sake tours tokyo

Top 5 Best Sake Breweries in Tokyo

Yuma Wada Lunch , Tokyo 0

Tokyo is a vibrant city with countless spots to visit. Things to do in Tokyo range from eating sushi at the world’s most famous fish market to checking out the colorful fashion trends in Harajuku. If you are a first-time visitor, a few days may not be enough to fully enjoy Tokyo! But if you have seen most of Tokyo after a few visits, and you’ve exhausted all the must-do spots – fought the crowds at Shibuya crossing, climbed Tokyo Skytree, wandered around traditional Asakusa – then you might look to venture further afield and explore where the locals go for fun and drinks. Let’s explore the best sake breweries in Tokyo!

If you are looking to taste and learn about sake, Try in-person sake tasting in Tokyo or our online tasting experience !

Looking for a less touristy spot? Visit a Sake Brewery!

As a guide, I often hear from travelers who want to get off the beaten path in Tokyo. For an interesting and authentic outing, I would suggest one of the many great sake breweries, which you can visit with just a day trip from the city. Although it is not widely known, Tokyo boasts nine sake breweries, and there are many sake breweries in nearby prefectures as well. Most of them offer brewery tours and tastings. While none of these breweries is a secret, most travelers still miss out on them in favor of more touristy spots in Tokyo. If you love Japanese food and sake, I would encourage you to visit one of these sake breweries to learn more deeply about the brewing process and the different types of sake. Here are five of the best sake breweries to visit on a day trip from Tokyo.

Ozawa Sake Brewery （小澤酒造）

Established in 1702 with over 300 years of history, Ozawa Sake Brewery is the oldest sake brewery in Tokyo. The brewery is famous for its brand “Sawanoi”. Located way out west in the city of Ome, an hour and a half by train from central Tokyo, this brewery is a perfect getaway from the city. Surrounded by lush mountains and clean air, you can enjoy the beautiful sceneries of Japan’s gorgeous landscape without even stepping out of Tokyo. The brewery has a sake tasting bar, a sake shop, two homemade tofu restaurants, and a large garden on the property. The garden is a sake lover’s paradise overlooking the Tama River, where you can order all of Ozawa brewery’s products. You can also order a sake tasting flight and some snacks to enjoy as you bask in the tranquil nature. There are free guided tours of the brewery followed by a free tasting of seasonal sake at 11am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm every day of the week except Monday. The tours are available in Japanese, with English information provided. They also recently started a guided brewery tour in English taking place twice a week, usually at 11:30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The brewery tours, whether in Japanese or English, must be booked in advance through a form on their website: http://www.sawanoi-sake.com/en

The regular tour (in Japanese) runs four times a day, but as there are limited spaces it is really best to book in advance.

If a three-hour round trip from central Tokyo sounds like a lot of time to spend for a trip to just a sake brewery, there are many other things in the area to keep you entertained. One of the prominent mountains for hiking in Tokyo, Mount Mitake, is walking distance from the brewery so it makes a good start or end to a hiking trip. There are also two museums nearby, one dedicated to Gyokudo Kawai, a master of Japanese-style painting, and one features Kanzashi, traditional Japanese hair accessories.

Ozawa Sake Brewery Sake Brand: Sawanoi Address: 2-770 Sawai, Ome-shi, Tokyo Phone: 0428-78-8215 Hours: 8:00 – 17:00 Closed: Monday (If a Monday is a national holiday, closed the following Tuesday)

Website: http://www.sawanoi-sake.com/en

Tour Schedule: Duration 45 Minutes (Includes sake tasting) Tours in Japanese – Starting from 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 (Closed Mondays) Tours in English – Starting from 11:30 (Only Tuesday and Thursday)

Ishikawa Brewery （石川酒造）

First established in 1863 and moved to its current location in Fussa city in 1881, Ishikawa brewery is a 120-year-old sake and beer brewery producing Sake “Tamajiman” and craft beers Tama no Megumi and Tokyo Blues. The brewery is located on the west side of Tokyo, around fifty minutes away from JR Shinjuku station by train. The brewery complex consists of a historical beer museum, a sake shop, an Italian restaurant, and an onigiri (rice ball) restaurant. The area retains a sophisticated and traditional atmosphere, as the old Japanese warehouses, called “ kura ,” and classic sake cellar are still in use. The brewery also offers free tours in English and French on weekdays, where you can learn about Ishikawa brewery’s products, sake brewing process, and the history of its surrounding region. Ishikawa BrewerySake Brand: Tamajiman Address: 1 Kumagawa, Fussa-shi, Tokyo Phone: 042-553-0100 Hours: 9:00 – 16:00 Closed: Tuesday

Website: http://www.tamajiman.com/english/

Tour Schedule: Duration 60 Minutes (Includes Sake Tasting) Tours in English – They accommodate tours from 10:00 – 16:00 Advanced reservations are required at least one day prior to the day of the tour. To register for the tour, apply using the reservation form below: https://www.tamajiman.co.jp/en/contact/

Toshimaya Shuzo（豊島屋酒造）

When people think of a sake brewery, they often envision a place out in a rural area, surrounded by lush, beautiful nature. However, this sake brewery will make you throw your assumptions out the window. Toshimaya is located in a residential area in Higashimurayama city, which is less than an hour away by train from Shinjuku station. With its roots going all the way back to 1596, Toshimaya is one of Tokyo’s oldest sake makers, that have passed down their traditional sake brewing process from generation to generation. The brewery originated when its founder opened the original sake store and sake bar in central Tokyo in 1596. In 1930, the brewery moved to its current location and started producing sake. Like any brewery, the water source for sake production is critical, and here it’s obtained from underground water that flows all the way from Mt. Fuji. Although there are no regular brewery tours, they offer a private sake tour in Japanese that includes a tasting of 4-6 kinds of sake. They also often hold events and workshops. Please check their website for upcoming events. Toshimaya Shuzo Sake Brand: Okunokami, Kinkon Address: 3-14-10 Kumegawa-cho Higashimurayama-shi, Tokyo Phone: 042-391-0601 Hours: 9:00 – 17:00 Closed: Saturday and Sunday

Website: toshimayasyuzou.co.jp Tour: Private tours are available only in Japanese by reservation Tour Fee: ¥550 includes 4-6 types of sake tasting

>> Tips for a great Sake Brewery Visit

An excellent way to discover the wonderful world of sake is to visit a sake brewery. But considering how traditional and private many Japanese sake breweries seem, you might feel a bit daunted. Now that you’ve seen some of the best sake breweries in Tokyo, here are some tips you need to know before visiting. Rule #1: DO NOT eat fermented food on the day of visit This might sound odd, but many sake breweries ask that you refrain from eating Natto (fermented soy beans) on the day of visiting. The brewing process of sake is very delicate and complex, and the fermented Natto bacteria is very strong and could suppress the bacteria that is essential to the fermentation process. For many of you, forgoing the sticky fermented Natto soybeans shouldn’t be a challenge anyway, but it’s good to know as it could be devastating for sake breweries. Aside from that, refrain from eating any other fermented food such as yogurt, cheese, and pickles, and refrain from wearing strong perfume on the day of visit for the same reason. Rule #2: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes There are many slippery places inside breweries, such as wet floors, loose hoses, and steel scaffolding next to the brewing tanks, so please wear comfortable shoes. If you are allowed inside the brewing area proper, you might be expected to wear a hairnet, lab coat, and/or boots. Rule #3: Ask questions and have fun! Don’t be afraid to ask questions and talk to the brewery employees as well as the others on your tour. Even if you can’t understand Japanese, it’s a fun experience for everyone involved–including those running the tour. So don’t be shy, and take advantage of anything and everything offered to you!

Conclusion of best sake breweries in Tokyo

Hope you enjoyed this aritcle! As you can see, there breweries are not easy-to-access from downtown Tokyo. Plan a half-day or full day trip to visit one. If you don’t enought time for that, try a sake tasting experience like this at a bar. Otherwise, there are other breweries in Kyoto/Osaka/Kobe area.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop us a note or leave a comment!

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Sake Brewery Tour Ishikawa Brewery

Transit Info

Taste sake at a 150-year-old brewery

Ishikawa Brewery founded in 1863 is a sake brewery producing Japanese sake Tamajiman, craft beer Tama no Megumi, and craft beer Tokyo Blues, and offers guided tours (reservations required). If you are feeling hungry or in the mood for more drinks, try the on-site brewery-direct sales shop, the Italian restaurant, or explore the other shop, where you can enjoy riceballs with sake and beers that are sure to hit the right spots.

