Top Japan Wine, Beer & Spirits - page 30

Explore Ueno's vibrant drinking culture on a 2-hour small-group tour that blends the charm of Ameyoko Market with the lively atmosphere of local izakayas. Start your adventure at Ueno Station, wandering through Ameyoko's photogenic alleys filled with neon lights and bustling stalls. Then, dive into the izakaya experience, where your guide will navigate the unwritten rules of these local bars, ensuring a seamless evening of drinks and authentic Japanese pub food. With drinks like draft beer and sake included, plus delicious dishes such as yakitori and sashimi, this tour is perfect for anyone wanting to soak up Tokyo's nightlife without the hassle. - 2-hour guided walking and bar-hopping tour in Ueno - Explore the photogenic Ameyoko Market and learn its history - Enjoy drinks and authentic food at local izakayas - Dietary restrictions accommodated with advance notice

Kumamoto is full of amazing food — if you know where to look. Skip the guesswork and let a local guide (born and living in Kumamoto) take you to the city’s hidden izakaya gems that even many locals don’t know about. On this relaxed night tour, we’ll visit 2–3 authentic neighborhood spots where you’ll enjoy unique local dishes, regional drinks. If you want to go beyond the guidebooks and experience Kumamoto like a local, this is the perfect way to do it.

We don't just take you to buy Japanese sake. We take you to understand it, meet the artisans who make it, and build your own connection with Japanese sake in this region. First, starting with its history, Satta Pass is a viewpoint for Mt. Fuji on a rugged trail built 400 years ago. Here, ancient travelers used to stop to relax for a moment. Next, exploring the background, Seikenji Temple served as a resting place for these travelers on their way to Satta Pass. Here, you will discover the connection between Japanese sake and these people. Finally, experience this story firsthand by visiting the 300-year-old Sanwa Brewery. Local artisans developed their skills to craft "Garyubai" sake to provide comfort to such people. Tasting various types of this sake lets you savor the profound connection of this region.

Step into a hidden corner of Osaka for a dining experience unlike any other. ODORU—meaning “excitement”—offers a mindful 6-course plant-based meal with 15 seasonal dishes on a large lacquer tray, inspired by Shojin Ryori. Using organic or low-chemical ingredients, additive-free, and prepared without the five pungent roots, each bite brings natural umami. Between courses, enjoy a playful chopstick challenge, explore fermented aromas, uncover nukazuke secrets, learn the meaning of Itadakimasu and Gochisosama, and try writing Hiragana while sipping tea. Perfect for families, friends, or solo adventurers—We’ll guide you in English, sharing stories through flavors that make your trip unforgettable. An evening to taste, touch, smell, and connect—where Japan’s dining spirit meets warm local hospitality. Reserve your seat and experience the Osaka moment that you just discovered.

This 7-day tour is crafted to give you a glimpse of Japan's rich culinary heritage and cultural treasures. This tour includes stops in Tokyo and the iconic Mount Fuji, setting the backdrop for a visit to Hakone’s hot springs. In Kyoto, learn and watch the process of how traditional mochi is made, and check out the famous free-roaming deer at Nara Park. At Osaka, indulge the street food delights of the Kuromon Ichiba Fish Market and more! With this week-long adventure, UME promises to take you on a cultural & culinary odyssey through the very best Japan has to offer.

Enjoy a 1-hour guided sake tasting in Kamata. An old school local neighborhood away from the typical tourist areas. Your host works at a liquor store and professionally recommends sake to customers and restaurants, so you’ll learn in an easy to understand way even if you’re new to sake. You’ll taste 3 styles of sake served cold, then try 1 warm sake (kanzake) to feel how temperature changes flavor. A small appetizer and one dish are included for an authentic izakaya experience. After the tasting, you’re welcome to stay at the venue for dinner and extra drinks (additional orders are paid individually).

What sets this experience apart is the combination of Kyoto’s hidden beauty and a genuine cultural encounter. As a local, I’ll guide you through quiet backstreets and shrines that most visitors miss — places full of history and stories passed down through generations. After the walk, we’ll visit a long-established sake shop where the staff will introduce you to rare regional varieties and the meaning behind them. You won’t just taste sake — you’ll understand its role in Kyoto’s culture. This is more than sightseeing; it’s a deeper, more personal way to experience the heart of the city.

Summary Discover Kyoto’s traditions in this premium half-day tour. Create your own chopsticks and Kyo-Yuzen case, enjoy a Kyoto-style lunch, and visit Sasaki Sake Brewery for a tasting of award-winning sake. Experience Kyoto’s Timeless Traditions in an Exclusive Small-Group Tour Step into the heart of Kyoto’s cultural heritage with this premium half-day experience. Craft your own Kitayama cedar chopsticks and hand-dye a Kyo-Yuzen patterned case in a historic workshop dating back over 350 years. Savor a healthy Kyoto-style lunch in a hidden machiya townhouse before visiting Sasaki Sake Brewery—Kyoto’s only central brewery since 1893—for an intimate tour and tasting of their gold award-winning sake “Jurakudai.” With a small-group size and personal guidance, every detail is designed to give you an authentic, memorable, and truly premium Kyoto experience. Priced at USD 141 to reflect the exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and exclusivity of this experience.

