Booking a Sushi Class for Someone Else

Sometimes the person booking a sushi class is not the person who will be at the table. You might be arranging a treat for your parents' first trip to Tokyo, planning a surprise for your partner, or organising the booking because you are the one with a credit card and a free evening. That works, but a booking made on someone else's behalf needs a little more preparation than booking for yourself.

This guide walks through what our checkout asks for, what to find out from the guests before you pay, and how to hand over the details so they arrive relaxed. It uses the current booking page and FAQ for our signature sushi and matcha class in Asakusa: a 90-minute, English-taught session where guests make nigiri and maki, join a sake toast, whisk matcha and eat what they made.

What the checkout asks for

Booking happens in a few steps. You choose the date, time and participants, then enter contact details, then pay by card. The details step asks for a first name, last name, email address and phone number with country code, plus an optional special requests box for allergies, dietary restrictions and similar notes.

Two practical points follow from that:

• The confirmation email goes to the address you enter. If you use your own email, you will need to forward it to the guests.
• The phone number should reach someone on the day. If you will not be in Tokyo, consider giving a number the guests can answer, or at least make sure you can relay messages quickly.

If the guests will attend without you, a short note in the special requests box such as "Booked by Anna for her parents, Mr and Mrs Lee" can help the team connect the booking with the people who arrive. If anything about names or contact details is unclear, contact the team before the class rather than on the day.

Choose the right participants and ages

The booking page separates participants by age: adults are 13 and over, and children are 4 to 12. Children aged 3 and under can join free of charge, but you should mention them when booking so the team can prepare. Prices shown on the booking page start from ¥12,000 per adult and ¥8,000 per child.

Count everyone who will actually take part. Do not leave a younger child off the booking because they are small, and do not include yourself if you will not be there. Our guide to what is included in the class price explains what each place covers.

Ask the guests before you pay

A surprise is lovely, but some details should not be guessed. Before booking, find out quietly:

1. Food requirements and allergies. List them in special requests. For plant-based guests, the checkout lets you set how many people need the vegan menu; the others receive the regular menu with fish.
2. Alcohol. The class includes a sake toast. If someone does not drink, they can mention it; our article on a sushi class without drinking alcohol explains the options.
3. The date and their plans. Check the day fits their hotel location, other bookings and energy levels. A morning class after a late flight is rarely a good gift.
4. Access needs. The studio is on the ground floor with step-free access. Mention any mobility needs when booking.

If you truly want a surprise, you can still ask a travelling companion to confirm these points for you.

Instant booking or a request

The signature class is booked with instant confirmation. During payment, the spot is held for 30 minutes; once payment is complete, the confirmation email follows. Some private formats work differently. The Family Private Sushi Class, for example, is a request: after payment the team checks availability and contacts you to confirm. Our guide to instant confirmation versus request bookings explains what that means for your planning.

For a couple, a shared class is often enough. If privacy or a special celebration is the point of the gift, read our page on sushi classes for couples and the guide to planning a premium celebration before choosing.

Cancellation and changes when you are not the guest

The published policy is the same whoever made the booking. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the class; within 24 hours the fee is 100%, and no-shows are non-refundable. Rescheduling is free with at least 24 hours' notice by email.

Because you hold the confirmation, you are usually the person who has to act if plans change. Agree with the guests that they will tell you straight away if they fall ill or their plans move, and keep the confirmation code handy. Our guide to cancelling or rescheduling a sushi class covers the details.

Hand over a simple guest note

Send the guests one message with everything they need:

• Date, start time and the class name
• The address: 1-10-16 Hanakawado, Taito City, Tokyo, with a link to the access page
• "Please arrive 10 minutes early" so they have time to store bags and wash hands
• The confirmation code and the name the booking is under
• What to wear: comfortable clothes with sleeves that roll up
• Who to contact if they are running late

This small note turns a booking into a gift that is easy to use.

Ready to book for them?

Once you know the date, the headcount and any food needs, open the signature class page to check availability. We do not describe gift cards or vouchers here; if you had one in mind, ask the team what is currently possible before promising it to anyone.