How to Get There

Haijima Station JR Ome Line Seibu Haijima Line South Exit 20 min on foot

Your current location:

Outlying Area
Okutama & Around
Sake & Liquor
Traditional Cultural Experience

Opening Hours

10:00-18:00 Mondays Wednesdays Thursdays Fridays Saturdays Sundays Holidays

Closing days: Tuesdays *New Year's Day

Entry is free. Four tours suitable for Japanese visitors are available. ①Self-guided tour: Free, with English-language option. Explore the grounds at your own pace with a leaflet with a QR code. ②Sake tour: 700 yen, from 10:30 to 11:20. Discover the history of Ishikawa Brewery and learn about Japanese sake. Tasting available. ③Craft beer tour: 1,000 yen, from 14:30 to 15:20. Learn about modern and historical beer brewing. Tasting available. ④Food and sake tour: 1,800 yen, from 12:15 onward. Enjoy a tour of the brewery, as well as a meal featuring local ingredients from Tokyo's Nishi-Tama area and sake lees from the brewery. No tasting; drinks not included. English and French tours: A free 60-minute lecture on the history of Japanese sake. *Tasting available for adult visitors. *We kindly ask you to refrain from translating between the participants.

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For updated information on opening hours, closings, prices, and more, please check the official website or ask the facility directly.

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6 Best Sake Tasting Experiences in Tokyo a Sip Above the Rest

BY Pelago by Singapore Airlines

10 NOV 23 . 4 MIN READ . GUIDES

Best Sake in Tokyo for a Premium Tasting Experience

Do you know? Nihonshu, sometimes called Japanese sake, is Japan’s national beverage.

There are around 1,800 breweries located all across Japan, and you can nearly always get a local sake (jizake) whenever you want.

Only four ingredients are used to make sake: rice, koji (a sort of rice mould), water, and yeast.

However, even the slightest variations in these and the environment and production methods result in completely diverse types of this delicious rice wine. As a result, the sake from each region has a taste of its own.

Tasting sake from various regions of Japan is like embarking on a culinary journey throughout the nation.

So, ready to savour the best sake tasting in Tokyo? This guide will lead you to the best places where you can enjoy the top sake-tasting experience.

Let us lift our cups and discover Tokyo’s top sake-tasting venues!

The Meishu Center
Ozawa Sake Brewery Sawanoi Oume
Various locations for Hasegawa Saketen
Ishikawa Brewery
Sake tasting In Shinjuku with a sommelier
Sake Tasting Seminar – Explore All Sake Types!

Best Sake-tasting Experience in Tokyo

1. the meishu center.

Set off on a fascinating adventure through the various worlds of sake.

The Meishu Center experience is designed for people new to sake, giving the ideal chance for lovers like you who want to appreciate sake but are unsure where to begin.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 日本酒 150種飲み比べ&販売処&量り売りもできる　名酒センター (@meishucenter)

Along with your experience, you’ll receive a wonderful gift – an exclusive sake vessel that will remind you of your expedition for the rest of your life.

Here, you will get to try eight different varieties of sake, each with a distinctive flavour and personality. The range extends from junmai-shu to honjozo-shu, junmai-ginjo-shu to daiginjo-shu, unpasteurised sake to cloudy sake, aged sake to sake-based liqueur and more.

As you taste, a skilled guide will explain the delicate elements of their preparation. Prepare to embark on this delectable adventure of discovery!

Address : Lions Plaza Ochanomizu, 1 Chome-2-１２ 1 階 Yushima, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0034, Japan ( map )

Directions to reach- 5 minutes walk from JR Ochanomizu Station and 7 minutes walk from JR Akihabara Station.

2. Ozawa Sake Brewery Sawanoi Ome

Sake tasting tour in a 300-year-old brewery.

Embark on a sake journey at Ozawa Sake Brewery Sawanoi Ome, a historic 300-year-old sake haven nestled in the scenic Okutama region of Tokyo Prefecture. Just an hour and a half by train from Shinjuku Station, this gem seamlessly combines history with natural beauty.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 日本酒澤乃井”Sawanoi” (@sawanoi_sake)

While exploring the brewery grounds, featuring a sprawling garden overlooking the tranquil Tama River, sample renowned sake brands such as Dassai, Hakutsuru, and Gekkeikan.

To enhance your tasting experience, participate in the guided tour led by Ryuta , a connoisseur trained by a master sake sommelier. As he unveils the brewery’s secrets, immerse yourself in a tasting experience that will truly elevate you into a sake aficionado.

Address : 2 Chome-770 Sawai, Ome, Tokyo 198-0172, Japan ( map )

Directions to reach : 3-min walk from Sawai Station on the JR OmeLine.

3. Hasegawa Saketen

View this post on Instagram A post shared by はせがわ酒店 (@hasegawa_sake)

Consider the exhilaration of swirling, sipping, and savouring an exquisite junmai daiginjo, ideally paired with the subtle dance of fresh sashimi – a duet that will leave you wanting more.

The adventure, however, does not end there. Prepare to be enchanted by unpasteurised namazake, paired with crunchy tempura to create a symphony of sensations on your tastebuds.

As you travel through the years with aged sakes, a captivating story emerges, perfectly complementing the deep appeal of grilled miso-marinated blackfish.

Your sommelier will guide you through this kaleidoscope of tastes and reveal the mysteries of sake production.

Address : Multiple locations, including Kameido ( map ) and Marunouchi ( map )

4. Ishikawa Brewery

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 石川酒造株式会社 (@ishikawabrewery)

As you enter, you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the brewing process. A universe of tastes awaits, from the silky appeal of junmai daiginjo to the vivacity of unpasteurised namazake and the mystery of aged sakes.

Imagine improving the experience by matching these fine sakes with tasty delights like grilled miso-marinated blackfish.

Your expert sake guide will reveal the tales behind the beers and the art of matching, making your tasting a fascinating adventure.

Prepare to drink, savour, and revel in the enchantment of Ishikawa Brewery, where every moment is a testament to excellent flavour.

Address: 1 Kumagawa, Fussa, Tokyo 197-0003, Japan ( map )

Directions to reach: Haijima Station is roughly a 15-minute walk from Ishikawa Brewery. You may take the JR Chuo/Ome Line directly from Shinjuku.

5. Sake Tasting in Shinjuku with a Sommelier at Sake Bar Doron

Sake tasting with a sommelier in shinjuku, tokyo.

On this sake-tasting tour , meet your guide, a qualified sake sommelier who operates a new-wave sake bar in Tokyo.

Learn everything there is to know about sake in this two-hour session and discover the Japanese sake brewing process, history, and variety.

Explore the neighbourhood, described locally as a ‘drunkard’s heaven,’ while sipping lip-smacking sake.

Taste six high-quality sake brands only to find your favourite and make your own sake-tasting chart. Plus, discover how sake flavours alter with temperature and cup shape.

Finally, try pairing your sake with local delicacies to see how the sake enhances each flavour. And spend time in Tokyo with other Japanese sake enthusiasts and pick up some travel ideas from the locals.

Address: Sake Bar Doron, 7-chōme-19-21 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan ( map )

Directions to reach: 9-min walk from JR Shinjuku station

6. Sake Tasting Seminar- Explore All Sake Types

Sake tasting seminar with all types of sake.

You will travel from Shinjuku-Sanchome Station to a nearby sake bar for a unique sake-tasting session on this tour.

There, you’ll get to try a variety of sake, including sparkling, hazy, yamahai, and unpasteurised varieties.

Try the different sake varieties and learn the variations between each sake by your guide.

And learn which particular sake goes best with warm, cold, or room-temperature servings. You’ll also receive a simple sake paper for your records, something cool for you to bring home.

Sake Reverie: Closing Notes on Tokyo's Best

Of all, these establishments are merely a small sample of Tokyo’s many excellent sake suppliers.

Our other faves are Inishie Sake Store, which has workers who speak native English, and Kimijimaya.

Additionally, you can nearly always find a well-curated drinking area at major department stores like Mitsukoshi, Isetan, Takashimaya, and Daimaru (often on the lower levels, close to the deli and grocery).

So, step out to discover the best sake-tasting experience in this enormous metropolis for a fascinating and thrilling sake journey.

Commonly Asked Questions

Which region in japan is famous for its sake.

The Nada area of Kobe in Hyogo Prefecture is renowned as Japan’s leading sake production zone because of its advantageous location; it produces 30% of the nation’s sake.

How is sake to be consumed?

Depending on the kind of sake and the drinker’s taste, sake can be served cold, warm, or hot. The most adaptable style of sake is junmai, which may be served cold, warm (between 100 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit), heated, or even hot.

What flavour does excellent sake have?

Rice has a very bland flavour, whereas sake, and ginjo-shu in particular, offers delicious notes reminiscent of apples, bananas, and other fruits. These tastes are the outcome of expert sake production.

What is your favourite way to drink sake?

Try it both hot and cold. Even while sake is typically served warm, it also tastes great when cooled, at room temperature, or even when it’s heated. Cheaper sake is frequently warmed to mask its inferior quality, whereas luxury sake is served cool.

Are there different kinds of sake?

When you look at a sake menu, you’ll see the names are separated into groups like junmai, ginjo, daiginjo, honjozo, and futsu. Each term implies something different, describing how the sake is prepared and how it will taste, similar to the types on a wine list.

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Tokyo: Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour With Sake Tasting

Discover the delights of Tokyo’s Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour With Sake Tasting!

Dive into the craftsmanship of sake making and tantalize your taste buds with a variety of sake flavors.

