Start your day with a pickup from your host at the East Exit of Hanshin Umeda Station in Osaka. After a quick and easy transfer, you’ll arrive at Hanshin Nishinomiya Station, from where it's about a 15-minute walk to the Hakushika Sake Brewery Museum—or you can take a quick taxi for around ¥1,000 (at your own expense).
Once you arrive, enjoy a sake tasting featuring both standard and premium selections, carefully curated to provide a rich and unforgettable experience. The first tasting is included, and additional drinks are optional, to be paid on-site.
Take your time to savor the aromas and flavors, snap photos at scenic spots, and browse the gift shop for unique souvenirs to bring home.
After the sake tasting, head to Sushi sKool K in Ashiya for a hands-on sushi-making experience.
Your instructor is a former professional sushi chef with 40 years of experience, holding both a licensed chef qualification and a certified Wine Sommelier title. Regardless of your skill level, you’ll confidently create and enjoy your own sushi while fully immersing yourself in Japanese food culture.
Note: Unlike other sake breweries where tastings are brief, Hakushika offers a carefully curated cultural experience. Explore the historic exhibits, learn about the centuries-old brewing techniques, and enjoy the sake tasting in an elegant setting that reflects Japan's rich craftsmanship.
During the sushi class, your host will teach you authentic techniques using only the finest, carefully selected ingredients—equivalent to those used in top-tier sushi restaurants. This is not a touristy show, but rather a genuine, engaging learning experience designed for guests who appreciate quality, tradition, and authenticity.
Japanese popular alcoholic drink must be Sake, or called Nihonshu, made from fermented rice. The foundation of good sake is quality rice, clean water, koji mold and yeast. Premium sake differentiates itself in quality of ingredients and production process, so that flavors ranges light and crisp to richer, fruity notes.
Meet your host at Hanshin Osaka Umeda Station to begin your private culinary adventure. Your day starts with a short train ride to the Hakushika Sake Brewery Museum in Nishinomiya City. There, you’ll learn about the history and traditions of sake brewing in the famous Nada Gogo region, discovering the subtle differences between various types of sake.
Start with a guided tasting at the Hakushika Sake Brewery Museum, where you'll sample both classic and premium sake varieties—standard selections served in 40ml portions to daiginjo sake in 100ml servings. The first tasting is included; additional drinks are optional and self-pay. Take your time to savor the delicate aromas and flavors, snap photos at scenic spots, and browse the gift shop for unique souvenirs.
Unlike free sake breweries that offer only a quick tasting, Hakushika provides a curated cultural experience. You'll explore historical exhibits, learn about traditional brewing techniques, and enjoy your tasting in an elegant setting that reflects centuries of craftsmanship.
After your sake experience, travel to Sushi sKool K in Ashiya City for the highlight of the day: making your own nigiri sushi.
Your instructor is a former sushi chef with over 40 years of experience. He holds a national culinary license and a certified wine sommelier qualification, and will guide you step by step through the sushi-making process.
Begin by practicing basic nigiri using a rice model to get comfortable with the hand movements. While you practice, your host prepares real sushi rice, filling the room with the mouthwatering aroma of seasoned rice vinegar. Once ready, you’ll put on disposable gloves and begin crafting your own sushi using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Taste your creations as you go—the satisfaction of eating sushi you made yourself is something truly special. Finally, plate your sushi beautifully with guidance from your host and capture the moment with photos. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy your handmade sushi plate in a calm, private setting.
This full-day experience typically lasts about 5 to 6 hours, depending on your selected start time. For a more relaxed pace, you can choose to start in the morning for lunch, or around midday for dinner.
Transportation between locations is usually by taxi, with costs covered by guests (approximately $10 to $15 USD=¥1,500 to ¥2,200). Public transport is also available but may take considerably longer.
From start to finish, this experience combines the rich tradition of Japanese sake with the art of sushi-making—all under the guidance of a skilled and certified chef. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in Japanese food culture while enjoying a private, personalized culinary adventure near Osaka, Kobe, Sannomiya, and within easy reach of Kyoto.
We’ll meet at the East Exit of Hanshin Umeda Station in downtown Osaka—it’s super easy to find. From there, it’s just a quick 15-minute train ride to Nishinomiya, followed by a short stroll to the Hakushika Sake Brewery Museum. A perfect warm-up for your foodie adventure!
Arrive at the Hakushika Sake Brewery Museum and take your time wandering through the exhibits. Enjoy tasting some sake, snap plenty of photos, and don’t forget to check out the gift shop for unique souvenirs. Discover the fascinating world of Japanese sake culture and uncover the secrets behind each bottle—cheers to the start of your adventure!
Next, we head to Sushi sKool K in Ashiya. Usually, we take a taxi, and guests cover the transportation cost. If you prefer public transport, fares are paid individually. Don’t worry—your host will guide you to make sure everything goes smoothly!
Time to warm up with sushi rice model practice. While you’re practicing with the models, your host will be preparing the real sushi rice. And when the vinegar hits the warm rice… the aroma is absolutely irresistible!
Now it’s time for the real sushi experience! Put on your hygiene gloves, get your hands into that delicious sushi rice, and start shaping your own nigiri. Once you’ve crafted a few pieces, take that first bite of your very own creation… and let the sushi happiness take over!
With a little guidance from your host, arrange your sushi beautifully on your plate. This is the perfect time for a fun photo session—show off your sushi masterpiece to your friends!
And here it is—your sushi feast! After hours of exploring, learning, and creating, it's time to indulge in your delicious creations. Whether it's lunch or dinner, this moment is the perfect way to cap off your experience. Once you're satisfied, it's time to say goodbye to your host. You can either take a leisurely 15-minute walk back to the station or opt for a quick 5-minute taxi ride. Until next time—thank you for joining this unforgettable journey, and Bon Voyage!
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.
Up to 6 people can join Keitaro's cooking class.
Yes, Premium Private Sake Tasting & Sushi-Making Experience with Certified Sommelier and Former Sushi Chef – Near Osaka, Kobe, Sannomiya & Kyoto (Closed Tuesdays) has a vegan option.
Yes, Premium Private Sake Tasting & Sushi-Making Experience with Certified Sommelier and Former Sushi Chef – Near Osaka, Kobe, Sannomiya & Kyoto (Closed Tuesdays) has a vegetarian option.
It costs 29500 per person.
Duration of this cooking class is 5 hours.
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.
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