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 led in English by your guide, who explains the techniques and answers your questions throughout the session. Your guide demonstrates 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 your guide’s instruction. When questions come up about ingredients, technique, or Japanese food culture, ask your guide and learn more throughout the session.

By the end of the 90-minute session, you will 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 your guide.