Step into a 120-year-old Kyoto machiya and learn to make hand-rolled sushi with the okami—experience local ingredients from Nishiki Market and homestyle Japanese hospitality in a private, two-hour class.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The low-ceilinged machiya opens onto a narrow corridor where tatami light spills from a sunken hearth; the okami—landlady and host—greets you in the soft cadence of Kyoto dialect and invites you to sit at a worn wooden table. The room smells of toasted rice, dashi, and the cedar timbers that have held this townhouse for more than a century, and the simple rhythm of rolling nori and pressing rice becomes a lesson in local pace and hospitality.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Light — suitable for most people who can sit on low seating or a chair for two hours
Wildlife
History
Machiya townhouses were built and adapted across Kyoto’s merchant districts from the Edo period onward; their narrow facades and deep interiors reflect tax rules and craft traditions.
Conservation
Hosts often source ingredients from nearby markets to reduce food miles; travelers can support sustainability by declining single-use plastics and minimizing food waste.
Reserve your spot on the Making Hand Rolled Sushi with the Okami today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Tell the host about allergies
Inform the okami of any dietary restrictions or allergies when you book so ingredients can be adjusted.
Arrive slightly early
Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes before start time to remove shoes and get oriented to the low seating and tools.
Wear sleeves you can roll up
You’ll be handling rice and fillings—short or rollable sleeves and comfortable clothes keep the experience tidy.
Bring cash for extras
If you want additional drinks or extra sushi rolls beyond the included portion, cash or card for on-site options is useful.
Comfortable, rollable sleeves or apron
Keeps clothing clean while you handle rice and fillings.
Camera or phone
Capture step-by-step techniques and the interior details of the machiya.
Allergy medication/EpiPen if needed
Essential for anyone with food allergies; notify host before class.
Small backpack or tote
Carry souvenirs or market purchases from nearby Nishiki Market after the class.