Discover the art of sake with a curated tasting course led by a certified Sake Sommelier at an award-winning restaurant. This experience invites both newcomers and enthusiasts to explore a selection of regional sakes from Tohoku and Kyushu, learning how climate and brewing methods shape each unique flavor. Savor thoughtfully paired appetizers that enhance your tasting journey, showcasing the perfect harmony of Japanese cuisine and sake. Set within an elegant venue, this experience offers a sophisticated blend of design and culture, making for a memorable evening immersed in the world of sake.

Looking for an authentic and unforgettable night in Fukuoka? Step away from tourist traps and join us at a cozy neighborhood "KARAOKE Bar," a local sanctuary for 17 years. This is where the city’s heart beats—new friendships are born over a song and a glass. You might arrive as a visitor, but you’ll leave feeling like a local. Meet Your Host: "Mama" At the center is Mama, a charismatic local legend. She is a true "Yamato Nadeshiko"—a certified Calligraphy Master and practitioner of traditional Japanese dance. But she also has a secret: she spent years exploring the world as a backpacker. Having traveled the globe, she understands the thrill—and the loneliness—of the road. Even if her English is basic, her "Traveler’s Spirit" is fluent. She excels at breaking the ice and weaving guests into the circle of friendly local regulars.

Led by a Fushimi local and former brewery worker, this tour combines authentic sake tastings with insider stories you won’t find in guidebooks. From the Gekkeikan Sake Museum to hidden cafés and specialty shops, guests discover the history, culture, and flavors of Kyoto’s sake district in a truly local way.

The Akinada area of Hiroshima Prefecture is renowned as a premier region for ginjō sake and oysters, thanks to its pure water and nutrient-rich sea. This activity offers a unique culinary experience, allowing you to enjoy the region’s distinctive blessings of water and sea through a sake brewery visit, oyster BBQ, and sake pairing.

This 2-night, 3-day tour is a gastronomic and cultural journey across the Seto Inland Sea, designed for international travellers with a deep interest in Japanese food culture and regional lifestyles. Departing from Matsuyama in Shikoku, off the typical tourist route, and travelling to Kure using a combination of private vehicle and ferry, you experience the unique proximity of the sea and people in the Seto Inland Sea while exploring the distinct sake, cuisine, and history of the region.

Experience Yokohama’s real nightlife with a local guide who knows every corner of Noge — a lively district filled with tiny bars, cozy izakayas, and endless stories. Step off the tourist path and dive into places you won’t find in any guidebook. Together, we’ll hop between authentic local bars where friendly owners and regulars welcome you with smiles, laughter, and good drinks. Taste Japanese sake, beer, and street food, and feel what it’s like to truly drink like a local. This is a private and personalized walking tour, designed around your pace and preferences. Whether you’re into lively bars, quiet hideaways, or curious to try something new, I’ll take you to the best hidden gems that match your style. It’s a casual, unforgettable night out in Yokohama — full of conversation, culture, and connection. By the end of the night, you won’t just have photos — you’ll have memories, friends, and stories to tell.

1. The "Master's View" from the Counter You take a seat at a professional sushi counter, just like a discerning local guest. You will experience the same focused energy and refined atmosphere as a real "Omakase" session. We don’t just show you how to press rice; we teach you the traditional philosophy and the secret etiquette that will make you look like a pro next time you visit a high-end sushi restaurant. 2. A Symphony of 8 Varieties & Premium Pairings While others might offer 3 or 4 basic toppings, we challenge you with 8 different seasonal varieties. Experience how different fish require different techniques! To elevate your creation, choose between a mindful Matcha whisking session or a curated Sake flight (up to 5 types!) to discover your favorite flavor profile.

This private tasting session is centered on drinking and comparing rare and premium Japanese sake, personally guided by the owner, a former sake brewer. Guests enjoy a carefully curated selection of high-end and hard-to-find sake — including iconic labels such as Juyondai and Aramasa — while receiving refined, behind-the-scenes insight from someone who has worked inside a brewery. Set in an intimate, traditional Japanese space, the experience allows you to savor exceptional sake at its finest, with explanations tailored to enhance enjoyment rather than overwhelm.

ONLY For people who are ready to have some FUN! Who is up for some UNLIMITED BOOZE? This Epic FOOD & BOOZE tour is designed to take you beyond the tourist spots and into the real local culinary and nightlife scenes. Join us as we explore three authentic stops, each representing how Tokyo locals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s+ eat, drink, and unwind after a long day. From lively street stalls packed with young crowds, to cozy izakayas where office workers gather, to old-school bars filled with regulars, you’ll experience the full evolution of Japan’s drinking culture. At each stop, you’ll enjoy a curated selection of local dishes, UNLIMITED BOOZE for the first stop, and 2 drinks for each stop !! —all included for a smooth, hassle-free night. Whether you’re a foodie, a nightlife lover, or just curious about how people here truly socialize, this tour delivers an unforgettable taste of the city’s soul.

