Top Gifu Prefecture Sake Tasting

Hirata Sake Brewery, which celebrates its 130th anniversary this year, offers tours of its new brewery, which relocated in 2024. Each tour is limited to a small number of participants, and staff members will guide you through the brewery and offer tastings, allowing you to learn more about sake brewing up close. The roots of Hirata Sake Brewery were put down way back in 1769 during the Edo period. It was started by a merchant who ran a bintsuke oil and candle shop in the center of Hida Takayama. In 1895, during the Meiji era, the 5th generation owners converted this to a sake brewery which then was the beginning of Hirata Sake Brewery. The source of Japanese spiritual culture and the distinct advantage of Hida with its severe winters and rich tradition of sake making brings forth a fine range of exquisite sake. That is Hirata Sake Brewery.

Learn more about traditional Japanese sake on a brewery tour in Takayama. While the city is home to several sake breweries, you’ll visit the oldest, which is also the largest. See how the alcoholic drink is made, and learn some of the tricks that go into making it. This is a great rainy or snowy-day activity in the mountains.

Learn more about sake, the traditional Japanese drink, on a tasting tour of six to seven sake breweries in Takayama. Your guide is an experienced sake brewer who can answer your questions and give insider tips as you taste a variety of sake samples at each brewery. When available, you can take an optional behind-the-scenes tour to learn even more.

You can experience not only History and culture but also local food & Sake brewery of Takayama. include food fee and experience of making Rice cracker and Sake tasting in Hirase brewery. sometimes Rice cracker factory suddenly rest, so we need confirm if it's possible to do making rice cracker This is walking tour around in Takayama city. local guide could satisfy you! If you need other language guide, please let us know. If you wanted to private tour let us know. Not less than 2 person. Please call us if you want to do our tour within few hours. If it's raining possible to do this tour.

Takayama boasts a vibrant food scene, but deciphering Japanese characters alone can be challenging. This private food, sake, and culture tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the city and helps you overcome the language barrier and get your bearings with ease. Immerse yourself in Edo-era history as you admire the finer details on foot at your own pace.

Immerse yourself in the world of sake on this guided tour through Takayama's renowned sake breweries. Begin at Nakabashi Park, where you’ll learn about the region’s rich sake culture and the significance of local ingredients. Visit three historic breweries, Harada, Funasaka, and Hirase, each showcasing unique flavors and brewing techniques. Conclude at the Hida Local Sake Store, exploring a variety of local beverages. This tour provides a comprehensive understanding of Hida–Takayama sake, known for its clean taste and quality ingredients. - Start your day with a tour starting at Nakabashi Park, available at multiple times - Explore three different sake breweries and their signature offerings - Learn about the unique climate and water that influence Hida sake production - Enjoy insights into local drinks including sake, wine, and whisky

Explore the art of sake at Funasaka Sake Brewery, where tradition meets innovation. Begin your visit with a guided tour through the brewery’s production areas and uncover the rich history and techniques that shape each bottle. The highlight is a tasting session featuring a variety of Funasaka sakes, from smooth junmai to fragrant ginjo and regional specialties. Guided by knowledgeable staff, deepen your understanding of flavor profiles and brewing methods while discovering your personal favorites. With three daily time slots—11:30, 13:30, and 16:30—you can easily fit this enriching experience into your Takayama itinerary. - Guided tour of Funasaka Sake Brewery’s production areas - Sample a selection of various sakes, including junmai and ginjo - Learn about the history and craftsmanship behind each bottle - Choose from three convenient daily time slots for your visit

Discover the Art of Japanese Sake in Takayama Join a guided tour of historic sake breweries in the heart of Takayama’s old town. Learn the traditional brewing process, explore normally off-limits areas inside the breweries, and enjoy tastings of carefully crafted sake, from time-honored classics at Hirata Brewery to modern flavors at Funasaka Brewery. With an English-speaking guide, deepen your appreciation for Japan’s iconic drink in a truly immersive setting.

