mouthwatering rolls of veggies, fish, and glorious vinegared rice; all rolled up in nori (seaweed paper). Or maybe bite-size nigiri sushi topped with fatty otoro tuna or a perfect slice of fluffy, golden-yellow egg. There are thousands of sushi restaurants in Tokyo alone, specializing in preparing and serving sushi dishes such as nigiri, sashimi, and norimaki (hand-rolled sushi). You can even find decent quality sushi at Japanese konbini, or convenience stores.
Or, go a different route and learn how to make sushi from scratch! While you might be intimidated by the idea of making sushi, especially if it involves handling raw fish, making sushi at home is actually a lot simpler than you might think, as long as you have guidance from a seasoned cooking teacher to help you along the way.
There are many sushi making classes in Tokyo that teach people how to make sushi, including all different types of sushi, from vegetarian sushi to nigiri sushi. Check out our list of 9 main categories of sushi in our blog post about the different types of sushi to learn more.
10 Best Sushi Making Classes in Tokyo
Here, we've compiled the best sushi making classes in Tokyo, so you can learn how to make this classic Japanese food for yourself.
- Kawaii Vegetarian Sushi Cooking Class
- Decorative Sushi Class in Tokyo
- Tsukiji Outer Market Tour and Cooking Class
- Vegetarian Sushi Making Class
- Sushi and Gyoza Combination Class
- Rolled Sushi and Mille-Feuilles Class
- Sushi and Home Cooking Class in Tokyo
- Nigiri and Gunkan-maki Sushi Class
- Tokyo Sushi Making Class with a Professional Chef
- Vegetarian Japanese Food Class with Sushi and Tempura
1. Kawaii Vegetarian Sushi Cooking Class
Learn how to make the most stunning bite-sized morsels of sushi during the Kawaii Vegetarian Sushi Cooking Class in Tokyo -- and as an extra bonus, they’re all plant-based! Make 9 styles of intricately-patterned vegetable sushi, vegetarian miso soup, and tofu dengaku (miso grilled tofu) in a beautiful, sunlit cooking studio in Tokyo. You’ll also get to have a seasonal Japanese dessert and beverage of your choice to round off the meal.
Book the Kawaii Vegetarian Sushi Cooking Class >>
2. Decorative Sushi Class in Tokyo
Ever hear of “kazarimaki” or “kazarizushi”? It’s a special style of rolled sushi that, when cut, reveals a beautifully-patterned center encased in the thin sheet of nori seaweed. Made with vibrantly colored ingredients and rice, decorative sushi is sure to impress! During this Decorative Sushi Class in Tokyo, you’ll learn how to make two “kazarimaki” designs: a frog and a flower. They’re Instagram-worthy sushi rolls that both kids and adults alike will love!
Book the Decorative Tokyo Sushi Class >>
3. Tsukiji Outer Market Tour and Cooking Class
During the Tsukiji Outer Market Tour and Cooking Class, you'll explore the fast-paced Tsukiji Outer Market with a local tour guide, discovering unique and delicious Japanese ingredients among the 400 specialty stores in the market. After browsing the kitchenware shops, fruit and vegetable stalls, and various ingredients like katsuobushi (dried bonito fish), you’ll head back to the cooking studio where your cooking instructor will teach you how to make three types of Japanese sushi, alongside Japanese side dishes. Opt to tuck into your delicious handmade sushi out on the terrace, for a breath of fresh air.
Book the Tsukiji Outer Market Tour and Cooking Class >>
4. Vegetarian Sushi Making Class
If you’re a vegetarian, fear not! You can still enjoy making sushi at the Vegetarian Sushi Making Class in Asakusa. A beloved Japanese dish, most people think that sushi can only be made with seafood. But in this class, you will learn how to make your very own vegetarian sushi, for a meal that is both healthy and delicious! You will make four varieties of vegetarian sushi: nigiri sushi, gunkan-maki sushi, inari sushi, and rolled maki sushi. Aside from that, you’ll also make miso soup with dashi (Japanese broth). You’ll also get to enjoy complimentary tea or sake, which pair perfectly with your vegetarian sushi.
