Tokyo Sushi Making Class : Sake Ceremony & Matcha Experience

Introduction

The Tokyo Sushi Making Class: Sake Ceremony & Matcha Experience promises an engaging way to explore Japanese food traditions while having fun. Based on glowing reviews, this hands-on experience in Asakusa offers a rare peek into local customs, combined with expert guidance and a lively atmosphere.

What we love most: the authentic sake barrel opening (kagami-biraki), the chance to learn real sushi skills that you can recreate at home, and the delightful modern twist on Tokyo-style sushi. Plus, the chance to make your own matcha adds a calming, cultural finish.

A potential consideration? The class is relatively short at 1.5 hours, so it’s a quick hit rather than an in-depth culinary course. This experience suits travelers looking for an authentic, fun, and photo-worthy activity rather than a deep dive into sushi mastery.

Good To Know

• Authentic Cultural Experience: Combines sushi making, sake opening, and matcha in one lively session.
• Expert Guidance: Friendly instructors help even beginners make beautiful, tasty sushi.
• Modern & Traditional: Mix of classic Edomae techniques with playful Tokyo-style sushi twists.
• Photo Opportunities: Chanting and torching make for memorable moments perfect for sharing.
• Affordable & Value-Packed: At around $45, it offers a hands-on cultural experience with ample takeaway skills.
• Suitable for Beginners: No prior experience needed, making it accessible and enjoyable.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

This experience is designed to give you a taste of Japan’s culinary culture in a fun, approachable way. Starting in the lively district of Asakusa, you’ll first participate in the kagami-biraki—a ceremonial sake barrel opening. This tradition, which celebrates fresh beginnings, is lively and inclusive, with the group raising a toast and chanting “Yoisho!” It’s a cheerful way to start the session, whether you opt for sake, water, or Japanese tea.

Following that, you’ll move into the core activity: learning to make nigiri sushi. Guided by friendly, knowledgeable instructors, you’ll get to shape rice with the right pressure and handle toppings like a pro. What sets this apart is the emphasis on technique that ensures your sushi looks beautiful and tastes authentic. The instructor’s approachable style creates an environment where even total beginners quickly gain confidence. Multiple reviews highlight how learners leave with skills they’re proud to show off back home.

The fun doesn’t stop there. The class features a modern Tokyo-inspired sushi called WASSHOI! Torched Salmon Mayo Gunkan. This is a crowd favorite, blending traditional techniques with a playful twist. You’ll pack high piles of salmon, zigzag mayo, and finish with a quick torching—creating a smoky, creamy bite that looks as good as it tastes. The chant of “Wasshoi!” adds a lively, communal atmosphere that makes for fantastic photos, especially when your sushi is at its torch-flamed peak.

Finally, you’ll wind down by making matcha on your own. Guided on proper whisking techniques, you’ll produce a smooth, frothy bowl of green tea to savor at the end of your session. This calming, meditative process offers a perfect contrast to the energetic sushi making. Reviewers often mention how satisfying it is to craft their own matcha, feeling connected to Japanese tradition.

The entire session lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into a busy travel itinerary. With a maximum group size of 20, the class remains intimate enough for personalized attention, yet lively enough to enjoy the collective energy of fellow travelers.

The Itinerary

Stop 1: Sushi Meets Matcha

You’ll meet at the designated location in Asakusa, a district renowned for its vibrant streets and historic temples. The meeting point is convenient, close to public transportation, making it easy to access from most parts of Tokyo.

The experience kicks off with the Kagami-biraki, where everyone participates in opening a sake barrel. This event is both symbolic and fun, marked by cheers and traditional chants. It’s a great way to start bonding with your group and get into the spirit of Japanese culture.

Next, you’ll learn the essentials of crafting nigiri sushi. The instructors are praised for their friendly, easy-to-follow guidance. They teach rice shaping techniques, handling toppings, and assembling each piece confidently. The reviews often mention how meaningful it is to leave with new skills—“completely exceeded my expectations” and “something I’ll be practicing at home” are common sentiments.

Then, the class transitions to modern Tokyo flavor with the WASSHOI! gunkan. This part is lively, with participants piling high salmon and zigzagging mayo, then torching it to perfection. The ritual chant “Wasshoi!” adds an energetic vibe, perfect for memorable photos. Reviewers have shared how much they appreciated this fun twist on traditional sushi, as well as how Instagram-ready their creations looked.

Finally, the session winds down with whisking matcha. You learn the proper technique to produce a frothy, velvety green tea, which you can enjoy as your sweet, calming finale. This quiet moment lets you appreciate the skills you’ve learned and the cultural richness of the experience.

