Sushi Making TokyoJOY ASAKUSA -Taught by real chef

Introduction

If you’ve ever dreamed of rolling your own sushi in Tokyo, this Sushi Making Experience at TokyoJOY Asakusa offers just that—an authentic, fun, and interactive session led by a professional chef. Located just minutes from Asakusa Station, this tour combines culinary skill-building with culture, making it a perfect choice for food lovers and curious travelers alike. What really sets this experience apart is the inclusion of all-you-can-drink, including alcohol, which is often optional at other venues, allowing you to toast your new sushi skills without worry.

One thing we particularly appreciate is how top-quality, fresh ingredients are used to meet high-end sushi standards, giving participants a genuine taste of Japan’s culinary excellence. Plus, the experience’s multilingual support and large-screen cultural displays make it accessible and engaging even for those with limited Japanese language skills. A potential consideration, however, is the group size—maxing out at just 10 travelers, which provides a cozy, personalized feel but may mean early booking is advisable during busy periods. This tour suits anyone eager to learn sushi-making in a genuinely welcoming environment, whether you’re a complete beginner or someone wanting to sharpen your skills.

Key Points

• Authentic teaching by a real sushi chef ensures genuine skills and traditional techniques.
• All-you-can-drink inclusively features alcohol, a rare perk in similar experiences.
• High-quality and fresh ingredients match the standards of Tokyo’s top sushi restaurants.
• Cultural displays and multilingual support make the experience accessible and immersive.
• Convenient location near Asakusa Station allows easy access and exploration of the historic area.
• Small group size (max 10) offers personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

Detailed Review of the Sushi Making Experience in Tokyo

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This sushi-making tour in Tokyo is highly rated, holding a perfect 5.0 based on 35 reviews, and is recommended by 100% of those who’ve tried it. The fact that it’s frequently praised on platforms like Google Maps and GetYourGuide indicates consistent quality and satisfaction. Being a new opening in August 2024, it has already attracted attention for its modern, well-organized approach to a traditional craft.

This experience is designed to be accessible for beginners and seasoned foodies alike, making it a versatile choice. The fact that it’s led by a real chef—Master Tosaka—means you’ll learn from someone with authentic culinary expertise rather than just a guide or instructor. The chef’s patient and friendly style ensures that even those new to sushi can feel confident while making their own creations.

The Itinerary and What You’ll Do

Your journey begins at the meeting point in Taito City, conveniently close to public transport, so you won’t have to worry about complicated transfers. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed into a lively yet cozy setting where the chef explains the process in multiple languages, making sure everyone understands the steps clearly.

The session kicks off with preparing sushi rice using an original vinegar—a key step that impacts the flavor of your sushi. We loved the way this hands-on step emphasizes the importance of technique and ingredients, giving you a true taste of what Japanese chefs focus on.

Next, you’ll move on to making 12 pieces of nigiri sushi. Master Tosaka demonstrates the delicate art of shaping rice and topping it with fresh fish, including vegetarian options if needed. Reviewers mention how this chef’s approachable style makes even complex-sounding techniques feel doable; one reviewer, Paola Andrea Viscoglio, described it as “so much fun,” and felt like they had become sushi chefs by the end.

Following that, you’ll learn to craft four gunkan rolls—a signature style of sushi featuring tuna mayo and salmon roe. These gunkan are visually appealing and flavorful, giving you a chance to practice hand-pressing and filling techniques.

Throughout the session, you’ll be encouraged to create your own sushi, with guidance from the chef and translator support from Yui, who reviewers praise for her helpfulness. The class typically lasts around two hours, providing enough time to practice, ask questions, and enjoy your creations.

The All-You-Can-Drink Element

One of the most notable features is the unlimited drinks included, which often isn’t the case in similar classes. This includes alcohol, such as sake and beer, allowing a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere. Reviewers have appreciated this perk, especially since it’s optional, meaning you can indulge or stick to soft drinks if preferred. This setup makes the experience feel like a mini celebration, ideal for groups or couples.

Quality of Ingredients and Final Meal

The focus on freshness and quality is evident. Participants are served their handmade sushi along with drinks, turning the class into a full-fledged meal experience. The high-end standards of ingredients—matching premium Tokyo sushi standards—are a big plus, making this more than just a demonstration; it’s a genuine culinary experience.

Location and Surroundings

Located in the historic district of Asakusa, the venue offers a chance to explore after your class. The area is known for its traditional temples and lively shopping streets, so it’s a great spot to extend your cultural outing. The proximity to Asakusa Station makes it very accessible, ensuring you can start or finish your day with a walk in one of Tokyo’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Group Size and Personal Attention

With a maximum of 10 guests, this tour provides a personalized touch. Reviewers mention how the small size helps foster a friendly environment where questions are welcomed, and everyone gets hands-on practice. This intimate setting is especially valuable for beginners or those looking to deepen their understanding of sushi.

Cost and Value

At $107 per person, this experience offers great value for an immersive, chef-led class with unlimited drinks and high-quality ingredients. Compared to dining at a restaurant, where you might pay a similar amount for just a meal, this class offers the added benefit of learning a skill and gaining cultural insight, making it a worthwhile investment for foodies.

Who Is This Experience Best For?

This sushi-making tour suits travelers who want more than just eating—those eager to learn and try their hand at a traditional Japanese craft. It’s ideal for beginners wanting a hands-on introduction, but also for culinary enthusiasts looking to refine their sushi skills in a supportive environment. The inclusion of all-you-can-drink and the friendly group size makes it perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers seeking an engaging, memorable activity in Tokyo.

However, if you’re pressed for time or prefer a purely observational experience without making your own sushi, this might not be the best fit. Also, given its location in Asakusa, it pairs well with sightseeing afterward, but those staying farther away might want to plan for a dedicated visit.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available, and reviewers mention that the chef accommodates dietary preferences, including vegetarian sushi.

How long does the class last?
The experience lasts approximately two hours, giving enough time to prepare, eat, and drink without feeling rushed.

Do I need any prior sushi-making experience?
No, the experience is designed for beginners and those with some experience. The chef and staff are very supportive, making it accessible for all.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
Absolutely. The drinks are all-you-can-drink but optional, so you can choose soft drinks instead.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the SUSHI Making Experience JOY ASAKUSA venue and concludes back at the same location.

Is it easy to get there from Tokyo station?
Yes, the venue is near public transportation, close to Asakusa Station, making it easily accessible.

What’s the ratio of Japanese to English support?
The experience offers multilingual support, ensuring clear instructions and guidance regardless of language.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the sushi-making class, all ingredients, and unlimited drinks during the session.

How many people are in the group?
The class is limited to a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring a relaxed, interactive environment.

Final Thoughts

This sushi-making tour in Asakusa is a fantastic way to blend culinary learning with cultural exploration in Tokyo. Led by a professional chef, it guarantees authentic techniques and high-quality ingredients in a cozy, small-group setting. The addition of all-you-can-drink, including alcohol, makes it a lively, fun experience—perfect for celebrating or simply enjoying a delicious afternoon.

It’s particularly suited for travelers eager to gain skills they can take home, or those who want a deeply engaging activity that’s more than just sightseeing. The location’s proximity to historic Asakusa adds an extra layer of appeal, allowing you to combine culinary culture with sightseeing.

Overall, if you want a practical, memorable, and tasty experience that offers real value, this class checks all the boxes. Book early to secure a spot, especially during peak travel seasons, and prepare to walk away with more than just sushi—perhaps a new skill and some new friends in Tokyo.