Arrive in Hakodate, a city shaped by its proximity to the sea and its long history as a trading port. Head to a casual, Tabelog-listed sushi or seafood restaurant where your session takes place. This is not a formal fine-dining environment — the setting is relaxed and welcoming, designed for hands-on participation.

Once inside, your sushi expert walks you through the fundamentals of nigiri sushi. Watch the technique up close, then step in to shape the rice, handle the fish, and press each piece together yourself.

Your guide is present throughout to explain the techniques and keep the session moving, so you can follow each step and work at a comfortable pace from your first attempt to your last.

By the end of the 90-minute session, have a plate of nigiri you shaped yourself using Hokkaido seafood in one of Japan’s most celebrated seafood cities. Ask your guide questions about fish selection, rice preparation, or technique, and leave with a clearer understanding of what goes into each piece.