This is not a typical tourist food tour. Experience the real Osaka through hidden alleys, local izakaya, authentic street food, and Osaka’s energetic nightlife with a former chef and local guide. This experience combines: Former chef knowledge Hidden local spots Authentic Osaka food Local nightlife culture A hidden mixology cocktail bar Small-group local atmosphere Designed for travelers who want to discover the real Osaka beyond the tourist spots. Osaka Dotonbori Food & Izakaya Tour with Former Chef Hidden Dotonbori Night Tour – 13 Dishes & Drinks Osaka Nightlife Food Tour with Former Chef

Discover hidden Tokyo through a local’s eyes. Enjoy a private dining experience in authentic, non-touristy restaurants carefully selected for you by your personal food concierge. Join a unique private dining experience led by a local Tokyo guide. Instead of following a set tour, you’ll be taken to one of Tokyo’s hidden restaurants—places that don’t appear in guidebooks or on social media. Each restaurant is personally selected based on your preferences and mood. I can cater to your needs, offering Wagyu beef yakiniku, steak, sukiyaki, yakitori, tonkatsu, Japanese cuisine, izakaya, sushi, ramen, soba, udon, hamburgers, Japanese set meals, curry, eel, Italian, French, patisserie, and more. Please inquire about vegan and halal options. The experience includes planning and on-site guidance. Food and drinks are paid separately at the restaurant. The host’s meal cost (the guest covers the host’s share at the restaurant). I am not a professional English guide.

As a passionate foodie fluent in Japanese, I love dining out and can guide you around the most local bars in downtown Kyoto, as well as explain the cultural background of the drinks. Japanese food can be intimidating. As a chef, I love talking about food and making it easy to understand for visitors. Note, reservations cannot be made at standing bars, so venues may change depending on availability.

Discover authentic Tokyo flavors as you explore Shinjuku’s nighttime food scene with a local guide. The tour begins in front of Kitakata Ramen Bannai Omoide Yokocho and continues with a relaxed walk through key nightlife areas. While the route may vary, you can expect to pass spots such as Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, and Golden Gai, each known for lanterns, neon streets, and small traditional bars. During the evening, we stop at two local izakayas to enjoy authentic Japanese dishes, from grilled favorites to warm comfort foods and seasonal plates. Options depend on availability, keeping the experience true to local izakaya style. Please inform us at least 24 hours in advance of any allergies or preferences. The tour also includes a visit to a secret Showa-period bar with a nostalgic retro interior. Your guide explains simple bar customs, shares local insights, and helps with photos. The experience ends in central Shinjuku for easy onward travel or continued exploration.

Immerse yourself in the everyday food culture of Kaizuka, a charming local town just 20 minutes from Kansai International Airport. This flexible food and drink hopping tour is perfect for travelers who want to experience authentic local Japan beyond typical tourist areas. Select three local restaurants or bars to explore at a relaxed pace. Conveniently located near Kansai International Airport, this tour allows for a seamless experience with free luggage storage. An English-speaking staff member will be available to guide you, ensuring you visit the venues that excite your palate. This tour is perfect for food enthusiasts looking to experience authentic local flavors in a relaxed setting. - Discover Kaizuka's local eateries at your own pace - Easy access from Kansai International Airport via Nankai Kaizuka Station (just 2 stops from Kaisai Int'l Airport !) - English-speaking staff member for a smooth culinary adventure

Discover Nadagogo, Japan’s most famous sake region producing over 30% of the nation’s sake. This immersive tour takes you through historic brewery areas like Uozaki, Mikage, Nishinomiya, and Imazu, where tradition and craftsmanship thrive. You’ll step inside working breweries, learn how sake is crafted, and taste premium styles such as ginjo, daiginjo, nama genshu, and taruzake. This tour offers personal guidance, cultural depth, and stories that bring the world of sake to life. Highlights Visit 5–8 renowned breweries Two exclusive brewery tours Premium sake tastings Local lunch set at a brewery restaurant Hands-on kanji brush-pen activity Sake-related gifts and a personalized booklet Guided entirely in English by a passionate local expert Perfect For Sake lovers, first-time visitors, couples, and travelers seeking a unique and meaningful cultural experience in Kobe. Join a memorable journey into the heart of Japan’s sake tradition—where every sip tells a story.

Think of it less as a “tour” and more like exploring Kyoto with a knowledgeable local friend—unhurried, informal, and focused on enjoyment rather than ticking boxes. I’ve lived in Kyoto for many years, so this tour I can adapt the pace, focus, and stops to your interests—whether that’s history, food, culture, photography, or simply wandering and soaking up the atmosphere.