Sake Brewing

Uncover the little-known sake culture of Fushimi, Kyoto on a 3-hour insider brewery visit + sake tasting and food pairing session with an expert. Deepen your knowledge of sake making process and a bit of history of its production at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum.  Enjoy the samples of different types of sake as well as leaning details and varieties and personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour. This is a fun and educational experience to change your way of enjoying sake.   If you love sake but don't know what to select or want to know more about sake, join us and let's deep dive into the world of sake. After you experienced this, you will know which type of Sake actually you like, and you will be able to select your favorite Sake from labels or restaurant's menu even if they are all written in Japanese.

-Visit Kyoto's major sake brewery district and the Kyoto Sake Museum- you'll learn the rich history of Gekkeikan and the brewery process of sake by observing sake exhibits. Three kinds of sake tasting are offered. After deepening your knowledge of sake, feel free to stroll around the area and visit the cultural and historical spots, such as liquor stores and Teradaya. – Enjoy Kyoto's local sake samplings!- Deepen your knowledge of sake and appreciate the different aromas and flavors between the 18 of them brewed in Fushimi, Kyoto. -Be a little tipsy- Stop by one of Kyoto's shrines, and get refreshed by drinking exquisite Japanese groundwater at the end of the tour Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews!

Sake breweries are scattered in the Nada area, where the area is known as one of the best sake breweries in Japan. Several breweries are open to the public, and they are popular with tourists because they offer tours of the production process and free tastings. Sake brewing in Nada has been active since the Edo period and now accounts for about 30% of Japan's total sake production. The location, climatic environment, quality of rice, and water are just perfect to brew sake in Nada. Those are essential for sake brewing, and the craftsmanship has been handed down from generation to generation with its techniques. This tour will not only introduce a sake brewery and tasting but will also introduce you to the food culture using sake, strolling through local shopping streets. By learning about the efforts of the people involved in sake brewing, as well as feeling the daily lives in the area, you will be able to understand the appeal of sake.

Saijo is one of the three major sake brewing area in Japan. There are seven sake breweries within walking distance of Saijo Station. You can efficiently tour all the breweries in only two hours while listening to the English speaking guide's explanation about the history and sake of each brewery. You can also sample the sake recommended by each brewery. You can taste various types of sake, such as Daiginjo, Junmai, and Cloudy sake, so you are sure to find your favorite sake. Some of the breweries do not usually offer sake tasting on weekdays, so it is very valuable to be able to sample sake from all the breweries. If there is space available on the day of the tour, you can register up to 4 hours before the tour starts. Please come and find your favorite sake!

Sake is a key part of Japanese culture, from its traditional brewing methods designated an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO to the many celebrations where it's served, enjoyed and shared. With countless varieties and subtle nuances, however, exploring the world of sake can be overwhelming at first. That's where the guidance and knowledge of a professional proves invaluable. You will: Learn about Japanese sake from a sake sommelier with ample international experience Discover the intricacies of sake, how it’s made, its historical and cultural significance in Japan, and the varieties that exist during an informational workshop Enjoy tasting up to 10 kinds of sake from more than 50 brands from across Japan, and find your new favorite flavor notes and types

We offer sake tours in Nara, the birthplace of sake, where you can experience its historical brewing and culture. Accompanied by a sake-loving guide, you can interact with locals, enjoy local sake and cuisine, and have the special experience of toasting in front of World Heritage sites. We promise you an unforgettable journey, fully immersing you in the charm of Nara.

Join us for an exclusive Sake Omakase Course, featuring a 4-course experiential menu of 7 sakes with unlimited refills and premium bites. Over 2 hours, WSET & JSS certified sommeliers deeply involved in the sake industry will host a curated journey through the world of modern sake. Experience sake in an upscale private tasting room while learning about tasting and flavor components, indulging in flavor differences from various brewing techniques, exploring different drinking vessels, infusing paired spices, and more. We are confident that we are among the most experienced providers when it comes to sake. Unlike other offerings, sommeliers with experience of over 2,500 sake tastings will guide a highly interactive tasting experience in native English/Japanese. As you enjoy a variety of the best Japan-exclusive sake, we will explain the production process and unique profiles of sake, help you discover your palate preferences, and answer any questions about sake and related gastronomy.