Deep Dive into the Details

Sake Ceremony (Kagami-biraki)

The sake barrel opening is a highlight, especially for first-timers. This tradition isn’t just ceremonial; it’s a lively, joyful event where everyone gets to participate and cheer. One reviewer mentions the instructor’s enthusiasm—“the instructor was so fun, welcoming, and knowledgeable”—which really helped create a warm, inclusive atmosphere. Chanting “Yoisho!” together infuses the moment with a sense of shared celebration, making it memorable even for those new to Japanese customs.

Sushi Crafting

The focus on technique is a standout in this class. The instructors emphasize shaping rice with the right pressure, ensuring each piece has a perfect bite. Handling toppings confidently allows even newcomers to produce sushi that looks professional. Several reviewers note that they learned skills they could replicate at home, turning a fun activity into a lasting takeaway.

The WASSHOI! gunkan, with its torching step, adds a modern, Tokyo twist. It’s a deliciously smoky, creamy combo that elevates the experience beyond traditional sushi. The group chant during torching, “Wasshoi!” creates a shared, energizing environment, and many mention how Instagram-worthy their creations are at this stage.

Matcha Making

Making your own matcha is surprisingly satisfying. The instructor teaches how to whisk it properly for a frothy finish, a skill many find rewarding. After the hands-on activity, you get to enjoy your fresh bowl of matcha, a simple but authentic ritual that leaves you feeling calm and connected to Japanese tea culture.

Group Size & Atmosphere

With a maximum of 20 travelers, the class maintains an intimate, friendly vibe. The group size allows for personalized attention and lively interaction, often praised by those who value a more engaging experience. The instructor’s approachable demeanor is frequently mentioned, making even nervous beginners feel at ease.

Price & Value

At around $45, the class offers excellent value for the quality of the experience. You not only learn practical skills but also get to enjoy a cultural ceremony, modern sushi twists, and a calming matcha session—all in a comfortable, well-organized setting. Many reviewers feel this is money well spent for a memorable, authentic activity.

Accessibility & Convenience

The meeting point is close to public transportation, making it easy to include in your itinerary. The session’s duration of 1 hour 30 minutes is perfect for fitting into a busy day, and the mobile ticket system adds convenience. The experience is designed to be accessible, welcoming beginners and seasoned food lovers alike.

Who Should Book This Experience?

This tour is perfect for curious travelers eager to engage with Japanese culture beyond sightseeing. It suits beginners looking for an approachable, fun activity that produces tasty results. Foodies who enjoy hands-on culinary experiences will appreciate the skill-building aspect, while social groups will love the lively atmosphere and photo opportunities.

If you’re after a quick yet meaningful cultural activity in Tokyo, this class delivers. It’s also an excellent choice for families or small groups who want a memorable, interactive experience that’s both educational and entertaining.

The Sum Up

In a city famous for its culinary delights, this sushi-making class stands out as a well-rounded, authentic, and enjoyable activity. It offers a genuine taste of Japanese traditions, combined with modern Tokyo flair, all within a friendly group setting. The inclusion of a sake ceremony, expert guidance, and the chance to create Instagram-worthy sushi makes it a highlight for many travelers.

The skill you’ll learn is practical and fun, and the cultural rituals add depth to the experience. Plus, the calm moment of whisking matcha provides a peaceful, reflective end. Whether you’re a sushi novice or looking to add a memorable cultural activity to your trip, this class provides excellent value and plenty of photo ops.

Overall, if you want a lively, authentic, and educational taste of Tokyo’s culinary scene, this experience is a fantastic choice. It’s not just about making sushi, but about connecting to Japanese culture in a relaxed, approachable way.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The class is designed to be beginner-friendly with step-by-step guidance, so no prior sushi experience is needed.

How long does the activity last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a quick but comprehensive cultural activity.

What is included in the experience?
You will participate in a sake barrel opening, make sushi, enjoy a modern Tokyo-style gunkan, and whisk your own matcha, along with photos and skills you can take home.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund if canceled in time.

Where does the activity take place?
It begins at the “Sushi Meets Matcha” location in Asakusa, near public transportation for easy access.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, the maximum is 20 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a lively atmosphere.

Do I need to bring anything?
All equipment and ingredients are provided. Just bring your enthusiasm and camera to capture the fun moments.

Is there an age limit for participation?
The data doesn’t specify age restrictions, but the family-friendly nature suggests it’s suitable for most ages, especially those interested in hands-on activities.