Only 25 minutes from Shinjuku! Original Sushi-Making & Sake Tasting Tour in Fuchu City

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Fuchu City is a historic land, once home to the capital of the ancient province, that prospered as a post town during the Edo period. Fuchu City boasts historic sites from the era, including the Remains of Provincial Office of Musashi, Okunitama-jinja Shrine and Zenmyo-ji Temple, whose founding date is still a mystery, and JRA Tokyo Racecourse, which is considered the 'racecourse of racecourses' in Japanese horseracing, just to name a few of the many charming tourist attractions. Right next to Keio Line Fuchu Station is a Zelkova tree-lined avenue, designated a Natural Monument of Japan. This lush green area attracts many for both tourism and leisure, both from within Japan and abroad.

The tour starts from Fuchu Station, just about a 25-minute express train ride from Keio Line Shinjuku Station. Fuchu Station, at the heart of the city, is a bustling area packed with shopping centers, restaurants and cafes. The sushi-making classes start at 14:30, so we advise you to have some light lunch and leave room for the sushi set you will make during the classes.

Go from Fuchu Station to the tour’s meet-up spot: Fuchu Tourist Information Center. It is a roughly 5-minute walk from the station's south exit, passing through a beautiful avenue lined up with about 120 Zelkova trees, stretching for approximately 500 meters. Known as the Prized Zelkova Row of Trees of Riding Ground Daimon, it is the only one of its kind in Japan recognized as a National Natural Monument. As you stroll down this spacious avenue, you will see the Tourist Information Center on your left, which is where you will meet your guide.

Your tour begins after meeting up with a guide who is fluent in English and knowledgeable about the history of Fuchu City! First stop is the Tourist Information Center, where you will find pamphlets in many foreign languages and local souvenir goods. After that, you will head to Okunitama-jinja Shrine.

The tour begins with a visit to Okunitama-jinja Shrine. With the history spanning over 1900 years, this prestigious shrine enshrines Okunitama-no-Okami, the guardian deity of the Musashi Province. Pay attention to the approximately 400-year-old Zelkova tree standing on the right side as you head towards the main hall, next to the shrine's grand torii gate. Behind the main hall, there is a sacred Gingko tree that is said to be over 1,000 years old. While the shrine complex has numerous smaller shrines, each with their own corresponding god, it is particularly known for granting blessings related to matchmaking and preventing misfortunes.

The shrine grounds are so vast that it can be difficult to know where to start, but rest assured, the guide will point out and explain all the must-see spots. Apart from the history and significance of Okunitama-jinja Shrine, you will also learn the difference between shrines and temples, and the etiquette of worshiping with two bows, two claps, and one final bow. This is a great chance to get a little closer to the heart and soul of the Japanese culture Feel the sacred atmosphere as you slowly walk through the majestic grounds of Okunitama-jinja Shrine.

If you want a deeper and more meaningful experience at Okunitama-jinja Shrine, try "omikuji" (fortune-telling slips) and "hitogata-nagashi" (purification paper dolls). The omikuji fortunes are written in Japanese, but your guide will help you translate and explain the meaning. The heart-stopping moment, wondering if you pulled a “good” or “bad” luck slip, will surely become a beautiful memory of your stay in Japan. Meanwhile, with "hitogata-nagashi" you can dismiss any possible misfortunes and set them afloat a sacred stream of water coming from Mizu-jinja (Water Shrine).

Here's a quiz! One of the shrines surrounding Okunitama-jinja Shrine, Miyanome-jinja Shrine, enshrines a Shinto deity of performing arts and safe childbirth, Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto. There is a ladle used for dedicating prayers for safe childbirth. Do you know why the ladle is bottomless? Join the tour and ask your guide to find out! The tour will also include some other fun quizzes and fun facts about the shrine.

After visiting Okunitama-jinja Shrine, a short 2-minute walk will lead you to a popular local Japanese restaurant, Mimatsu Honten. Here is your chance to learn the art of sushi-making firsthand. You can actually go behind the counter where sushi chefs usually work, and learn how to make sushi under the guidance of a skilled sushi master. Wearing the restaurant’s "samue", a traditional garment worn by craftsmen, you will truly feel like a sushi chef!

During the experience, your guide will interpret for you and your sushi master and take plenty of photos of you while making sushi. This rare chance to work side-by-side with a professional sushi chef in a traditional setting is one iconic Japanese moment to remember.

After putting on your "samue" and washing your hands, it is time to dive into the world of sushi-making! Though the process of shaping the vinegar rice (shari) and topping it with ingredients like wasabi and sashimi may seem simple at first glance, the amount of rice used and the pressure applied can greatly affect both the taste and appearance of your sushi. Observe closely the skills and techniques of the sushi master and try your hand at making sushi while learning the tools of the trade.

Along with the basic “nigiri” or finger sushi, you can even try making more advanced types of sushi, like gunkan-maki (boat-shaped sushi type wrapped with dried seaweed) and hosomaki (thin sushi rolls). Ingredients include fresh seasonal seafood such as tuna, shrimp, and salmon roe. After the sushi-making experience, the best part awaits – it is time to taste your creations! The fruits of your labor are bound to taste exceptionally delicious.

The final stop of the tour is about a 5-minute walk from Mimatsu Honten, where you will experience sake tasting at a local sake shop. At Sakaza Nakakyu Honten, a long-established sake shop with a brewery making local sake in Fuchu since 1860, you will have the opportunity to sample and compare three different types of sake. While sake is produced all over Japan, its flavor varies by region and brewery. From clean, dry varieties to rich, aromatic ones, try different unique sakes and discover your favorite taste.

The sake provided for tasting comes from various regions across Japan, and while the brands vary depending on the season, three easily distinguishable flavors will be prepared for you. Before the tasting, the staff will explain the origin and flavor characteristics of each sake, and the guide will continue explaining some more. Listen carefully and enjoy the taste of sake!

Any sake you find to your tastes is available for purchase on the spot. Sakaza Nakakyu Honten offers carefully selected sake from all over Japan, as well as shochu, wine, and whiskey. In particular, the sake "kozuru", which is beloved local sake of Fuchu, is a perfect souvenir from Fuchu.

Ready to learn the art of sushi-making firsthand and experience sake-tasting at a local sake shop with a brewery?
This adventure starts at Okunitama-jinja Shrine, the spiritual center of the area since ancient times, where you will learn about the Japanese Shinto roots, history and fascinating culture that make Fuchu City alive. Next up is an exclusive chance to learn the art of sushi-making under the guidance of a skilled sushi master. Paired with sake tasting and a complete explanation of the flavor characteristics, the tour will definitely become an unforgettable experience!
This tour allows you to enjoy a special experience unique to historic Fuchu City, centered around Okunitama-jinja Shrine. In addition, an English-speaking guide will introduce you to history and Japanese culture, allowing you to have a deeper experience. It's convenient to access from Tokyo, so why not join this tour?
There is so much to do in the city of Fuchu! From the DAI-TOKYO Wholesale Market, perfect for shopping and dining, to the Kyodo-no-Mori Tourism Product Promotion Center ideal for buying local souvenirs, there is plenty to explore! Pairing these spots with our tour is the perfect way to finish your trip in Japan in a memorable way.