You arrive at a casual sushi restaurant in Aizu-Wakamatsu, a city in Fukushima Prefecture known for its samurai history and regional food culture. As you settle in, your guide introduces the session and explains what you will be doing. The setting is relaxed and welcoming, giving you a comfortable starting point before the hands-on work begins.

Your guide demonstrates nigiri techniques step by step, and you follow along, shaping rice and placing toppings with your own hands. Your guide explains the instructions and answers your questions as the session progresses.

You work through each step at your own pace, adjusting your grip and technique based on the guidance you receive throughout the session.

By the end of the 90 minutes, you have shaped and assembled your own nigiri sushi, which you then eat. The Q&A format throughout the session lets you explore specifics — from rice preparation to fish handling — so you leave with practical knowledge you can apply beyond the restaurant.

The experience concludes with your finished plate in front of you.