Welcome to a spring tour where you can fully enjoy the cherry blossoms and sake culture of the Fushimi area! Delight in historical shrines, scenic spots, and unique experiences like brewery tours and boat rides, making for a truly special day. The tour begins at the world-famous Fushimi Inari Taisha. Then, immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of Gokōnomiya Shrine, where spring’s gentle breath can be felt. At the Gekkeikan Ōkura Sake Museum, you’ll learn about the history and craftsmanship of sake brewing while enjoying tastings of their renowned products. The experience continues with a relaxing ride on the Fushimi Jikkokubune to enjoy spring views from the water. Next, visit Kizakura Kappa Country, where you can savor local beer and sake alongside delicious meals. The day concludes at Fushimi Sake Village, where you can enjoy tasting various locally brewed sake and reflect on this wonderful journey enriched by cherry blossoms and sake culture.

Beyond the Kyoto Insider Sake Experience covers sake brewed with a very different concept than the ones introduced in the basic sake tours. Sake you will taste in this experience is unique and exceptional: ones brewed using ancient methods that are different from modern methods, a new type of sake that utilizes the characteristics of microorganisms, and sake that is brewed using local wood, giving it a taste unique to the region. By tasting these types of sake, you will be fascinated by the profundity of sake and the possibilities of how different tastes can be created by the sake making process. Please note that in the Advanced Sake Tasting Experience, we also cover the basics of sake production and the sake categories. Even if you have no prior sake experience, you can enjoy the Advanced course.

Discover the rich tradition of Japanese sake in the heart of Tokyo's historic Asakusa district. Join us for an exclusive sake pairing experience held in Japan's oldest underground street, a hidden gem that preserves the charm and authenticity of old Tokyo. Tour Highlights: Guided Sake Tasting: Learn from our knowledgeable sake sommelier who will guide you through the nuances of various sake types, from dry to sweet, and help you appreciate the subtle flavors and aromas. Delicious Pairings: Enjoy a carefully curated selection of local delicacies that complement and enhance the flavors of the sake. Cultural Insights: Immerse yourself in Japan's sake brewing history and culture. Our guide will share fascinating stories and historical facts about the underground street and its significance in Tokyo's cultural heritage. Exclusive Venue: Experience the unique atmosphere of Japan's oldest underground street, where time seems to stand still, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past.

Enjoy a leisurely 7-hour tour of Kobe, a port town that developed and flourished after Japan opened its ports to the world in the mid 19th century with a local guide. From the north in nature rich Mt. Rokko, downtown Kobe City in the south where you can enjoy shopping and gourmet, and Japan's leading sake breweries in the eastern Kashiwa sake district, enjoy a varied atmosphere in this coastal city. This tour covers all the best Kobe has to offer. We also offer pick-up and drop-off at Kobe Port making this a convenient day trip for those visiting Kobe on cruise ships such as the “Diamond Princess” or the “Celebrity Millennium”.

Immerse yourself in the rich culture of sake brewing with our Kyoto tour. We'll explore not just the brewery, but also the history and traditions surrounding this celebrated beverage. Learn how sake is woven into the fabric of Japanese society, from special ceremonies to everyday life. Enjoy delicious food pairings that reflect the regional cuisine and complement the nihonshu flavors.

Tour Concept Our new project “FURUSATO Cycling” tour is launched to offer an experience in which you can fully enjoy the “REAL HAGI”. We offer a guided cycling tour where you will be able to feel the local life and visit special spots which usually cannot be visited, while cycling through the beautiful countryside. Our first tour project is centered on Japanese rice wine “sake”. We will follow the “made-in-Hagi sake” brewing process showing where the rice and water ingredients are collected. Also, we will be visiting the local sake brewery and rice polishing facility. ・Length of the course: Approx. 11 km. ・Time of tour: 3 hours 30 minutes ・Bike brand: Giant ・Equipped with a mud guard (rear wheel), a pouch and a drink holder. *How to get to the tour location* The cycling tour location is about 30 minutes by car from central Hagi. If you are considering coming by a means other than a rental car, please let us know when you make your reservation. We will be happy to assist you.