[PRIVATE TOUR] If you're seeking an authentic connection with a local family, this is for you! We are a warm, fun-loving family of four, deeply rooted in Takayama. Here, you won’t just learn to cook Japanese food—you’ll experience how locals live and savor life together. Our 200-year-old wooden townhouse stands on Old Town’s main street, yet stepping inside feels like entering a quiet world where time slows down. Its small quirks remind us of its beauty and history. We’ll welcome you with Japanese tea and snacks before guiding you in preparing a traditional meal in our kitchen. As we cook side by side, we’ll share stories of life in Takayama and living in harmony with nature and the seasons. Hisa and Bob pour their hearts into every class. This is more than a cooking lesson—it’s a moment of connection, culture, and feeling at home far from home. Feel free to write us your request on food or any restrictions, we are happy to accommodate as much as possible!

If you’re interested in learning how sake is made, then this is the tour for you. In the company of an English-speaking guide, you'll visit the historic Tenryo Sake Brewery, one of the oldest sake breweries in the Hida region. A sake brewer will show you the step-by-step process of making sake, and take you on a behind-the-scenes tour. A highlight is being able to taste different sakes; all tastings are included in the tour cost.

Experience Takayama’s nightlife on a private tour, immersing you in the city’s unique atmosphere and flavors. Night Walking & Dinner Option Start at Takayama Jinya with an overview of the tour. Stroll through the Sanmachi Suji district, including Nakabashi Bridge, East Mountain Trail, and Dekonaru Yokocho, while capturing the night views. Afterward, enjoy a 2-hour dinner at a local izakaya, savoring Takayama’s specialties. Your guide will share insights into the city’s drinking culture, providing a memorable experience of Takayama’s vibrant nightlife. Barhopping Tour Join us for a unique Takayama barhopping experience, starting with a meet-up at your hotel. Enjoy a cozy local bar, sampling Takayama’s signature drinks and snacks. Head to a second venue to explore more of the city’s nightlife. Your guide will introduce local drinking customs and must-try dishes. The tour is offering a deeper appreciation of Takayama’s hidden bar scene and nightlife culture.

Discover the rich heritage of Hazama Brewery in Nakatsugawa City, where over a century of sake craftsmanship unfolds. Start your visit at the historic Sake Gallery “Shuyukan,” a beautifully preserved wooden structure that has housed the brewery's legacy for around 140 years. Immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the gallery, showcasing tools and memorabilia that tell the story of sake production. The highlight is a guided tasting of three signature sakes, each offering unique aromas and flavors shaped by local ingredients and brewing techniques. This experience is perfect for both sake novices and aficionados alike, providing insight into the artistry behind each sip. - Visit the historic Sake Gallery “Shuyukan” in Nakatsugawa City - Enjoy a guided tasting of three signature sakes from Hazama Brewery - Learn about the brewing process and local culture surrounding sake - Experience the diverse flavor profiles crafted over generations

Discover Takayama’s old town through its sake, culture, and history. On this guided walking tour, visit local sake breweries, taste authentic Hida sake, and learn how the region’s cold climate, clean mountain water, and long brewing traditions shape its unique flavors. Along the way, explore charming historic streets and hear stories about Takayama’s merchant culture, festivals, and local life. A relaxed and enjoyable experience for travelers who want more than just sightseeing. Please note that the breweries visited may change depending on the operating status of each sake brewery on the day of the tour. In such cases, we may guide you to other local sake breweries instead.

Unwind in the tranquil halls of Iwamura Brewery during an exclusive after-hours tour, where the art of sake making comes alive after dark. This intimate experience, limited to just six participants, offers a unique opportunity to learn from the brewery's president, who shares his passion and stories in both Japanese and English. Explore the serene atmosphere as you taste fermenting moromi directly, gaining insight into the craft of sake production and its rich heritage. Engage in open dialogue and enjoy a sensory journey that deepens your appreciation for this traditional Japanese beverage. - Exclusive after-hours tour limited to 6 participants for a personal experience - Guided by the brewery’s president for authentic insights into sake making - Unique opportunity to taste fermenting moromi, a rare privilege in sake tours - Bilingual experience available in Japanese and English for wider accessibility

Rather than simply visiting sake breweries, this experience offers a deeper understanding of “jizake,” or locally rooted sake culture. Your guide tailors the tour to your preferences, selecting breweries based on your interests and curiosity. You will step inside working breweries, including areas not typically open to the public, and gain insight into traditional brewing methods and seasonal processes. At one brewery, you will taste multiple varieties in the place they were made, with guided explanations that help you understand differences in flavor, style, and craftsmanship. This is not just a tasting, but an experience that connects what you drink to where you are. As a fully private tour, it also allows you to explore at your own pace in a relaxed and personal setting.

