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
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.Â
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!
Rice has to be pressed firmly but softly to keep the appropriate shape
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.
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.
