Looking to make your Japan trip even more memorable with a one-of-a-kind sushi experience?
Imagine stepping into a cozy, private setting just outside of Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto, where you’ll learn how to craft sushi from a professional, seasoned Japanese chef.
Whether you're looking to surprise your parents, spend quality time with your loved ones, treat yourself to the ultimate reward, or enjoy a special solo experience, this unique sushi-making experience is the perfect way to bond over something truly authentic.
Located in the peaceful and upscale Ashiya area, just a short trip from the hustle of the city, this unique sushi-making experience offers more than just cooking. It’s about diving into the rich tradition of sushi craftsmanship with a master chef who has over 40 years of experience.
It’s a rare opportunity to not only learn sushi techniques but also to enjoy a meal that’s far beyond the usual sushi class.
What’s special about this experience?
Unlike other sushi classes, you’ll enjoy a full sushi meal, not just a few pieces. Prepare as much sushi as you want, and indulge in the freshest, highest quality fish, just like you’d find at a top sushi restaurant.
It’s a chance to savor every bite of what you’ve created, surrounded by those you care about, in a warm, welcoming environment.
And of course, this experience takes place in a private space, offering an exclusive, one-group-only atmosphere. Unlike other classes where you might find yourself sharing the experience with strangers, here, it’s just you and your group, making the entire experience even more intimate and personalized.
Guests have left with memories of the best sushi they've ever tasted, often saying, "We’ll never get sushi like this once we’re back home!"
This experience is perfect for families, couples, or small groups who want to enjoy something special together.
Whether you're in Japan for a short trip or a long stay, treat yourself and your loved ones to a sushi experience that’s both educational and unforgettable.
Learn how to make sushi from a former Japanese sushi chef in the Ashiya area near Sannomiya.
Enjoy a private experience in a cozy room located in a quiet residential neighborhood. After crafting your sushi, relax and enjoy your meal together.
Your host and instructor is a chef with over 20 years of experience running sushi restaurants. Since retiring, he now teaches sushi techniques and volunteers as an advisor for local restaurants.
The chef's family ran a sushi restaurant, so he helped with deliveries and preparation from a young age. He started making sushi at 13 and served sushi to his classmates at 17.
At 19, he studied kaiseki and Japanese cuisine in Kyoto. At 23, he moved to the U.S. and worked as a sushi chef and instructor at Restaurant Suntory in Chicago. He trained more than a dozen international chefs—including Americans, Mexicans, and Thais—and continues to play an active role in various countries as of 2025. He returned to Japan three years later.
At 29, three years after returning to Japan, he started his own business, expanding to four restaurants focused mainly on sushi and bento delivery. Through direct, hands-on training, he has supported many young chefs in becoming independent entrepreneurs. Today, he operates 12 stores. He retired from day-to-day operations at 55 and continues to teach.
He is passionate about sharing traditional sushi techniques passed down through generations—a cherished part of Japanese culture.
While this location is not in a major tourist area, it’s conveniently located—just 15 to 30 minutes by train from Osaka and Kobe, and about an hour from Kyoto.
The highlight of this experience is learning authentic techniques from a true professional. Your host still trains young sushi chefs and shares both practical skills and historical insights about sushi and the Showa era.
He has a deep knowledge of fish selection, using the same premium-quality seafood sourced by high-end sushi and kaiseki restaurants. The sushi you enjoy here may rival or even surpass what you find at typical sushi restaurants.
As sushi is deeply tied to Japanese food culture, his motto is to let guests eat to their heart’s content. He takes pride in offering a depth of flavor and satisfaction rarely found in other sushi-making experiences.
The experience lasts about 2 to 3 hours. Guests may choose their preferred starting time, such as 10:00, 12:00, or 15:00, depending on availability.
The host holds numerous professional certifications, including a National Culinary License, Fugu Handling Registration, Food Coordinator, Wine Sommelier, Whisky Certification Level 2, and Japanese Whisky Certification Level 2-dan. He also has experience as a tour planner, bringing creativity and professionalism to every experience.
Watch closely as the sushi chef prepares the sushi rice right before your eyes. This technique is a rare sight in most sushi restaurants, so be sure not to miss a single detail!
To start, everyone will practice shaping sushi using a rice model and go through the basic steps of making nigiri sushi (15–30 minutes).
Ready to put your skills to the test? Once the sushi rice is prepared, it’s time to try making sushi on your own. Start by shaping the rice, then wrap it with seaweed to create your very own gunkan-maki (battleship-style sushi).
As everyone practices making nigiri, the sushi chef carefully slices a variety of fish and vegetables for the toppings.
"Your very first handmade sushi—take a bite, and you might be so moved it brings tears to your eyes! Who knew sushi could taste this good, and that you could make it with your own hands?"
Finally, let’s place the sushi you made onto a plate. Plating might seem tricky, but don’t worry—the chef will guide you. Once everything is neatly arranged, it’s time for a joyful sushi feast! Oops! Wait—don’t forget to snap some photos first! When you get home, you’ll proudly say, “I made this myself!
After enjoying all the sushi you’ve made, it’s time for a commemorative photo with your host, the sushi chef. Capture this special moment and add a perfect memory to your Japanese adventure!
Hi, I’m Keitaro!
I’m a former sushi chef with experience both in Japan and the US, and now I’m here to share the real Japanese sushi experience with people from all over the world.
My kitchen is just a quick 20-minute train ride from Osaka’s Umeda Station. It’s clean, cozy, and the perfect spot to roll up your sleeves and make sushi in a safe, fun setting.
I love experimenting with ingredients, pairing sushi with local sake, and swapping travel stories. But here’s the serious part—sushi isn’t just food. It’s tradition, technique, and a way to connect people. That’s the part I want you to experience most.
Beginners? Totally welcome. I’ll guide you step by step, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can make beautiful nigiri.
So come hungry, bring your curiosity, and let’s create some delicious sushi and unforgettable memories together!
And hey, just so you know—I’m officially licensed too:
I hold a National Chef License (Japan’s official government certification for chefs),
Fugu Handling Registration Certificate,
Japan Sommelier Association–certified Wine Sommelier,
and I also hold certifications in Japanese whisky.
Nothing you need to worry about, but it’s nice to know your sushi is in safe hands!
Thank you all!
The closest station
Hankyu Shukugawa
How to get to the station?
From JR Ashiya station: 15mins
Exact location provided after booking.
Duration of this cooking class is 3 hours.
Yes, Ashiya: Private Nigiri Sushi Experience – Learn from a Sushi Master near Osaka Kobe & Kyoto has a vegan option.
It costs 19500 per person.
Up to 6 people can join Keitaro's cooking class.
Yes, Ashiya: Private Nigiri Sushi Experience – Learn from a Sushi Master near Osaka Kobe & Kyoto has a vegetarian option.
You will receive the confirmation within 24 hours.
We accepts these cards on airKitchen.
Cancellations up to 48 hours prior to the class begins will be fully refunded by the airKitchen cancellation policy.