Led by a knowledgeable sake expert, this 2.5-hour tour takes you on a journey through the fascinating world of sake production.

Explore the Toshimaya brewery and learn about the ingredients, fermentation process , and more.

Enjoy the charming suburb area of Tokyo as you sample 5 to 7 different sake bottles, each offering a unique and delightful experience.

Whether you’re a sake enthusiast or simply curious about Japanese culture, this tour promises an authentic and memorable experience you won’t want to miss.

Quick Takeaways

Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Participants will have the opportunity to try many different kinds of sake
The tour is led by a sake expert who will explain the process of making sake
Participants should be aware of the minimum drinking age in Japan, which is 20 years and above

Activity Details

How long does the Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting last?

The duration of this immersive experience is 2.5 hours, giving participants ample time to delve into the fascinating world of sake brewing.

Led by a knowledgeable sake expert, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the intricate process of making sake, from the selection of rice to the fermentation and aging techniques.

But the tour doesn’t stop there. Participants will also get to explore the charming suburb area of Tokyo, seeing its unique atmosphere.

The tour is designed to be engaging and informative, providing a comprehensive understanding of sake production while allowing visitors to soak in the local culture and scenery.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to uncover the secrets of sake and discover the hidden gems of Tokyo’s suburbs.

Tokyo: Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour With Sake Tasting - Experience

Participants on the Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting will have a unique and immersive experience exploring the world of sake production. Led by a sake expert, they will learn about the sake brewing process and gain insights into the craftsmanship behind this traditional Japanese beverage. The tour takes place in the suburb area of Tokyo, providing a charming and authentic atmosphere. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to try many different kinds of sake, using sake tasting techniques taught by the expert guide. The tasting includes 5 to 7 sake bottles, depending on the season and availability. This hands-on experience allows participants to deepen their knowledge of sake and appreciate its rich flavors and aromas. It is a must-do activity for sake enthusiasts and those curious about Japanese culture.

Tokyo: Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour With Sake Tasting - Inclusions

The inclusions for the Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting consist of entry to the Toshimaya sake brewery and the opportunity to taste 5 to 7 sake bottles, depending on the season and availability.

Here are three reasons why these inclusions make the tour a must-try experience:

Explore the Sake Production Process : By visiting the Toshimaya sake brewery, participants can witness the craftsmanship and learn about the intricate process of making sake. From the careful selection of rice to the fermentation and aging techniques, this tour offers a unique insight into the art of sake production.
Enhance Sake Tasting Techniques : With the chance to try 5 to 7 different sake bottles, participants can expand their knowledge and palate when it comes to this traditional Japanese beverage. Whether it’s experiencing the subtle differences in flavor profiles or discovering new favorite varieties, this tasting session allows for a deeper appreciation of sake.
Immerse in the Suburb Atmosphere of Tokyo: Located in a suburb area of Tokyo, the Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour provides a captivating escape from the bustling city. Participants can enjoy the serene surroundings while savoring the flavors of sake, creating a memorable and authentic experience.

Not Suitable For

While the Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting offers a unique and immersive experience for sake enthusiasts, it is important to note that this activity is not suitable for pregnant women. Sake, like any alcoholic beverage, can have side effects and potential risks. Pregnant women are advised to avoid consuming alcohol due to the potential harm it can cause to the developing fetus. The safety precautions for this activity also include participants being aware of the minimum drinking age in Japan, which is 20 years and above. Alternative drinks will be provided for participants below 20 years of age. It is important to prioritize safety and adhere to these guidelines to ensure a enjoyable and responsible experience for all participants.

Select Participants and Date

A maximum of six people can participate in the Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour and select a suitable date for the activity. The meeting point for the tour is in front of the Toshimaya Shuzo Sake Brewery shop.

Participants can indicate the number of people joining the activity, and once the participants are finalized, the booking can be done. To ensure a seamless experience, it’s recommended to bring a passport or ID card (copy accepted) and wear comfortable shoes for the tour.

The tour offers a free cancellation policy , allowing participants to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility ensures that participants can book with confidence and make any necessary changes to their plans without any financial burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i get to the toshimaya sake brewery if i choose to meet at jr takadanobaba station.

If choosing to meet at JR Takadanobaba station for the Tokyo: Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour, participants can take various transportation options such as the train or taxi. The meeting point is in front of the Toshimaya Shuzo Sake Brewery shop. The tour duration is 2.5 hours.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees During the Tour That Are Not Included in the Package?

During the tour, participants should be aware that the package does not include additional costs or fees. This means that any food, gratuities , hotel pickup , and drop-offs are not covered, so participants should budget for these unexpected expenses .

Can I Purchase Bottles of Sake to Take Home After the Tour?

Yes, participants have the option to purchase souvenir bottles of sake to take home after the tour. This allows them to enjoy the flavors they experienced during the tasting and have a reminder of their brewery tour.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for the tour, but it is recommended to wear appropriate attire for the brewery visit. Comfortable shoes are also recommended to fully enjoy the experience.

Can I Bring a Camera or Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, participants are allowed to bring a camera and take photos during the tour. Capturing the experience of the Toshimaya Sake Brewery and the sake tasting is encouraged to create lasting memories of the tour.

To sum it up, the Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour With Sake Tasting in Tokyo offers a captivating and educational experience for those interested in Japanese culture and the art of sake making. Led by a knowledgeable sake expert, participants can explore the brewery, learn about the production process, and sample a variety of sake flavors.

This activity promises an authentic and memorable experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to dive into the world of sake in the charming suburb area of Tokyo.

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1day SAKE TOUR

Taste the finest sake Tokyo has to offer

Sake is to Japanese cuisine as wine is to French food. Indeed, there are few better accompaniments to eating out in Japan than a bottle or two of fine sake. No matter your liquor preferences - dry, sparkling, sweet, fragrant - once you start exploring, the world of sake is endlessly fascinating. Just three simple ingredients - rice, water, and yeast - yields endless magical permutations of Japan's national liquor! Not only can you sample all kinds of regional sake at Tokyo's izakaya, the metropolis has its own sake-brewing scene that merits serious exploration.

Visit a sake brewery

Begin your deep dive into the world of sake with a guided tour of one of Tokyo's sake breweries. Try Ishikawa Shuzo, renowned for their fabulously smooth Tamajiman brew. Explore the beautiful 19th-century warehouses where the sake is made, followed by an al fresco lunch at the adjacent Italian restaurant. Naturally, there's fresh sake and craft beer straight from the brewery to go alongside the seasonal Italian delicacies.

Ishikawa Shuzo

Another option is Toshimaya Shuzo. Established in 1596, it's the oldest of the Tokyo breweries. Their signature, multiple award-winning Kinkon is a rich, mellow brew with a hint of fruit. Brewery tours can be arranged for a fee, and include a few sake samples as part of the tour.

Toshimaya Shuzo (Japanese Website)

Few can match Ozawa Shuzo for sake-tasting in picturesque surroundings. Founded in 1702, the brewery is located right on the Tama River, encircled by lush, gorgeous mountains. It costs extra to sample sake by the glass after the tour. Hang out on the open-air terrace afterwards, or have lunch at nearby tofu restaurants Mamagotoya or Mameraku. All guided tours listed above can be conducted in English, and are available by reservation only through the respective websites.

Ozawa Shuzo

Shop for sake

Bottles of sake make great souvenirs. Head back to central Tokyo and the glitzy Ginza Six department store, home to sake purveyor Imadeya Ginza. This is the perfect bottle shop for discerning drinkers. Here, you'll find 400 - 500 types of sake, plus other liquors like beer, distilled shochu , and wine. More importantly, they stock some rare boutique brews. To name a few: rice vodka, cypress and sakura-infused gin, sparkling sake, and 11-year aged rice shochu . Buy a few drinks at the small on-site bar, and let the expert English-speaking staff be your guides. It's a good way to figure out which sake you're bringing home as a souvenir.

Imadeya Ginza

Alternatively, try Sumiyoshi Syuhan inside the newly opened TOKYO MIDTOWN HIBIYA shopping complex. The intimate and fun shop specializes in what they call “field-to-table” sake and shochu where the breweries have taken special care not to harm the environment when producing the products. A small standing bar serves carefully selected nibbles to go with the impressive lineup of sake.

Sumiyoshi Syuhan(Japanese Website)

All destinations
Bottoms up, Tokyo-style! The “sake” experience, Tokyo

What you’ll do

You’ll visit three of Tokyo’s finest rice wine establishments, each highly recommended by your insightful host. You could learn the difference between Honjozo-shu, a more straightforward variety of sake, and Daiginjo-shu, a complex, layered liquor, before your host explains the detailed etiquette of drinking the delicious brew.

Visit a specialty bar like KURAND, where you can choose from 100 different types, or hang out with thirsty locals at Nemoto Liquor Store, a typical sake shop where the party takes place on the street corner. Either way, you’ll be kept safe and satisfied by your sake-loving host, all the while chowing down on hand-prepared appetizers like edamame beans and yakitori chicken skewers that are the perfect accompaniment!

