Arrive at a casual sushi or seafood restaurant in Kusatsu, a town in Gunma Prefecture known for its hot spring culture. The setting is relaxed and welcoming, and as you settle in, get a sense of the local dining atmosphere that shapes everyday food culture in this part of Japan.
The experience is guided in English, with a bilingual guide on hand to bridge communication between you and the chef throughout the session. The sushi chef demonstrates techniques directly in front of you — how to handle and shape rice, how to place fish, and how to roll and press each piece into form.
Replicate each step yourself, shaping nigiri and rolls with guidance from the chef. When questions come up about ingredients, technique, or Japanese food culture, direct them to the chef through the guide, who facilitates a full Q&A exchange.
By the end of the 90-minute session, have a completed plate of sushi that you shaped yourself. Sit down to eat what you made, giving the experience a satisfying and tangible conclusion. The relaxed format of a casual restaurant — rather than a formal counter setting — keeps the focus on hands-on participation and direct interaction with a working sushi professional.
