Sushi-Making Class and Kichijoji Neighborhood Tour

Though it may just look like toppings on seaweed and rice, anyone who’s tried their hand at it knows that making sushi can be deceptively difficult. That’s why Miho is here to help. A certified graduate of a Tokyo sushi school, she has led sushi-making classes in the Japan Information and Cultural Center in Switzerland for 10 years, and instructed hundreds of students. Having recently returned to Japan from her stint abroad, she now offers her culinary expertise to eager visitors in her western Tokyo hometown of Kichijoji. On arriving at JR Kichijoji Station, you’ll follow Miho to her nearby kitchen. Under her expert guidance, you’ll learn to make several of the most popular sushi, including seaweed-wrapped maki rolls, gunkan-style “battleship” sushi, and of course, the classic nigiri. All the while, Miho will teach you the history and culture of sushi, as well as provide an English copy of the recipes. When your party’s finished enjoying the fruits of its labor together, discover more about the Kichijoji area — or just walk off your sushi meal — by following Miho on a tour of Kichijoji’s famous covered shopping arcades. She’ll take you to spots that only locals would know, including the best places to buy traditional Japanese snacks and cooking ingredients. A popular stopping point for westbound travelers on the way to Mt Takao and Arakura Sengen Shrine or Mt Fuji in neighboring Yamanashi, Kichijoji is full of trendy eateries and cafes, boasts a thriving nightlife scene and enjoys easy access by train. Its close proximity to the Mitaka-no-Mori Ghibli Park also ensures a steady stream of Miyazaki Hayao enthusiasts year-round. But it’s spring that sees the greatest surge in visitors, thanks to the nearby Inokashira Park’s spectacular burst of cherry blossoms. Parties looking to forgo the Kichijoji tour after the sushi-making class can book the class-only option (see Options tab).