Make the most of 50 to 60 different kinds of sake available to sample in 1.5 hrs. Discover the charm of sake at a private salon in Tsukiji with a sommelier. Enjoy pairing sake with cheese and other snacks during tasting. Try drinking sake at different temperatures to taste the difference in flavor. Learn about the brewing process and history of sake in Japan from your host.

Enjoy sake-tasting odyssey at a historic brewery run by very friendly owners. Immerse yourself in the nuances of local sake flavors, gaining insights into the meticulous brewing techniques that define Nagano's rich sake culture. Taste Japanese pickles made by the owners and you will be served nice hot green tea after Sake tasting. There is a fresh well water, which is used to make the Sake here just in front of the Sake brewery. You can draw up fresh water from the well and enojy it later in you hotel. Visit the lively Nawate Street, affectionately known as Frog Street to enjoy local street. After Nawate street, delve into history at Nakamachi Shopping Street, an Edo-period avenue adorned with well-preserved merchant houses. Explore quaint shops and cafes, absorbing the echoes of Matsumoto's past. Reflect on a day filled with Matsumoto's medieval grandeur and modernity as the tour concludes at Matsumoto Station and aslo you can explore more about Matsumoto city after this tour.

A must-see tour for sake lovers! We will take you to the Nada area of ​​Kobe, Japan's number one sake-producing region. When you think of Japan, you think of sake! The Nada area of ​​Kobe is famous for being home to the number one sake brewery in Japan. However, while this area remains a hidden gem for tourists, it is a very historic and special place for locals. This tour will mainly visit three sake breweries. In addition to being able to see the traditional sake brewing method, you can also see the tools that have been used for sake brewing since ancient times and sample sake. This is a must-see tour plan for those who run Japanese restaurants and sake lovers. It is extremely difficult to access on your own. Please come and visit the number one sake brewery area in Japan!

In the eastern part of Hiroshima prefecture, one can find the unique town of Saijo. Originally a post-town during the Edo Period, this place has grown into one of the main “Sake Capitals” of Japan. The climate and water of this area allow for the production of excellent Sake of the highest quality. To this day, seven breweries in the city continue to produce their Sake using traditional techniques. This 1-Day Tour has been developed for sake enthusiasts who wish to learn more about the brewing process and also taste different types of high-quality sake. Guests will have the opportunity to step into one of Saijo’s historic breweries, which still retains the appearance it had when it was founded in the early 20th century. Here, you will receive an in-depth tour inside a sake brewery, which will go into the sake making process and techniques. If you enjoy sake and want to learn about its history and production, this tour is a must

・Gain a deeper understanding of Nagayama Honke’s sake brewing techniques in a unique retro-modern setting. ・Savor a special, locally inspired menu while discovering the distinct flavors and aromas of each sake.

Step into the heart of Fushimi, one of Japan’s most renowned and oldest sake regions, where centuries of craftsmanship and passion flow like the clear, pristine waters that give life to its legendary brews. Guided by a local expert, you’ll wander through charming streets and modern tasting rooms, each with its own story to tell. As you explore, breathe in the fragrant aroma of fermenting rice, a scent that has lingered in the air for over 400 years. Listen to the tales about dedicated brewers who have perfected their craft through generations, their hands shaping each batch with precision and care. Visit a variety of sake breweries, both historic and contemporary, and uncover the delicate balance of art and science behind Japan’s beloved national drink.

There are three areas in Japan known as “sake breweries. Nada in Hyogo Prefecture, Fushimi in Kyoto, and Saijo in Hiroshima. These areas are densely populated with sake breweries, and each brewery offers a variety of sake with different tastes. This tour will visit Saijo, a sake brewery in Hiroshima. Enjoy a variety of sake not only on the palate but also in terms of knowledge. Facing the Sanyo Expressway and blessed with good water, Saijo exploded as a sake brewing town after the railroad was built, exporting sake mainly to western Japan and even overseas. Its flavor is characterized by a clean, gentle sweetness. Its mellow taste is known to go well with a variety of meals. Join our guide for a wonderful sake tasting tour.