Discover the Art of Sushi-Making in Asakusa: A Hands-On Experience with Tsukiji Tamasushi
Learn to Make Sushi in Tokyo: Authentic Asakusa Sushi Workshop
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Starting from Friday, September 20, 2024, Tsukiji Tamasushi brings its 100-year-old sushi culture to life in Asakusa with the opening of its sushi-making studio. Located in the heart of one of Tokyo’s most iconic districts, this workshop provides an unforgettable opportunity for visitors, particularly those enthusiastic about Japanese food, to learn the fine art of sushi-making.
Housed on the 7th floor of Asakusa Ekimise, this sushi-making experience goes beyond simply eating sushi—you get to create it yourself while being guided by a seasoned sushi chef. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying this for the first time or have an interest in learning more about Japanese cuisine—this workshop puts you right in the middle of the action, teaching you time-honored techniques in a casual and welcoming setting.
A Cozy and Immersive Experience
The restaurant’s setting is intimate and welcoming, making it a perfect stop for small groups or individuals looking for a personalized experience. Upon entering, you’re given a full sushi chef uniform—a hat and coat—that helps you feel like a professional from the start. The sushi-making area is sleek and traditional, with a cozy ambiance that’s ideal for learning.
The head chef, with years of experience under his belt, provides clear and friendly instruction. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, you’re in good hands—an interpreter is always available, and the chef’s expressive demonstrations make it easy to follow along. From the moment you put on your uniform, you’re fully immersed in the world of sushi-making!
Step-by-Step Sushi Mastery
Our workshop begins with a hands-on sushi-making session, where we are given fresh ingredients to work with. We received two slices of tuna, two slices of salmon, and a shrimp, along with an ohitsu (a traditional wooden sushi rice container) and a small dish of wasabi. Plastic gloves are provided to maintain hygiene, ensuring the experience feels professional from the get-go.
The chef patiently guided us through the process of making nigiri sushi, explaining how to properly position your hands and use the ingredients. While the task might appear simple, forming a perfectly crafted nigiri requires a lot of practice!
One particularly interesting challenge is learning to create the perfect shrimp nigiri. As the chef explained, the test of a well-made shrimp nigiri is being able to lift it by the tail without the rice falling apart—a fun and engaging lesson that we are sure to remember.
Special Demonstrations: Crafting Beauty with Bamboo
Beyond making your own sushi, the workshop also includes a special demonstration that highlights the artistry involved in Japanese culinary culture. The sushi chef created a beautiful turtle decoration from a bamboo leaf, showcasing his skill with intricate knife work, displaying the precision and care that go into every aspect of sushi preparation and leaving us both inspired and in awe.
Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor
Once you’ve created your own sushi, you get to enjoy the results. The workshop concludes with a meal, including a hand-rolled sushi prepared by the chef himself. This gives participants a chance to taste their creations and appreciate the high-quality, fresh ingredients used throughout the workshop.
The experience doesn’t stop with just making nigiri. You also get to grate fresh wasabi to add that perfect finishing touch to your sushi. It’s details like this that make the workshop a well-rounded and unforgettable experience.
Course Options: Choose Your Sushi Adventure
Tsukiji Tamasushi offers two different course options to suit varying levels of interest and time commitment. Both courses are led by expert sushi chefs and are designed to provide an in-depth and enjoyable learning experience.
Private Counter Course (90 minutes)
This 90-minute session is ideal for participants who want a more private and personalized experience. Set at the sushi counter, this course accommodates between 2 to 6 people, ensuring that each participant receives plenty of attention from the chef. You’ll get hands-on instruction from the moment you step into the kitchen, learning to make nigiri sushi with the freshest ingredients.
Highlights of the Private Course:
- Learn sushi techniques directly from skilled chefs.
- Experience the art of hand-rolling sushi (temaki) with expert guidance.
- Taste the fruits of your labor by enjoying the sushi you’ve made yourself.
- Cost: ¥11,000 per person (tax included).
The private course also includes options like sake pairing to complement your meal (available for an additional fee), adding an extra layer of indulgence for those looking to dive even deeper into Japanese culinary culture.
Group Table Course (60 minutes)
For those who prefer a shorter experience or are traveling in larger groups, the Group Table Course is an excellent option. This 60-minute session accommodates between 2 to 16 participants, making it a great choice for families or groups of friends. Despite the larger size, each participant still gets plenty of hands-on time with the sushi chef and learns all the essentials of sushi-making.
Highlights of the Group Course:
- Make nigiri sushi using fresh salmon, tuna, shrimp, and more.
- Learn sushi-handling techniques that you can use at home.
- Experience sushi in a fun, casual setting with friends or family.
- Cost: ¥9,900 per person (tax included).
Both courses start at 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, and 5:00 PM, providing flexibility to suit your schedule while visiting Asakusa.
<<Book your sushi-making experience in Asakusa here!>>
A Cultural and Culinary Experience
Asakusa is a district rich in history and culture, and this sushi-making experience fits perfectly into the area’s character. Whether you’re looking to take a break from sightseeing or dive into Japan’s food culture, this workshop offers an intimate, educational, and tasty journey through one of Japan’s most beloved culinary arts.
Information
 Access |
Tobu Line Asakusa Station |
|---|---|
 Official Website |
https://www.tamasushi.co.jp/experience/ |
The sushi-making studio by Tsukiji Tamasushi opens its doors to the public on Friday, September 20, 2024, and it’s already generating a buzz. Perfect for tourists, it’s a hands-on way to explore Japanese traditions, experience world-class sushi, and leave with a skill you can show off to friends and family back home.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to feel like an authentic sushi chef in the most traditional Tokyo Neighborhood!
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Written by
Photographer, journalist, and avid urban cyclist, making sense of Japan since 2017. I was born in Caracas and lived for 14 years in Barcelona before moving to Tokyo. Currently working towards my goal of visiting every prefecture in Japan, I hope to share with readers the everlasting joy of discovery and the neverending urge to keep exploring.
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