Step back in time on this 2-hour private guided walking tour of Takayama’s beautifully preserved old town. Your journey begins at Takayama Jinya, the only remaining government office of its kind from the Edo period, where you explore tatami-lined rooms and learn how officials oversaw regional governance under the Tokugawa shogunate. From there, wander into Sanmachi Suji—Takayama’s iconic old town district filled with wooden merchant houses, traditional crafts and atmospheric sake breweries. Enjoy opportunities to photograph the centuries-old streetscapes and learn how the town prospered as a key mountain settlement. To complete your experience, visit a historic brewery for a sake-tasting session featuring locally brewed varieties. Your guide explains how Takayama’s cold climate, clear water and long-standing craftsmanship influence the flavors. Combining history, architecture and food culture, this private tour offers a rich and personal introduction to Takayama.

Explore the rich traditions of sake-making at Okuhida Brewery in Gero City, Gifu Prefecture, established in 1720. This guided experience, available in Japanese and English, takes you through atmospheric corridors filled with original tools and wooden structures that showcase the brewery's historic craftsmanship. Learn about the brewing process from your knowledgeable guide and experience the unique sound of a century-old foot-operated organ that fills the space with nostalgia. This cultural experience is perfect for both seasoned sake lovers and newcomers eager to delve into Japan's sake heritage. Guided experience at Okuhida Brewery, established in 1720 Available in Japanese and English for diverse visitors Discover historical tools, wooden structures, and the brewing process Listen to the unique sounds of a preserved foot-operated organ

Experience the charm of Takayama on a fully customizable 4-hour private tour tailored to your interests. Start your journey at a time that suits you—8 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, or 12 PM. Your guide will meet you at your hotel or, if preferred, at the Takayama Tourist Information Center next to JR Takayama Station's East Exit. Work with your guide to craft the perfect itinerary, selecting from a variety of must-see destinations and cultural highlights. Whether you're drawn to Takayama's historic streets, vibrant markets, or tranquil walking paths, this tour allows you to explore at your own pace. Possible stops include:

2 Masterclass Brewery Tastings. From Meiji-era bubbly Nigori cloudy sake to a rare, ruby-gold Koshu aged premium sake. Your Own Masu Cup. Get a complimentary wooden Masu cup from Japan's No. 1 producer, use it for tastings today, keep it as a lifetime souvenir. 70-Year Tradition Sushi Lunch. Indulge in a premium sushi lunch, hand-crafted with fresh market seafood. Door-to-Door Private Transport. Skip the trains and relax with your dedicated English-speaking driver.

Avoid the language barriers and guesswork of choosing what to order at local restaurants in Takayama and opt for this private food tour instead. Get invaluable advice on the city’s best dishes, and learn about the history behind the different foods you try. The trip focuses on the Old Town area, and best of all—snacks are included along the way.

Discover the authentic nightlife of Gero Onsen on this guided bar hopping tour. Experience the charm of local bars and eateries where Gero residents unwind over drinks and conversations. Tailored to your preferences, the tour adapts to your tastes, whether you prefer beer, sake, or light snacks. Visit two unique bars, each offering a distinct atmosphere, with a food and drink allowance of 1,500 yen per venue, so you can enjoy the local cuisine without worry. Gain cultural insights from your guide and connect with the warm hospitality of this quaint hot spring town. - Guided tour exploring two local bars in Gero Onsen - Personalized experience based on your drink and food preferences - Enjoy up to 1,500 yen allowance for food and drinks at each venue - Learn about local customs and bar culture from your guide

Discover the hidden nightlife of southern Gifu with a local guide who takes you to two carefully selected izakayas in cities such as Gifu, Ogaki, Tajimi, or Kakamigahara. Unlike typical tourist areas, these are real neighborhood spots where locals gather to eat, drink, and unwind. At each stop, enjoy ¥1,500 worth of food and drinks included (¥3,000 total), so you can relax without worrying about ordering or costs. Your guide will tailor the experience to your preferences, help with menu translation, and introduce local dishes and drinks. This is not a standard bar crawl, but a flexible and authentic night out in places you would not find on your own, just a short trip from Nagoya.

What makes this tour unique is its blend of cultural immersion and culinary excellence. From the once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend the Shimotsuki Festival with locals to savoring one of the region’s finest winter gibier dinners, every moment is designed to be truly unforgettable.