Book the Vegetarian Sushi Making Class in Asakusa >>
5. Sushi and Gyoza Combination Class
During the Tokyo Gyoza and Sushi Combination Class, you’ll be making two of Japan’s staple dishes. An unlikely but delicious pairing of foods, sushi and gyoza go quite well together. Sushi is a versatile dish and you can have it as an appetizer, main course, or a snack; while gyoza can be fried, steamed, or boiled to your liking. In this class, you’ll be making futomaki (thick sushi rolls) and pan-fried gyoza. Aside from that, you'll also learn how to make tamagoyaki (Japanese-style omelet) and a vegetable side dish to round out the meal.
Book the Tokyo Gyoza and Sushi Combination Class >>
6. Rolled Sushi and Mille-Feuilles Class
They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors but there’s no denying that sushi is one of the most delicious dishes in Japan. There are so many varieties of it, and during the Sushi Mille Feuilles and Rolled Sushi Making Class, you get to make two delicious types of sushi. You'll learn the basic steps to making perfect sushi rolls and layered mille-feuille sushi. You can arrange your sushi to your liking, creating a beautiful sushi feast. All ingredients are fresh, and no MSG or additives are used. You also get complimentary green tea or sake during this class.
Book the Sushi Mille Feuilles and Rolled Sushi Making Class >>
7. Sushi and Home Cooking Class in Tokyo
This special cooking class takes place in the instructor's private residence, so you can get a glimpse into a typical Japanese home. Not only will you learn how to make the traditional sushi roll, but you will also be taught a classic Japanese home-cooking technique called teriyaki. Bursting with flavor, teriyaki is a savory and sweet sauce that can be used to cook dishes such as chicken or fish. Aside from that, recipes for tamagoyaki (Japanese-style omelet) and a vegetable side dish will be also taught.
Book the Sushi and Home Cooking Class in Tokyo >>
8. Nigiri and Rolled Sushi Class
Festive and convenient, sushi is one of the best dishes to serve during special occasions and parties. The Nigiri Sushi and Rolled Sushi Class in Tokyo is one sushi making class in Tokyo that is great for large groups! You will make nigiri sushi and rolled sushi during this class, located between Kappabashi Kitchen Town and historic Asakusa. For nigiri sushi, you will be taught the proper technique to mix vinegar with the rice, shape your sushi, and add your own twist to it. You'll also make tasty rolled sushi with fillings galore!
Book the Nigiri Sushi and Rolled Sushi Class in Tokyo >>
9. Tokyo Sushi Making Class with a Professional Chef
Learn from an expert! During this sushi making class in Tokyo, you’ll be taught by a professional sushi chef. Not only will you learn the basics of sushi making, but you’ll also find out about the subtle tips and tricks that real Japanese chefs use when handling raw fish, like how to use the exact right amount of pressure to mold the rice. After learning about the delicate art of sushi making, tuck into a meal of incredible nigiri and rolled sushi. You’ll also get to taste shabu-shabu, a Japanese style of hotpot, made with juicy cuts of beef.
Book the Tokyo Sushi Making Class with a Professional Chef >>
10. Vegetarian Japanese Food Class with Sushi and Tempura
Eat sustainable and wholesome Japanese cuisine during this Vegetarian Japanese Food Class. Using colorful vegetables, tofu, and egg, your Japanese cooking instructor will teach you how to craft fresh vegetarian sushi! The end product is light, yet satisfying, and 100% plant-based. As an added bonus, during this cooking class in Tokyo, you’ll also learn how to make crispy vegetable tempura!
Book the Vegetarian Japanese Food Class with Sushi and Tempura >>
From cute and colorful vegetarian sushi to combined market tours and sushi cooking classes, these are some of the best sushi making classes in Tokyo! These Japanese cooking workshops prove that anyone can enjoy Japanese sushi, regardless of dietary restrictions. So join one of these sushi cooking classes and make wonderful memories in Japan. After the class, you'll take home the best souvenir -- recipes to wow your family and friends with back home!
To see the full list, browse all sushi making classes in Tokyo. Or, check out our top 15 Tokyo cooking classes for more recommended cooking workshops!