Where you’ll go

Hit the electric streets of Tokyo for an epic, once-in-a-lifetime sake sojourn. Japan’s national liquor is a type of wine made from fermented rice, but without a local guide to hold your hand, you won’t know where to find the good stuff!

You’ll visit three distinct venues with very different atmospheres, ranging from traditional izakaya informal pubs to tiny, intimate tachinomiyas, where seating doesn’t exist, and you’ll get to sample all kinds of sake, served hot and cold. You’ll nibble on small plates of classic izakaya dishes too, and as you’ll soon discover, sake can be improved by the food you eat alongside it.

Private experience, tailored to you

Matched to your ideal host

Walking tour (may use public transport)

Hosted in English (On request: Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, French, German, Hindi, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish)

Shinjuku Tourist Information Center, located close to JR Shinjuku Station South East Exit.

Experience outline

Join a local host on a personalized sake tasting spree in Tokyo’s
Sip your way through three different bars, where sake is accompanied by delicious small plates.
Indulge in an array of different sake brews, tasting different notes from various regions of Japan.
Learn which types of sake are served at which temperature.
Let your host educate you on the culture behind sake, and the history of Japan’s national liquor.
Get plenty of tips on where to buy the best sake to take back home.

Things to know

What’s included.

Private and personalized experience
3 hours with a host
6 sake samples
One accompanying dish to share at each bar
Walking experience

What’s not included

Food and drinks (other than the ones included in the experience)
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

Cancel 14 days before the experience for a full refund
Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

Travelers having fun right now!

I feel lucky that Ayako was my guide as I spent three hours enjoying, exploring and learning about areas of Tokyo. I would not have known without her guidance. She cares about her city and her work and I would highly recommend her for any guided experience in Japan.

February 2024

Jonny Wu was our guide and he was great!!!! He was amicable with the best English out of any tour guide we had in our 2 week vacation (nearly 10 different guides). He was knowledgeable about sake and (most importantly) brought us to the type of bars/restaurants that were our kind of vibe. We went to two shinjuku bars filled only with locals Not as dive-y as golden gai but just the right type of neighborly. We finished with an awesome izakaya. The place was more fancy but a perfect way to end the night with sake and an amazing meal. I highly recommend Johnny Wu.

October 2023

Alexander C

Had a great time during a sake tour in Tokyo. Our guide, Yohei, was very communicative, no problems meeting up, and he took us to some amazing places that we would definitely have not found on our own. Highly recommend!

Constantine D

He was very friendly and personable and we had some really good conversations with him. One of us had a bad gluten allergy too and he was really careful and made sure to ask the waiters and make sure there was nothing that had gluten in it. I’d recommend him to everyone I know!

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A Sake Sommelier’s Tour of Tokyo

Satoko Utsugi leads groups around Tokyo while teaching them about sake

Freelance writer and editor

Sake can be surprisingly hard to find in Tokyo. You’ll see cheapo jars of throat-burning Ozeki One Cup in convenience stores, and on restaurant menus the equivalent of the house red and white, but hunting it down can be an incredibly fun way to experience the city.

Exploring the sake on offer can be a great way to get under Tokyo’s skin

Satoko Ustugi has devoted her career to teaching visitors about the history and culture of Japan’s national drink and showing them where to find the good stuff in Tokyo. She’s petite and of an indefinable age – as is often the case in Japan – and has a calm, friendly presence, with a slightly mischievous edge to her smile. Before her popular one-day sake tour begins, you’ll find her setting out glasses and bottles in the Sake and Shochu Information Center in Shinbashi.

“I love the diversity of Tokyo,” she says. “Whatever it is you want to do, you have so many choices – so in terms of nihonshu , it should be one of the best places to try varieties from all over Japan.” With foreigners, Satoko generally refers to the drink as sake. But in Japanese, sake simply means “alcohol”, with the correct term for this specific drink being nihonshu (literally “the alcohol of Japan”).

Satoko Utsugi leads this one-day sake tour

Before coming to Japan, most people assume that sake is available just about everywhere. But as it turns out, for years, nihonshu hasn’t been seen as a very ‘Tokyo’ drink. The city is modern, global, Western; sake isn’t.

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“For years, I wasn’t particularly interested in nihonshu . Like many people, I kind of thought it was just an unsophisticated drink for older men,” Satoko explains. “Then, when I was in my 20s and working at an advertising agency, I was introduced to regional craft sake. It was eye-opening for me to find out that there were breweries in every prefecture with their own local style. I started to look into it more, try different types, travel to breweries, and eventually took a certification course with the Sake Service Institute.”

Eventually, Satoko took the major step of leaving her job – an unusual move in Japan, where the usual (or at least ideal) route is to start a career straight after university, working your way up until retirement. “Sake is the subject that I want to pursue as my life’s work. I see marketing as a key part of my work, organising events and running tours to promote nihonshu not only among Japanese drinkers but also foreign visitors.”

Though things are changing now – in part due to the efforts of passionate nihonshu fans like Satoko – the image of sake as old-fashioned and undesirable is still surprisingly common in Japan, and many need a come-to-sake moment to change their minds.

The image of sake is gradually changing in Japan

What exactly is sake?

As her tour guests arrive – a small group, with people from Europe, Asia and America – Satoko sets to work explaining the basics. What do they already know about sake? A pause, a tentative, “It’s rice wine?” She tells them that nihonshu is made by fermenting rice, a production process more akin to brewing beer.

Next, she holds up a bottle and starts explaining the label. This is more complicated than it sounds. She points to a number, which the group confidently guesses is the alcohol percentage. Wrong again – this is how polished the rice grains are. Highly polished rice makes for premium types of sake.

Each new bit of information is illustrated with a sample – the less-polished types taste earthier, the alcohol stinging the throat a bit more. These are the types that can be served warm (it’s a common misconception that the sake temperature should always be warm). The next glass contains a higher-grade nihonshu , much smoother and with a gentle aftertaste of melon; to heat this one would dull the flavour, meaning you miss the complexities.

She gives more information as the class goes on, starting with a good sake for beginners – smooth, fairly simple flavour profile, not too strong – and moving onto more complex ones. One of the biggest factors in the taste of nihonshu is the type of water. Soft water ( nansui ) often leads to a more nuanced flavour profile, as in Kokuryu sake, while hard water ( kosui ) lends a stronger mineral taste to sake brands such as Hakushika.

Satoko guides her group through the various flavour profiles of different sakes during her one-day tour

A sake tour of Tokyo

After an hour or two of intensive cramming on sake types and terms, the tipsy group leaves the Information Center. Satoko guides them from the wide, straight avenues of Shinbashi to Koto, where the streets are narrow and the old wooden buildings seem to lean against each other for support (though that could be the sake goggles).

First, Satoko leads them to Fukagawa Fudoson temple – in part to clear their heads before the next stop. However, it’s also a perfect spot to explain sake’s ritual role as an offering to the gods. At major shrines like Meiji Jingu, you’ll see huge barrels of the stuff, stacked on top of each other to form walls of sake, but even at the smallest roadside shrine or neighbourhood temple, you may see glasses or cans of nihonshu left out for the gods to enjoy.

Just down the road from Fukagawa Fudoson is Orihara Shoten , the next stop. Satoko explains that it’s a kaku-uchi , a small bar where you can taste the drinks arrayed around the room, get snacks to go with them and buy bottles to take away – similar to an Italian enoteca. It’s still light out, but already people are spilling onto the street, with the two wooden tables and limited bar space full. Inside, the walls are lined with shelves and fridges bearing all manner of sake bottles, from cloudy white ones with elegant labels to large green and brown ones daubed with complex kanji. In the corner are a few stacked traditional sake barrels.

Sake also plays an important role as an offering to the gods

How to drink sake

“Can you remember which types you liked best, or shall I just bring over a few?” Satoko asks the group. They opt for a mix of styles – a karakuchi (dry) and an amakuchi (sweet) one, a sparkling sake, one flavoured with yuzu, and even a sweet-potato shochu, just for comparison – alongside some bar snacks of dried fish, potato salad and oden .

According to Satoko, sake seems to be on the upswing again, with more specialist bars and events appearing in Tokyo and around the country. “You’re getting more and more choices – sparkling sake, aged sake, unpasteurised ( nama ) sake, and many varied characters achieved by different production methods. Light and dry flavours.” She indicates that one of the karakuchi samples “used to be appreciated most, but now there are so many to choose from”.

At this point, a couple of salarymen who seem to be more than a few bottles down, ties loosened and cheeks reddened, join the conversation – apparently they’ve been wondering what this group of gaijin (foreigners) is doing here. Satoko, smiling, explains her mission and the two men, accepting the group as firm friends, start bringing over bottles – one is “my favourite!” Another is “from my hometown!” Another still is “not good, but he likes it”. In a country where people are often reserved, it seems that sake is a great way to make friends.

Sakoto explains the history and types of sake available to her group

Where to buy and try sake in Tokyo

Tokyo is full of places where you can try sake – izakaya (Japanese pubs), sake bars, restaurants, bottle shops. Satoko recommends the Meishu Center, Hasegawa Sake-ten , Kimijimaya and Imadeya Ginza, plus several department stores (especially Takashimaya Nihonbashi, Seibu Ikebukuro, Tobu Ikebukuro and Ginza Matsuya).

