Tokyo: Toyosu Market Tour and Sushi Making Class

Tokyo: Toyosu Market Tour and Sushi Making Class

If you’re looking to step beyond the typical tourist sights and dive into Tokyo’s vibrant seafood scene, the Toyosu Fish Market Tour and Sushi Making Class offers a fantastic way to do just that. This experience combines a guided visit to one of the world’s largest fish markets with a hands-on sushi class, giving you both insight into Japan’s famous seafood trade and the chance to create your own sushi masterpiece.

What we love about this experience is how it balances education and fun — you get to see the hustle and bustle of the market, learn about its history, and at the same time, get your hands dirty in the kitchen making authentic sushi. The tour also takes you through restaurant supply shops, offering a glimpse into the tools and ingredients behind Tokyo’s sushi culture.

One possible consideration is that the tour involves some transit, including a ride on the Yurikamome and Yurakucho lines, and the entire experience runs from early morning until mid-afternoon. It’s best suited for those with a flexible schedule and a genuine interest in seafood and Japanese culinary traditions. This tour would appeal most to food lovers, curious travelers, and anyone eager to enjoy an authentic, interactive Tokyo experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Good To Know

• Authentic Market Visit: Experience the lively atmosphere of Toyosu Fish Market, one of the largest seafood markets in the world.
• Educational Insight: Learn about the market’s history and see the inner workings of seafood procurement.
• Visit Supply Shops: Explore Japanese knife shops and dry food stores, gaining insight into the tools and ingredients used in sushi making.
• Hands-On Sushi Class: Prepare and make your own sushi with guidance from a professional instructor.
• Fresh Seafood: Use the fresh ingredients purchased from the market to craft delicious sushi.
• Flexible and Fun: A full day of culture and culinary fun, ending with your own tasty creations.

Exploring the Toyosu Fish Market Experience

Guided Tour of Toyosu Market

The tour begins at 8:30 AM at the Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai Escalator hall ground floor, conveniently near a Lawson convenience store. From there, your guide (who has special permission to access the market for procurement) will escort you inside one of the world’s largest fish intermediate dealer floors.

You’ll get a front-row seat to the bustling activity, watching fishmongers and traders as they prepare for the day’s sales. The guide will explain the significance of Toyosu replacing the famous Tsukiji Market, sharing insights into how the market operates and why it’s such a critical part of Tokyo’s culinary scene.

Market Shopping and Observation

The highlight here is seeing the seafood procurement process firsthand. You’ll have the chance to purchase a variety of fresh seafood directly from vendors—an experience that feels both authentic and exclusive, as your guide mentions they have special permission to purchase during the tour.

Along With seafood, you’ll visit restaurant supply shops, including dry food shops and Japanese knife stores. This is a fantastic opportunity to see the tools used by sushi chefs and understand the quality and craftsmanship behind Japanese knives. As one reviewer pointed out, “Seeing the knives and dry foods made me appreciate how much thought goes into every piece of sushi.”

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Transition to the Kitchen in Shinjuku

After about 20-30 minutes exploring the market, you’ll hop on the Yurikamome line and switch to the Yurakucho line, arriving at a private kitchen in Shinjuku roughly 20 minutes later. This change of scenery transitions from the lively chaos of the market to a calm, dedicated culinary space.

Sushi Making Class

The core of the experience is the sushi making lesson led by a professional instructor. The class begins with prep work—though your guide handles most tasks, you’ll get the chance to participate in some hands-on activities, such as shaping the rice or slicing the seafood. The instructor demonstrates techniques, ensuring everyone leaves with a good understanding of sushi craftsmanship.

Guests often comment on how friendly and knowledgeable the instructors are. One review highlights, “They made the class approachable, even for beginners, and the fresh seafood made all the difference.”

The ingredients are all provided, emphasizing quality and freshness. You’ll learn how to prepare the perfect sushi rice, cut seafood properly, and assemble your rolls. The experience typically concludes around 2-3 PM, leaving plenty of time to enjoy your creations and chat with fellow participants.

Price and Value Analysis

At $216 per person, this experience offers good value, considering the dual nature of the tour—market exploration and a personalized sushi class. The guided market tour, including visits to supply shops, provides insight that’s often hard to access independently. The hands-on sushi class ensures you leave with skills and delicious food, making it more than just a sightseeing tour.

What makes this experience stand out is the combination of education, authentic seafood, and practical skills. For anyone curious about Japanese cuisine or wanting to enjoy a memorable hands-on activity, this price is reasonable, especially given the personalized nature of the class and the exclusive access to the market.

Logistics and Practicalities

The meeting point at Toyosu is straightforward to find, thanks to detailed instructions. The tour runs in the morning, starting early, which is perfect for avoiding crowds and enjoying a more intimate experience. The entire experience lasts roughly five to six hours, ending back at the starting point, so plan your day accordingly.

Transportation costs are not included, so budget for a train fare to Toyosu and from Shinjuku. The tour is not suitable for children under 10 or wheelchair users, which is worth considering if traveling with family or loved ones with mobility issues.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is ideal for food lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and curious travelers eager to see Tokyo’s seafood scene up close. It’s perfect if you want an interactive experience that combines sightseeing, shopping, and cooking. Seafood fans will appreciate the freshness of the ingredients, while cooking novices will find the class approachable and fun.

If you’re short on time but want a deep dive into Japan’s seafood and sushi culture, this experience offers a memorable, hands-on alternative to traditional sightseeing. It’s also well suited for those looking to take home new cooking skills and an appreciation for Japanese culinary craftsmanship.

Final Thoughts

The Toyosu Fish Market Tour and Sushi Making Class provides a well-rounded, authentic taste of Japan’s seafood culture. It’s a blend of market exploration, cultural insight, and culinary skill-building, making it a fulfilling experience for those with a passion for food or a curiosity about Tokyo’s culinary traditions.

The combination of visiting one of the world’s largest markets, shopping for seafood and supplies, and then making sushi in a private kitchen creates a vivid, memorable story—one you can taste long after the day ends.

While the price might seem steep to some, the value lies in the intimate access, expert guidance, and the delicious sushi you’ll make yourself. It’s a fantastic way to connect with Japan’s food culture in a meaningful, hands-on way that’s both educational and enjoyable.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, the sushi class is designed to be approachable for beginners, with professional instructors guiding you step-by-step.

How early does the tour start?
Meet at 8:30 AM at the designated meeting point near Toyosu Market.

Are transportation costs included?
No, you will need to cover train fares for the Yurikamome and Yurakucho lines as part of your travel expenses.

How long does the entire experience last?
The tour typically runs from 8:30 AM to around 2-3 PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the market, shop, and cook.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Not for children under 10 years old, as it involves market visits and a cooking class.

Can I purchase specific seafood like uni (sea urchin)?
Uni is not included in the ingredients provided, and purchases of specialty items may depend on availability.

What should I wear during the tour?
Comfortable clothing with closed-toe shoes are recommended; sandals or flip-flops are not allowed for safety reasons.

In all, this tour offers an engaging, authentic way to explore Tokyo’s seafood culture and develop new culinary skills. Perfect for curious foodies and those eager to taste the city’s fresh seafood, it creates a memorable culinary adventure that’s both educational and delicious.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby