When you arrive in Gero, you step into a town known across Japan for its hot springs and as a gateway to Gifu’s interior. The sushi-making session is held at a casual, Tabelog-listed restaurant in the area — not a high-end counter, but a working local spot where the food is taken seriously. This setting gives the experience an approachable, everyday quality that reflects how sushi is actually eaten and prepared throughout Japan.

Once inside, your guide walks you through the fundamentals of nigiri. You watch the technique demonstrated up close, then replicate it yourself — pressing, shaping, and forming each piece of rice and fish with your own hands. Your guide leads the session in English, explaining each step and answering your questions throughout.

The 90-minute format gives you enough time to work through the steps without feeling rushed. By the end of the session, you have assembled a set of nigiri pieces yourself, following the techniques demonstrated by your guide. You can ask questions about rice seasoning, fish selection, or preparation techniques and receive answers as you learn. You leave with a clearer, practical understanding of what goes into each piece of nigiri.