All of these stores occasionally hold sake tastings, but there are also several regular nihonshu events in Tokyo now, including Craft Sake Week in spring, the Japanese Sake Fair in June, and Aoyama Sake Flea at various points throughout the year. Plenty of breweries (the oldest of which is over 800 years old) are represented at each one.

Traditionally, breweries hang a sugidama (cedar ball) above the door, but in Tokyo you’re most likely to see one outside a sake shop or an izakaya with a good selection of nihonshu – unless you spot one in Minato, in which case you may have stumbled upon the only sake brewery in the 23 wards of Tokyo.

“ Tokyoko Jozosho (Tokyo Port Brewery) closed in 1911, after running for about 100 years,” says Satoko. “Then in 2011, a descendant of the original owners re-established the sake brewery in Minato-ku. They have a tasting car in front of the building from 6pm to 9pm every weekday, and though they aren’t offering tours at the moment, they hope to in the future.”

Satoko Utsugi follows her passion by teaching people about sake

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Tokyo: Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour With Sake Tasting

Drinking Tours , Food & Drink , Sake Tasting , Tokyo , Tour Reviews

Discover the art of sake-making on the Tokyo: Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour With Sake Tasting.

Led by a knowledgeable sake expert, you will explore the craftsmanship behind this traditional Japanese beverage.

From witnessing the sake-making process to sampling a variety of flavors, this immersive 2.5-hour tour offers a unique experience for sake enthusiasts.

Conveniently located in the suburb area of Tokyo, participants can easily join the tour and gain insights into the world of sake production.

Don’t miss this must-try experience.

Quick Takeaways

Participants of the Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour gain a comprehensive understanding of the sake-making process, witnessing the meticulous attention to detail in creating each bottle of sake.
The sake tasting experience allows participants to sample 5 to 7 different sake flavors and appreciate the distinct characteristics and nuances of each variety.
The tour organizers prioritize responsible consumption of alcohol and adhere to legal requirements, with participants required to be at least 20 years old and pregnant women not permitted to participate.
The tour offers flexible booking and cancellation options, with participants able to easily book and pay for their experience in advance and enjoy flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

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General Information

The Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour in Tokyo offers visitors the opportunity to experience the craftsmanship of the brewery and try a variety of sake flavors. This tour is perfect for those who are interested in learning about the intricate process of sake making.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, you will get a firsthand look at the artistry and skill that goes into creating this traditional Japanese beverage. From the selection of the finest rice grains to the fermentation and aging process, every step will be explained in detail.

And of course, what would a sake brewery tour be without tasting the final product? Guests will have the chance to sample a range of sake flavors, from light and crisp to rich and full-bodied. It’s a unique and immersive experience that will leave visitors with a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship and variety of sake.

Visitors on the Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour in Tokyo will have the opportunity to learn about the craftsmanship of sake making and taste a variety of sake flavors.

This tour provides a unique experience to explore the world of Japanese sake and appreciate the traditional craftsmanship involved in its production.

Led by a knowledgeable sake expert, you will tour the Toshimaya Shuzo Sake Brewery and gain a comprehensive understanding of the sake-making process from start to finish. From the fermentation and aging processes to the careful selection of ingredients, visitors will witness the meticulous attention to detail that goes into creating each bottle of sake.

Plus, they’ll get to sample 5 to 7 different sake flavors, allowing them to appreciate the distinct characteristics and nuances of each variety.

Enjoy the rich history and flavors of Japanese sake on this enlightening and enjoyable tour.

Participants on the Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour in Tokyo will receive a number of inclusions as part of their experience. Here are the inclusions that participants can look forward to:

Option to go directly to the Toshimaya Sake Brewery or meet at JR Takadanobaba station: Participants have the flexibility to choose their preferred meeting point.
Entry to the Toshimaya Sake Brewery: Participants will have the opportunity to explore the brewery and learn about the craftsmanship behind sake production.
5 to 7 sake bottles to taste depending on season and availability: Participants will be able to sample a variety of sake flavors and learn about different taste profiles.
No hotel pickup and drop-offs included: Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the brewery.

During the tour, participants won’t only enjoy the sake tasting experience but also gain insights into the sake brewing process . They’ll learn about the traditional methods and techniques used to create this iconic Japanese beverage. Plus, they’ll receive sake tasting tips to enhance their appreciation of the flavors and aromas.

With these inclusions, participants can fully enjoy the world of sake and gain a deeper understanding of its rich heritage.

Restrictions

Pregnant women are not permitted to participate in the Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour. This restriction is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both the expectant mother and her unborn child. Sake contains alcohol, and consuming alcohol during pregnancy can pose serious risks to the developing fetus. It is important to prioritize the health of both mother and baby during this crucial time. Along With pregnancy restrictions, there are also age restrictions for this tour. Participants must be at least 20 years old to partake in the sake tasting portion of the tour. This is due to the legal drinking age in Japan. The tour organizers prioritize the responsible consumption of alcohol and adhere to the legal requirements surrounding it.

Participant and Date Information

The tour provides options for participants to either go directly to the Toshimaya Sake Brewery or meet at JR Takadanobaba station.

Here are some important details for participants and dates:

Meeting point: Participants will meet in front of the Toshimaya Shuzo Sake Brewery shop. This is where the tour will begin.
Passport requirement : Participants are required to bring their passport or ID card (copy accepted). This is necessary for verification purposes.
Date availability: Participants can check the availability of the tour on the website. It’s recommended to book in advance to secure a spot.
Tour rain or shine: The tour will take place regardless of the weather conditions. Participants are advised to come dressed appropriately and wear comfortable shoes.

With these details in mind, participants can look forward to an informative and enjoyable sake brewery tour in Tokyo.

Tokyo: Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour With Sake Tasting - Directions

Visitors can easily find their way to the Toshimaya Sake Brewery shop for the tour. Located in Tokyo’s suburb area, getting there ‘s convenient with several transportation options .

For those who prefer public transportation, the JR Takadanobaba station is a meeting point where participants can gather before heading to the brewery. From there, it’s just a short walk to the shop.

For those driving, there’s limited parking available nearby. It’s important to note that the tour will take place rain or shine, so participants are advised to come prepared and wear comfortable shoes.

With these transportation options , getting to the Toshimaya Sake Brewery for the tour is a breeze.

Booking and Pricing

To secure their spot on the Tokyo Toshimaya Sake Brewery tour with sake tasting, interested you can easily book and pay for their experience in advance. The booking process is straightforward, ensuring a hassle-free reservation.

Here are the pricing options available:

Standard Tour: This option includes the tour of Toshimaya Shuzo Sake Brewery and a tasting of 5 to 7 sake bottles, depending on the season and availability.
Premium Tour: For those looking for a more exclusive experience, the premium tour offers additional perks such as a private guide and access to limited edition sake varieties.
Group Discounts: If you’re traveling with a group, there may be discounted rates available. Contact the tour provider for more information.
Flexible Cancellation: The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexibility in your travel plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cancel My Booking and Get a Refund if I Change My Plans Within 24 Hours of the Tour?

Yes, you can cancel your booking and receive a refund if you change your plans within 24 hours of the tour. The cancellation policy allows for a full refund when cancelled in advance.

Is the Tour Guide Available in Any Other Language Besides English?

Yes, bilingual tour guides are available for the Toshimaya Sake Brewery tour. Along With English, they can provide guidance in other languages to accommodate a wider range of participants.

Can Children Participate in the Sake Tasting? if Not, What Alternative Drinks Are Available for Them?

Children cannot participate in the sake tasting, but alternative non-alcoholic drinks are available for them. However, they can still learn about the sake brewing process and enjoy the atmosphere of the Toshimaya Sake Brewery.

Are There Any Specific Clothing Requirements for the Tour?

Appropriate attire is not specifically mentioned for the Tokyo: Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour With Sake Tasting. However, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as the tour takes place rain or shine.

Is There Any Transportation Provided From the Meeting Point to the Brewery?

Transportation options from the meeting point to the brewery are not provided. Participants can either go directly to the Toshimaya Sake Brewery or meet at JR Takadanobaba station and walk to the brewery. Meeting point logistics are flexible.

Tokyo: Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour With Sake Tasting - The Sum Up

Don’t miss out on the Tokyo: Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour With Sake Tasting experience!

This immersive tour takes you on a journey through the Toshimaya Shuzo Sake Brewery, where you can witness the art of sake production and indulge in a tasting session of 5 to 7 different sake flavors.

Led by a knowledgeable sake expert, this 2.5-hour tour is perfect for sake enthusiasts and those eager to learn about Japanese craftsmanship.

Book your spot now and embark on a truly unique and educational adventure!

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Where to get the full sake experience in tokyo.

When it comes to food and drink pairings or special occasion beverages, most people’s first thoughts go to wine. In Japan, however, sake is the go-to drink. Although sake can be found outside of Japan, the quality and variety available for export is nothing compared to what can be found in the country from which it originates. When visiting Japan, don’t miss out on the opportunity to go for a sake tasting and experience the very best that the country has to offer.

What is Sake?

Sake is made by fermenting polished rice grains and water with koji , a Japanese yeast that converts the starch from sugar into alcohol in a process that has been refined over many centuries in Japan. In English, sake is sometimes referred to as ‘rice wine’, but actually the brewing process is much more similar to beer than wine. Still, wine and sake have many other similarities. Sake can be enjoyed hot or cold and enjoyed on its own or paired with food, and different types of sake complement different flavors and suit different moods.

Where to Go for Sake Tasting in Tokyo

Like wine, sake ranges from dry to sweet and light to full-bodied, but there are also filtered and unfiltered sakes, as well as different varieties made with rice that has been milled and polished to different levels of starchiness. A sake tasting experience can be helpful for finding out what flavor profile best suits one’s personal preferences.

Japan Sake and Shochu Information Center

For a sake tasting experience in central Tokyo, there’s no better place than the Japan Sake and Shochu Information Center in Toranomon. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and the tasting menu is constantly refreshed to offer an exceptional variety of sake for every season.

http://www.japansake.or.jp/sake/english/goto/jssic.html

Hasegawa Sake-ten

Hasegawa Sake-ten is a sake exporter with several stores around Tokyo. While some locations such as the Tokyo Skytree branch are primarily retail-focused, their Kameido branch is home to an excellent tasting bar.

https://www.hasegawasaketen.com/index_en.html

Meishu Center

The Meishu Center curates over 100 different varieties of sake from all across Japan, with tasting starting from 200 yen per sample. Their stamp card based system allows you to freely try as many varieties as you like. They have two Tokyo locations in Hamamatsucho and Ochanomizu.

http://nihonshu.com/

Ozawa Sake Brewery Sawanoi Oume

Sawanoi is a sake brewery located in Oume City in western Tokyo. While far from the city center, Oume is an excellent place to visit for a taste of nature, hot springs, and mountain brewery tours. Ozawa Brewery Sawanoi offers tours conducted fully in English so you can enjoy this unique experience without worrying about any language barriers.

http://www.sawanoi-sake.com/en

Tokyo Sake Bars

In addition to sake tasting adventures, there are plenty of bars dedicated exclusively to serving sake that can’t be missed.

Akaoni 39, located in the trendy neighborhood of Sangenjaya, is the place to go for rare, vintage, and hard-to-find varieties of sake from all over Japan. The bar curates over 100 different types of sake and has a rotating daily menu of dishes to go with them.

http://www.akaoni39.com/

Kurand Sake Market

Kurand Sake Market offers a unique drinking experience unlike any other sake bar. For a flat fee, customers are able to select the sake of their choice, pour for themselves, and drink as much as they’d like. Food can be purchased at the department store deli counter nearby and brought into the bar where the staff will reheat it for you, and Kurand Sand Market offers appetizers for purchase as well. Find locations in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shimbashi, Ikebukuro, Ueno ando other areas.

https://kurand.jp/en/sakemarket/

Mirai Sake Store - Kubota sake Bar

Mirai Sake Store - Kubota Sake Bar is situated in the basement of the Shibuya PARCO. You can do a blind tasting of 10 kinds of Sake and the AI will find out your favorite taste! Please take a look how the AI analyses your preferences here . After finding out your tastes, you can order not only sake but also cocktails with sake. Address: Shibuya PARCO, Floor B1 15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya, Tokyo,

http://kubota-sake-bar.com/english.html

Nihonshu Stand Moto

The tachinomi , or standing bar, Nihonshu Stand Moto offers a casual environment to enjoy sake in the busy hub of Shinjuku. This pocket-sized bar only fits around 15 people and is often packed with true sake enthusiasts. If you can get in, you’re sure to find an authentic and exciting sake experience.

http://fsknet.co.jp/impression/moto_shinjuku.php

Sake Hall Hibiya Bar

At Sake Hall Hibiya Bar in Ginza, enjoy a night out in Tokyo’s most upscale neighborhood. In addition to the sake they source from seven premium breweries across the countries, Sake Hall Hibiya Bar is the first sake bar to mix their own original sake cocktails. Be sure to make time and try one of their specialty drinks!

http://www.hibiya-bar.com/ginza8

Shushu is a sake bar in Kanda with a European flair. Styled after a Spanish pub, Shushu pairs their sake offerings with small tapas-style bites of food that change by the season.

http://kanda-shushu.com/info.html

Best Places to Buy Sake in Tokyo

Those looking for a fine bottle of sake to bring home may want to visit one of the following establishments.

Ajinomachidaya

One of the leading spirits retailers in Tokyo, Ajinomachidaya located in Nakano ward offers a fantastic selection of premium sakes. Their long-standing relationship with small regional breweries gives Ajinomachidaya access to some of the finest and most obscure varieties of sake in Japan.

http://www.ajinomachidaya.jp/about.html

ICHIDO determines that what they needed to provide is a clear taste that goes well with a variety of foods from throughout the world. They have been introducing the world to a fresh, rich sake experience. You can purchase their sake online.

https://1chido.jp/en

Isego Honten

Isego Honten is a Tokyo sake vendor that has been in operation since the Edo period. Their Sendagi storefront located in the shitamachi , or old-town part of Tokyo, will really make you feel as though you’ve stepped into the past.

http://www.isego.net/english/

Sakaya Kurihara

Located down a backstreet of the expat-friendly Azabu area, Sakaya Kurihara is the place to go for special or limited release sake brews as well as Japanese craft fruit liqueurs. For an even bigger selection, check out their main store in Machida City in western Tokyo.

http://www.sakaya-kurihara.jp/

Suzuki Mikawaya

Suzuki Mikawaya in Asakusa may not be very big, but it’s home to one of the best collections of rare and hard-to-find gems. The shop owner, Mr. Yamada, speaks English and can help you find the perfect bottle of sake to take home.

https://mikawa-ya.co.jp/

Toshimaya is the oldest sake retailer in Tokyo. Their in-house brand of sake has won numerous prizes at the annual Japan Sake Awards and is the only brand used for sacred Shinto rites at Meiji Jingu and Kanda Myojin Shrine. It’s the place to go for a true taste of Tokyo sake.

https://www.toshimaya.co.jp/age-verify.html

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But before you go on a sake brewery tour, let’s get acquainted with the basics: what is sake? Sake is a fermented alcoholic drink made from rice, water, yeast and koji . Potential flavors range from sweet, melon-like to nutty, pumpkin-like tastes. No matter your preference, you’re likely to find a sake that’s right for you!

For further reading, check out our beginner's guide to sake .

Why Take a Sake Tour?

If you don’t have time to go out to Niigata or Hiroshima, two regions known for their exceptional sake, have no fear. You can go on sake brewery tours right in Tokyo.

A tour is the best way to take in all there is to know about sake with the help of an expert. It’s a chance for novices and enthusiasts alike to get an inside look at the production process and the people behind it. Plus, you can taste sake at its freshest.

Which Sake Experience is Right for Me?

Below are three sake brewery tours, each offering a unique experience for people visiting or living in Japan with an interest in sake. Be sure to check out the duration, as some are complete day trips while others are under two hours.

3 Sake Tours in and Around Tokyo

Toshimaya Shuzo Sake Brewery Tour
Ozawa Shuzo Sake Brewery Tour
Yamane Shuzo Sake Brewery Tour

1. Toshimaya Shuzo Sake Brewery Tour

Looking to have your sake and eat it too? Try out a tour at Toshimaya Shuzo , one of the oldest breweries in Tokyo — operating since 1596!

During the three-hour experience, guests can drink all the sake they like and be treated to several types of fermented snacks, such as sakekasu cheese. Selections include junmai sake, origarami sake, mirin, or sweet cooking sake, and their multi-award-winning sake, kinkon, which translates to “golden wedding anniversary.”

A local guide will accompany you as you learn all about what goes into making sake — the guides speak English, so there is no need to worry about translation!

Book a tour at Toshimaya Shuzo.

2. Ozawa Shuzo Sake Brewery Tour

A sake brewery tour at Ozawa Shuzo in Tokyo

If you’re craving a feast, look no further than the tour at Ozawa Shuzo , which offers a gourmet tofu lunch. Great news for all vegetarians and their meat-eating counterparts: the Mitake region is known for its tofu, so you’re sure to leave the table feeling satisfied.

After lunch, take a trip to the beer garden for drinks and Japanese snacks, including fish cakes and onigiri. This brewery offers up to seven different types of sake to try — perfect for sipping as you enjoy the beautiful scenery of this riverside location.

And to commemorate the special occasion, Ozawa Shuzo even offers a complimentary sake cup to bring home!

In total, this excursion will take around eight hours, including a stroll around Tama River and a temple, so it’s suited for those looking for a day trip without the need to plan out an itinerary. Additionally, the number of guests is between two and six, so this tour is best for those looking for a more private experience.

Book a tour at Ozawa Shuzo.

