Arrive in Uji, a city just south of central Kyoto with deep roots in Japanese history and craftsmanship. Enter the restaurant and step into a casual, welcoming setting where the focus is on hands-on participation rather than formal dining.

Meet your guide and connect with the sushi chef who will be leading the class, setting the tone for an interactive and approachable experience. Watch as the chef demonstrates hand-rolling techniques in front of you, walking through each step of the process.

Follow along, shaping and pressing the rice, placing the toppings, and assembling each piece yourself. When something is unclear, your guide is on hand to relay questions directly to the chef, making the back-and-forth feel natural and unhurried. The session moves at a pace that allows you to practice and refine your technique.

By the end of the 90-minute session, prepare your own sushi pieces and sit down to eat what you have made. The result is a set of nigiri or rolls crafted entirely by your own hands, guided by a working sushi chef. Leave with a practical understanding of the techniques behind one of Japan’s most recognized culinary traditions, grounded in a real restaurant setting.