Explore the world of Japanese sake with a local expert on this 2-hour Tokyo sake-tasting experience. During our time together, we will visit an off-the-beaten-path neighborhood of Tokyo, frequented mainly by locals, and learn about the most important aspects of the sake production process, including brewing techniques, current trends, and tasting techniques, while gaining a greater appreciation for this celebrated beverage. Regardless of our level of sake knowledge, we will find this walk both informative and fun. 

Our experience takes place in a local bar located in Shitamachi (Tokyo's old downtown). Away from the bustling city lights and crowds of tourists, we will sample some of Japan’s distinctive sake, learning about its history, food pairing, and the high-quality standards maintained by local breweries. Our expert will select five types of quality sake for us to sip, each paired with small Japanese appetizers, called Otsumami. Showcasing the diverse styles of Japanese sake, these tastings will serve to calibrate our palate and teach us how to evaluate sake using our sense of taste. We will also learn how to read labels and select high-quality sake without speaking Japanese. We will end our experience with a greater knowledge of Japanese sake that we can take home with us and put to good use when buying or drinking sake anywhere in the world.

Interested in cuisine? Try our Tokyo After Dark: Night Food Tour.

Can the tour accommodate those with allergies or dietary restrictions?
We do our best to accommodate everyone. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, please let us know when you book. We can check in on dishes, order ahead, and do everything possible to ensure you enjoy your tasting and meal. Vegetarians can join, but there will be fewer samples available. Gluten-free diets are easy to accommodate, but there are trace amounts of wheat in soy sauce, which is common but can be avoided.

Is it okay to tip my guide in Japan?
Yes. Context clients generally tip anywhere from 10-25% of the purchase price of a personal service such as this, depending on the quality of the experience and their tipping habits.