3. Yamane Shuzo Sake Brewery Tour

Wanting a break from Tokyo? Head to Yamane Shuzo in Saitama, the prefecture just north of Tokyo.

This 1.5-hour-long experience offers a concise glimpse into ancient sake brewing techniques and the brewmasters themselves. Rental equipment will be provided so guests can get up close and personal with the timber fermentation tanks, each bubbling with fresh sake. Yamane Shuzo Brewery is the perfect place to spend an afternoon or to round out a day trip to Saitama prefecture.

Like all sake tours listed here, the workers and guide speak English as well as Japanese, so you’ll be able to soak up all the history and information of sake brewing!

Book a tour at Yamane Shuzo.

A Note on the Drinking Age of Japan

A line of sake bottles in a Japanese restaurant

If you’re bringing along kids or are college-age yourself, please note that the drinking age in Japan is 20. Anyone younger than that must bring their own non-alcoholic drinks (sippy cup optional).

Hungry for more? Browse more food experiences in Tokyo.

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A Guide To Visiting Sake Breweries in Japan

Table of contents.

We can all raise a glass and kampai to the good news that travel restrictions have started to ease in Japan. Packaging your bags may be too soon, but it’s a great time to start planning your next trip . But remember, for a sake lover, no trip to Japan is complete without checking out a sake brewery (“sakagura”).

Fukuchiyo Brewing Company in Saga prefecture. | Photo by Domenic Alonge.

Reasons to visit

Here are my top reasons to visit a sake brewery, some resources to start planning and some personal recommendations on where to go for the undecided.

Reason 1: Craftsmanship

Premium sake is made with a high degree of skill and care. Knowing this is one thing, but seeing the process at work is humbling to behold, and deepens one’s appreciation for the people who turn rice, water, yeast and koji into delicious sake.

Many “toji,” or master brewers, will insist that they are still perfecting their craft even after decades of brewing. They often oversee crucial parts of the brewing process, such as “shinseki” (rice soaking) with intense focus and a stopwatch in hand.

Reason 2: Architecture and experience

Making your way through a sakagura is a sensory journey, from the warm, comforting scent of steaming rice rising to the rafters, to the inviting nutty notes creeping from the koji room, and the ever-changing subtle aromas of the fermenting sake. Whoever said “There’s nothing like the smell of baked bread,” never made it to a sake brewery!

All hands are on deck when it comes to pressing super-premium daiginjo sake. | Photo by Domenic Alonge.

Visually, the traditional architecture adds another dimension to the experience. Many breweries still use centuries-old buildings featuring traditional construction techniques. In the Saijo brewing district of Hiroshima, “namako kabe,” an Edo-era textured pattern of blue and white plaster, skirts the lower sections of the exterior walls of many sakagura. Inside some older breweries, bare wooden beams are bound with intricate joinery forming an arch above the tall tanks of fermenting sake. After a few sips in the tasting room, you may feel as if you have traveled back in time!

Exposed beams and antiquated equipment are still on display in some breweries. | Photo by Domenic Alonge.

Reason 3: Japan-only sake

Craft beer fans know that a brewery visit gives you access to brews that might not travel outside the local neighborhood. The brews at the two extremes of the sake spectrum — bold and rich “koshu” (aged sake) with its amber hues; and fresh, bright and effervescent “nama” (unpasteurized) sake — tend to be more readily available at the brewery, often served by the very people who make it. Fill up that suitcase for the return trip!

If you’re lucky, you might be served by a master brewer. | Photo by Domenic Alonge.

Finding a brewery to visit and making an appointment

Sake breweries are production centers first. Understandably, some don’t accept visitors. Some have a tasting room and shop, but some might not. Some offer complete tours and tastings for free. Others charge a small fee for the experience. With this in mind, it is highly recommended that you plan ahead using the resources below and make reservations where required.

Independent travelers can begin planning a trip through the Sakagura Tourism website, maintained by the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association. Breweries all around Japan are listed in English and are searchable by region and by name. Particularly helpful is the “Tour Available” icon that tells you whether or not you can expect a tour of the facilities and if there is a charge for the tour. Also helpful, the site indicates if there is English spoken at the brewery.

Guided sake tours

For travelers with no Japanese language skills or who desire a more curated experience, there are tour companies that arrange and guide you on tours of breweries as well.

Kyoto Insider Sake Experience offers a variety of tours and tastings in and around Kyoto.

Saketours.com offers multi-day, all-inclusive and immersive package tours incorporating brewery visits with gourmet meals and special access to regional food producers and artisans. It is run by well-respected and knowledgeable sake industry professionals who focus on memorable and under-the-radar sake and cultural experiences.

And finally, for travelers who wish for some guidance but may want to explore at their own pace, I recommend Jim Stewart ’ s Japan: Sake Breweries of Tokyo, Kyoto and Kobe. This book has general travel advice, history and background on breweries, and hand-drawn maps to get to you from train station to brewery. The author also has recommendations for restaurants and sake shops nearby.

What to expect

Sake breweries prioritize a sanitary environment. You may be asked to suit up! | Photo by Domenic Alonge.

When the day of your visit finally arrives, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Dress warmly in winter. Bring an extra layer in summer. Sake ferments at low temperatures and breweries are not heated.
To avoid microbial contamination, brewers often ask that visitors do not eat natto (fermented soybeans) or yogurt prior to their visit, or wear perfume or cologne.
Always ask before taking photos of any brewery operations or staff.

10 recommended brewery visits

Here are 10 recommended breweries to visit that offer fun, educational and unique experiences.

Ishikawa Brewery (Tokyo)

Photo by Hayataro Sakitsu .

Off the beaten path and about 40 minutes from Shinjuku by train, this brewery has traditional architecture and an adjoining restaurant as well as a garden in which to enjoy some sake. Brewing sake since 1863, they welcome guests to tour year round and the website makes it easy to arrange a visit.

Related post: Sake-Tasting Tour at Ishikawa Brewing Company, Tokyo by Hayataro Sakitsu

Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum (Kyoto)

Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum in Kyoto. | Photo by Domenic Alonge.

This is a must-see destination for any sake lover visiting Kyoto. Gekkeikan is home to a museum showcasing the history of sake brewing and culture in Fushimi, with an impressive collection of older sake brewing equipment. The best part is that no reservations are required for small parties to visit.

Fujioka Brewing Company (Kyoto)

Masaaki Fujioka proudly pours his Sookuu sake at Fujioka Brewing Company in Kyoto. | Photo by Domenic Alonge.

Fifth-generation owner and head brewer Masaaki Fujioka is on a relentless pursuit to source the best ingredients to brew his sake under the Sookuu label. He reopened his family brewery after a seven-year closure and brews exquisite sake from rice he himself grows. This small brewery has its own sake bar called Sake Bar EN where you can have the memorable experience of sipping the sake as you watch it being made!

Daimon Brewing Company (Osaka)

Courtesy of Daimon Brewing Company.

If you find yourself in Osaka, you must visit Daimon, makers of one of my favorite nigori sake. The centuries-old house and garden that adjoin the brewery set the mood as you enter Daimon Brewing Company. Tour the brewery, taste their versatile and impeccable sake, then enjoy a farm-to-table meal featuring local cuisine under the exposed wooden beam roof at the upstairs restaurant, Mukune Tei. Special English language tours are available.

Izumibashi Brewing Company (Kanagawa)

While I have never visited this brewery personally, it is at the top of my list to visit because they grow their own rice. Izumibashi is a must for anyone who wants to see sake making from field to bottle. A visit to this brewery includes a walk through their own rice fields, sake tasting and local snacks. I can't imagine a better way to spend an afternoon!

Kumazawa Brewing Company (Kanagawa)

Courtesy of Kumazawa Brewing Company.

While no tour is available, Kumazawa Brewing Company is still a destination for sake lovers and foodies alike. The brewery houses two restaurants and a cafe where you can try all kinds of food paired with their sake. Make sure to try Mokichi Trattoria, where you can follow the toji’s recommendation and pair their sake with pizza! Not only do they make delicious sake with a gentle minerality, they also brew craft beer. Visitors can also try their sake brewed with local rice from Chigasaki and proprietary yeast. Shop Kumazawa sake at Tippsy and read our exclusive interview with their toji about the brewery’s Tensei series.

Choryo Brewing Company (Nara)

Photo by Rina Liggett.

Nara prefecture is perhaps more intricately linked to the history of sake brewing than any other place in Japan, so if you’re in Nara, why not visit a sake brewery? Choryo Brewing Company is passionate about their process, but still offers visitors a casual experience. Their recently opened Brew Park combines two of my favorite things: sake and nature. Enjoy their sake and beer in the open air while munching on food from a visiting food truck. If you visit during the spring, you’ll be able to bask in the cherry blossoms in the park as well. Shop Choryo sake at Tippsy and read our exclusive interview with their sales manager about “taru sake” (sake stored in wooden vats).

Suehiro Brewing Company (Fukushima)

Courtesy of Suehiro Brewing Company.

