Miyagi Zao Sushi Making Experience - Nigiri Class

Learn nigiri from a local chef
at a sushi restaurant in Zao

The class takes place at a casual sushi restaurant in the Zao area of Miyagi Prefecture, known for quality seafood from the Sanriku coast and Sendai Bay. It is held inside a restaurant that is open for business, and while you settle in, the guide introduces the session and explains how it works. It is a hands-on class rooted in everyday Japanese sushi culture rather than formal fine dining.

Follow the chef's demonstration and shape your own sushi

The chef demonstrates the nigiri technique up close and explains each step before you try it yourself. Just as the chef showed, you shape the rice, place the fish and press each piece together. The pace lets you repeat and refine each step, and with the guide interpreting, you can ask about rice seasoning, choosing fish or hand pressure at any time.

Finish by tasting the sushi you made

By the end of the class, you will have made several pieces of nigiri following the chef's guidance. You wrap up the experience by tasting your own sushi, taking home practical skills in shaping rice, placing fish and how pressure affects the final shape. Tea or water is served, and you can also try a sake tasting if you wish.