Tsukiji Tamasushi, Celebrating Its 100th Anniversary, has opened "The Asakusa Sushi Making Studio by Tsukiji Tamasushi" Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Oct 15 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Tsukiji Tamasushi, Celebrating Its 100th Anniversary, has opened

On September 20, 2024 (Friday), the Asakusa Sushi Making Studio by Tsukiji Tamasushi, a place where one can easily enjoy the sushi-making experience, has opened on the 7th floor of the commercial facility 'Asakusa EKIMISE'. It is a popular restaurant in the tourist destination of Asakusa, where one can casually experience Japan's sushi culture. I visited the restaurant immediately.

See full listings of Sushi restaurants found in and around Asakusa.

An 'Experiential' Sushi Restaurant Run by an Established Business

Founded in 1924 and celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, Tsukiji Tamazushi is the oldest established brand in the popular fish market town of Tsukiji. It operates 30 restaurants across the metropolitan area. Previously, three of its restaurants offered a sushi-making experience specifically for foreign travelers, but due to the inability to accommodate all reservations, a new specialty restaurant dedicated to sushi-making experiences has now been opened.

The Asakusa Sushi Making Studio by Tsukiji Tamasushi, a new business model developed by the famous sushi restaurant Tsukiji Tamasushi, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, has opened in Asakusa!

Under the guidance of professional artisans, one can learn how to make nigiri sushi and gunkan maki.

The restaurant, which operated as a sushi restaurant until February 2024, has been renovated to offer a more authentic artisan experience.

They can experience authentic sushi nigiri taught by skilled artisans.

The instructor at Tsukiji Tamazushi is a skilled artisan, using high-quality, fresh ingredients just like the existing restaurants. Participants can learn not only the authentic techniques of sushi-making but also about the history of sushi culture. An English-speaking guide will also be present, making it easy to communicate with the artisan and enjoy asking questions.

It is said that the key is to grip gently and with care, without applying too much force.

When they don a lab coat just like a true artisan, their spirits are lifted!

Knife skills shows and authentic wasabi experiences, among other unique and diverse content

The courses offered include a 90-minute private course, limited to one group per session, where guests can compare artisan sushi with their own creations, and a more casual 60-minute course that allows joining with other customers. In addition to the hands-on experience of making and tasting their own sushi, participants can enjoy grating real wasabi, watching a bamboo leaf cutting show and an omelette show right before their eyes, making for a fulfilling experience. At the end of the course, participants receive a 'Certificate of Completion' and are delighted to take home a ukiyo-e coaster as a souvenir.

Witness the skilled craftsmanship of artisans in the bamboo leaf cutting show, where they swiftly and beautifully carve bamboo leaves using only a knife.

In the blink of an eye, a stunning bamboo leaf art is completed! The design features a fan, which is considered a shape that spreads good fortune, and Mount Fuji.

The Asakusa Sushi Making Studio by Tsukiji Tamasushi, a new business model managed by the famous sushi restaurant Tsukiji Tamasushi, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, has opened in Asakusa!

For an additional 1,100 yen, one can enjoy all-you-can-drink beer, sake, and soft drinks.

A gift of a certificate with your name written in Japanese

A coaster with a Ukiyo-e design, available as a souvenir

▽Menu

● 'Private Counter Course 90 minutes'
Start times: 11:00 / 13:00 / 15:00 / 17:00 (each session 90 minutes)
Seats: 2-6 people (For groups larger than 7, please consult)
Price: 11,000 yen (tax included) ※Reservation required for 2 or more people.
Experience includes: ・Nigiri experience (tuna, salmon, ikura gunkan, shrimp / 4 types 6 pieces)
　　　　　・Tasting experience with artisan-made hand rolls
　　　　　・Real wasabi tasting experience (grinding and tasting real wasabi)
　　　　　・Sake pairing / 3,300 yen per person ※Optional
　　　　　・Artisan knife skills show / 3,300 yen per person ※Optional
　　　　　・Authentic sushi restaurant's tamagoyaki show (hot tamagoyaki made right in front of you)
　　　　　・Sushi comparison (comparing artisan's sushi with your own sushi)
　　　　　・Certificate of completion
　　　　　・Souvenir ukiyo-e coaster
　　　　　・Self-serve drinks (beer, sake, other alcohols, soft drinks) / 1,100 yen per person ※Optional

● 'Casual Joint Table Course 60 minutes'
Start times: 11:00 / 12:30 / 14:00 / 17:00 (each session 60 minutes)
Seats: 2-16 people
Price: 9,900 yen (tax included) ※Reservation required for 2 or more people.
Experience includes: ・Nigiri experience (tuna, salmon, ikura gunkan, shrimp / 4 types 6 pieces)
　　　　　・Tasting experience with artisan-made hand rolls
　　　　　・Real wasabi tasting experience (grinding and tasting real wasabi)
　　　　　・Bamboo leaf cutting show
　　　　　・Certificate of completion
　　　　　・Souvenir ukiyo-e coaster
　　　　　・Self-serve drinks (beer, sake, other alcohols, soft drinks) / 1,100 yen per person ※Optional

※All prices include tax.
※Includes interpreter guide (Languages supported: English).

Unique lighting designs using sushi tubs

The walls of the restaurant are lined with a wide array of fine sake from various regions of Japan

Introducing a Part of the Sushi Nigiri Experience

Dressed in a white coat and hat, they had the opportunity to participate in part of the course. Although the author is Japanese, it was actually their first time making sushi. It required meticulous handwork, but the artisan went around the table and provided careful support, allowing them to successfully complete the task. Perhaps due to the freshness of the ingredients, the sushi they made themselves tasted exceptionally delicious. This valuable experience is likely to become a cherished memory!

The awe-inspiring moment when beautiful sushi is crafted in one's hands

A comparison of sushi made by a craftsman (bottom) and sushi made by oneself (top). *The photo is for tasting purposes only.

"What we cherish is the spirit of hospitality," says Ryohei Nakano, the representative of Tsukiji Tamasushi Co., Ltd. "We want to convey the charm of Japan's sushi culture, which we are proud of to the world, through a clean space and careful customer service." The artisans and staff at the restaurant are all friendly and kind. Not only can one experience authentic sushi-making techniques and knowledge, but also the meticulous 'omotenashi' hospitality unique to Japan.
The [Asakusa Sushi Making Studio by Tsukiji Tamasushi] offers a new way to enjoy sushi. Located in the heart of Asakusa, it allows for easy exploration of the town before or after the activity. Why not stop by while touring Asakusa?

[Asakusa Sushi Making Studio by Tsukiji Tamasushi] Phone: 03-3541-0001 Address: 1-4-1 Hanakawado, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Asakusa EKIMISE 7F Access: Tobu Isesaki, Tokyo Metro Ginza, Toei Subway Asakusa Asakusa

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.