Visitors to Fukushima prefecture in search of sake should consider a stop at Suehiro Brewing Company, which was voted “the most fun sake brewery to visit” by one of Japan’s well-known newspapers. The grounds feature the original structure built in 1873 — constructed without a single nail — which remains unaltered to this day. Subject to pandemic restrictions, visitors may be able to take part in a free tasting upon their visit. Please contact the brewery before visiting to confirm. Shop Suehiro sake at Tippsy and read about the brewery’s philosophy in our exclusive interview with their brewery president.

Suigei Brewing Company (Kochi)

Photo by Domenic Alonge.

In 2018, Suigei Brewing Company opened their new, high-end brewing facility to welcome sake lovers from around the world. Although currently on pause, the brewery hopes to resume tours and tasting sessions at their sleek new production facility under their motto, “Enjoy sake life.” Start your day by sampling their elegant daiginjo collection before heading out for a night on the town to enjoy more Suigei sake with the local delicacy of katsuo tataki (seared and seasoned skipjack tuna). Shop Suigei sake at Tippsy and watch our tasting video for Suigei “Tokubetsu Junmai.”

Kobe Shushinkan (Hyogo)

Courtesy of Kobe Shushinkan.

Kobe Shushinkan offers multilingual resources to visitors who take a brewery tour, including videos and leaflets in English. Reservations are required, but the experience is worth it. You will be able to tour the production facility and finish with a sake tasting free of charge. More sake is brewed in this historic part of Kobe than anywhere else in Japan. If you’re passing through, this place is a must-see. Shop Kobe Shushinkan sake at Tippsy and watch our tasting video for Fukuju “Blue.”

Deepen your understanding of sake

Regardless of which brewery you choose to visit, you are sure to have an experience that stays with you whenever and wherever you raise a glass of sake. It will surely deepen your appreciation for the best beverage in the world.

Domenic Alonge

Domenic Alonge is an Advanced Sake Professional, International Kikizake-shi. His work in sake breweries in Japan, Europe and the U.S., as well as his experience as the owner of North Carolina’s first sake-only bottle shop inform his writing and his videos which he now creates as the Sake Geek. Follow him on YouTube and on sake-geek.com .

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Sake Tasting Tokyo: 8 Best Experiences & Brewery Tours
7. Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery, Sake Tasting and Riverside Walk Tour. Explore Tokyo's oldest sake brewery, taste sake, enjoy lunch, and stroll along a scenic river. Enjoy a memorable sake adventure you'll never forget. Experience sake culture in its natural setting and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Sake Tours Japan
At Sake Tours, we take you behind the scenes to meet the people who grow, cook, brew, and create the incomparable food, sake, and traditional arts and crafts of Japan. ... Approved by the Government of Tokyo. Mon - Fri 9.00 - 17.00 Sat & Sun CLOSED. Contact Information. Sake Tours . Mail : [email protected] . Postal Address:
THE TOP 10 Tokyo Sake Tasting (UPDATED 2024)
Tasting ALL TYPES of Sake with seminar. 124. Sake is a Japanese alcoholic drink that's also known as rice wine. It can be tricky as an outsider to know which type of sake to order, so eliminate language barriers, and boost your sake knowledge by having a tasting session with a sake sommelier in Tokyo.
Top 5 Best Sake Breweries in Tokyo
The brewery also offers free tours in English and French on weekdays, where you can learn about Ishikawa brewery's products, sake brewing process, and the history of its surrounding region. Ishikawa BrewerySake Brand: Tamajiman. Address: 1 Kumagawa, Fussa-shi, Tokyo. Phone: 042-553-0100. Hours: 9:00 - 16:00.
Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting at Tokyo'S Finest Brewery
Full plan including lunch and special sake tasting. Experience includes: Sake brewery tour, special sake tasting and full Japanese meal. Duration: 3 hours (can be adjusted upon request) Location: 80 minutes from Tokyo station (inquire for further details) Price: Please contact us to inquire about pricing.
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The Tokyo Sake Tour has received positive feedback from previous participants. With an overall rating of 4.5 based on 9 reviews, it's evident that many travelers have enjoyed their experience. Reviews highlight the fun and personalized nature of the tour, with some mentioning the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to try a variety of ...
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Tasting available. ④Food and sake tour: 1,800 yen, from 12:15 onward. Enjoy a tour of the brewery, as well as a meal featuring local ingredients from Tokyo's Nishi-Tama area and sake lees from the brewery. No tasting; drinks not included. English and French tours: A free 60-minute lecture on the history of Japanese sake.
8 Best Sake Tasting Experiences in Tokyo a Sip Above the Rest
As he unveils the brewery's secrets, immerse yourself in a tasting experience that will truly elevate you into a sake aficionado. Address: 2 Chome-770 Sawai, Ome, Tokyo 198-0172, Japan ( map) Directions to reach: 3-min walk from Sawai Station on the JR OmeLine. Explore this 300-year-old brewery today!
Tokyo: Private Sake Tour in Shinjuku, Tailored to Your Taste 2024
3-chōme-37-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan. Open in Google Maps. (The host will be waiting by the main door, the tourist center is located close to JR Shinjuku Station South East Exit) After booking, you can adjust the meeting point to fit your preferences with the help of our Experience Planners.
Tokyo: Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting
Includes. Guest can either go to the Toshimaya sake brewery directly (must arrive before 11am) or meet at JR Takadanobaba station Waseda exit, in front of Green Kiosk (outside gate) at 9:50 (to meet the guide) Entry to Toshimaya sake brewery. 5 to 7 sake bottles to taste depending on season and availability. Hotel pickup and drop-offs.
Tokyo: Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour With Sake Tasting
By Tokyo Top Guide December 25, 2023. Discover the delights of Tokyo's Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour With Sake Tasting! Dive into the craftsmanship of sake making and tantalize your taste buds with a variety of sake flavors. Led by a knowledgeable sake expert, this 2.5-hour tour takes you on a journey through the fascinating world of sake ...
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Visit a sake brewery. Begin your deep dive into the world of sake with a guided tour of one of Tokyo's sake breweries. Try Ishikawa Shuzo, renowned for their fabulously smooth Tamajiman brew. Explore the beautiful 19th-century warehouses where the sake is made, followed by an al fresco lunch at the adjacent Italian restaurant.
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Experience outline. Join a local host on a personalized sake tasting spree in Tokyo's. Sip your way through three different bars, where sake is accompanied by delicious small plates. Indulge in an array of different sake brews, tasting different notes from various regions of Japan. Learn which types of sake are served at which temperature.
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A sake tour of Tokyo. After an hour or two of intensive cramming on sake types and terms, the tipsy group leaves the Information Center. Satoko guides them from the wide, straight avenues of Shinbashi to Koto, where the streets are narrow and the old wooden buildings seem to lean against each other for support (though that could be the sake ...
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This immersive tour takes you on a journey through the Toshimaya Shuzo Sake Brewery, where you can witness the art of sake production and indulge in a tasting session of 5 to 7 different sake flavors. Led by a knowledgeable sake expert, this 2.5-hour tour is perfect for sake enthusiasts and those eager to learn about Japanese craftsmanship.
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Sake Tours is licensed under enakamura Inc, Registered Travel Agency No. 2 - 7490 approved by the Government of Tokyo. Meet the Sake Tours Team. Rie Komoto. ... Approved by the Government of Tokyo. Mon - Fri 9.00 - 17.00 Sat & Sun CLOSED. Contact Information. Sake Tours . Mail : [email protected] . Postal Address:
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Sawanoi is a sake brewery located in Oume City in western Tokyo. While far from the city center, Oume is an excellent place to visit for a taste of nature, hot springs, and mountain brewery tours. Ozawa Brewery Sawanoi offers tours conducted fully in English so you can enjoy this unique experience without worrying about any language barriers.
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Below are three sake brewery tours, each offering a unique experience for people visiting or living in Japan with an interest in sake. Be sure to check out the duration, as some are complete day trips while others are under two hours. 3 Sake Tours in and Around Tokyo. Toshimaya Shuzo Sake Brewery Tour; Ozawa Shuzo Sake Brewery Tour
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Brewing sake since 1863, they welcome guests to tour year round and the website makes it easy to arrange a visit. Related post: Sake-Tasting Tour at Ishikawa Brewing Company, Tokyo by Hayataro Sakitsu. Ishikawa Brewery (Tokyo) Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum (Kyoto) Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum in Kyoto. | Photo by Domenic Alonge.
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Sake Tours is owned / operated by enakamura Inc, Registered Travel Agency No. 2 - 7490 Approved by the Government of Tokyo. Mon - Fri 9.00 - 17.00 Sat & Sun CLOSED. Contact Information. Sake Tours . Mail : [email protected] . Postal Address: 502 Silver Plaza, 1-8-11 Higashi Gotanda. Tokyo 141 - 0022, Japan . Our Tours.
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Looking for a less touristy spot? Visit a Sake Brewery!

Ozawa Sake Brewery （小澤酒造）

Ishikawa Brewery （石川酒造）

Toshimaya Shuzo（豊島屋酒造）

>> Tips for a great Sake Brewery Visit

Conclusion of best sake breweries in Tokyo

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