Top Okayama Prefecture Sake Tasting

Tamashima is a historic port town that prospered as a key point along the Seto Inland Sea trade routes. The brewery, founded in 1878, stands in what was once a bustling wholesale district shaped by the passage of Kitamaebune trading ships. The techniques and philosophy refined and handed down through generations continue to produce celebrated labels such as Sanzen and Kiseki no Sake. Its sake is consistently recognized with high honors at international competitions. With an English-guided tour led by brewery staff, guests can enjoy a tasting centered on the flagship label Sanzen. This special experience offers insight into the terroir of Okayama’s renowned sake rice—Yamada Nishiki and Omachi—alongside an explanation of the fermentation process inside a brewery filled with Mozart’s music. The program includes a sake souvenir, as well as the opportunity to join an exclusive tasting session.

This tour is fully customizable and takes place in three key areas: Okayama Station, Kurashiki, or Uno—each offering a different food experience. In Okayama, you can explore the city’s lively dining scene around the station, known for ramen shops, casual eateries, and local favorites. In Kurashiki, near the historic Bikan area, you’ll find a mix of traditional atmosphere and modern dining, including cozy izakaya and local specialties. In Uno, the gateway to Naoshima, you can enjoy a more local and relaxed food scene with small restaurants and hidden gems often missed by visitors. Your guide will help you choose the best spots based on your preferences, whether you want ramen, izakaya dishes, or regional specialties, creating a personalized route in real time.

Kurashiki Private Food Tour – Izakayas & Bikan District Join a private food tour around Kurashiki’s Bikan Historical District, visiting local izakayas and restaurants. Before the tour, you’ll receive a short questionnaire so we can create a custom plan based on your preferences. After booking, please check the email and reply—your answers help us arrange the best route and venues. Enjoy authentic local dining away from tourist crowds. The tour lasts up to 3 hours with a flexible schedule. If one stop is in the Bikan District, enjoy a night walk through illuminated streets after dinner. An optional plan includes two restaurants, each with one drink and one or two dishes. You can choose this option during booking. The base price does not include food or drinks. Please pay directly at each restaurant. Model Itinerary: – A 200-year-old heritage restaurant serving Seto Inland Sea seafood. – Enjoy Spanish mackerel (sawara) dishes, from straw-grilled to cutlet-style.

At “TSUJIHONTEN” sake Brewery, savor an exclusive tasting that contrasts the region’s soft and moderately hard waters, paired with the refined depth of sake born from this terroir. Lunch is served at “NISHIKURA”, a renovated 100-year-old sake storehouse, where each dish highlights theartistry of fermentation. A guided walk through the Katsuyama Town Preservation District and interaction with skilled artisans will allow you to experience the cultural richness and quiet elegance of Maniwa's fermentation traditions. What makes this tour unique An Elegant Journey into the Living Heritage of Fermentation In Katsuyama, where the clear waters of the Asahi River meet the timeless beauty of a historic castletown, fermentation has been nurtured for centuries. Visit “Maniwa Fermentation's,” a town where diverse food culture born from differences in water, techniques that continue to be preserved, and rich nature and traditions live.

A Refined Encounter with Nature and Fermentation Pedal through the gentle landscapes of Maniwa’s satoyama countryside on an e-bike, where every turn reveals a blend of natural beauty and cultural depth. Along the way, enjoy private visits to sake breweries and vinegar cellars, each steeped in tradition and excellence. Pause for a specially prepared fermentation-inspired lunch, savoring the harmony of local ingredients and artisanal techniques. This slow, guided journey combines wellness, culture, and indulgence – a unique cycling experience designed for the discerning traveler.