Tokyo Sushi Making Class : Sake Ceremony & Matcha Experience
Step into the heart of Asakusa for a lively, hands-on sushi experience blending culture, skill, and celebration. Start with Kagami-biraki, a traditional sake barrel opening for new beginnings—chant “Yoisho!” and enjoy a memorable group toast (non-alcohol option: water or warm Japanese tea). Then learn nigiri essentials with friendly, expert guidance: shape rice with the right pressure, handle topp
In Collaboration with Sushi Meets Matcha (THE KABUKU inc.). Updated on February 19, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Sushi Meets Matcha (THE KABUKU inc.), inspired by the tour Tokyo Sushi Making Class : Sake Ceremony & Matcha Experience. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Kagami-biraki (traditional sake-barrel opening) group ceremony and toast
- Hands-on nigiri sushi technique training (rice shaping, fish placement)
- Festival-style ikura (salmon roe) gunkan experience with chants
- Simple matcha finish and photos to remember your creations
Explore all itineraries in Taito City.
Itinerary
Day 1
90-minute hands-on sushi workshop in Asakusa including Kagami-biraki ceremony, nigiri training, festival-style ikura session, and matcha finish. Meeting point: Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center (near Senso-ji).
Traditional Japanese Ceremony
“Kagami Biraki Sake Ceremony” — Begin with an authentic Japanese tradition: break open a sake barrel together while chanting “Yoisho, Yoisho, Yoisho!” and share a group toast. Non-alcohol option (water or warm Japanese green tea) is available.
- Monday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Meet 10 minutes before start at Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center (Asakusa, Taito City) to allow time for a quick intro and walk to the studio.
- If you prefer no alcohol, tell the instructor at arrival so the host can prepare a water or warm green tea toast.
- Have your phone or camera ready; the kagami-biraki moment is a short, photogenic part of the class.
Hands-On Sushi Making
“Learn Authentic Nigiri Techniques” — Practical instruction on proper hand techniques: pressing and shaping sushi rice, handling toppings, and placing fish cleanly to make beautiful nigiri. Beginner-friendly, step-by-step guidance from the instructor.
- Monday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable, short-sleeved or easily-rolled sleeves — you will be handling rice and ingredients.
- If you have seafood allergies or dietary restrictions, tell the instructor before the session starts so substitutions can be managed.
- Bring a small towel or wet wipes for sticky fingers; staff will provide cleaning facilities but a personal wipe is useful between hands-on steps.
Festival-Style Super Ikura Experience
“Super Ikura Time - Japanese Festival Fun” — Make gunkan maki and pile salmon roe (ikura) mountain-high while chanting “Wasshoi, Wasshoi!” in a lively festival-style finish. Followed by a simple matcha serving to close the class and time for photos.
- Monday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a lively, group-friendly moment for photos—stand near the table edge for the best view if you’re taking pictures.
- If you do not eat raw fish or roe, let the instructor know before this segment so you can make an alternative roll or enjoy extra nigiri instead.
- There will be a short matcha tasting at the end; if you prefer it sweeter, bring a small sugar packet or request a lighter serving.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 3 |
| Total Places | 3 |
| Activities Types | Culture, Experience, Meal |
Tokyo Sushi-Making Class, Sake Ceremony & Matcha Experience
Why this experience
You want to taste Tokyo's culinary soul in a single afternoon—this three-part workshop delivers exactly that. Start by rolling and shaping sushi with a skilled chef, then move into a formal sake ceremony where you'll learn the etiquette and history of Japan's rice wine, and finish with a matcha tasting to complete the trifecta of Japanese food culture. A culinary workshop operator guides all three segments, allowing you to cook with your hands, eat what you've made, and absorb the philosophy behind each tradition. Whether you're a food lover traveling with friends or a couple seeking an immersive, hands-on day, you'll leave with new skills and a deeper appreciation for Japanese craftsmanship.
Before you go
- Best time: Spring or autumn when temperatures are mild and energy for cooking is high
- Budget: All materials and tasting samples included; book directly through TheNextGuide
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate; no cooking experience needed, but expect to be on your feet for 3+ hours
- What to bring: Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes; an apron will be provided
- Getting there: Centrally located in Tokyo with easy metro access
- Accessibility: Kitchen work requires standing and hand dexterity; confirm mobility needs with the operator when booking
Frequently asked questions
How long is the entire experience? The full workshop runs 3–4 hours, including sushi prep, sake ceremony, matcha tasting, and cleanup.
Do I need to know how to cook sushi? Not at all. The chef will show you each roll step-by-step, from rice spreading to rolling technique.
What's included in the workshop? You'll prepare and eat sushi you've made, taste multiple sake varieties with ceremony instruction, and finish with a matcha tasting. TheNextGuide connects you directly with the culinary workshop operator, so all components are coordinated and confirmed before your visit.
Is this good for couples or groups? Yes. The experience is designed for couples, friends, or small groups; the operator can scale the session to your party size.
What if I have dietary restrictions? Inform the operator when you book through TheNextGuide, and they'll adapt ingredients and explanations to accommodate allergies or preferences.
Complete your trip in Taito City
After a full hands-on culinary day, explore Tokyo's deeper drinking culture with a guided sake tasting tour in Asakusa. Dive deeper into tea tradition with a matcha ceremony and Japanese tea tasting. For another kitchen skill, try a soba-making class using the traditional big knife.
Browse all Taito City itineraries at TheNextGuide.
