Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
- A local bar in the downtown area
Photos & Highlights
- Experience Japanese sake culture, complete with samples of high-quality sake and local snacks
- Private Tokyo sake-tasting experience led by an expert sommelier
Select a date
Tour Description
Wandering through the cobbled streets of Monzen-Nakacho, a Tokyo neighborhood favored by locals and known for its colorful authenticity, it is inevitable that you feel the pull to enter one of the many drinking holes and order a glass of the local elixir. But how on earth to choose from the shelves of calligraphed bottles? What exactly is sake, and is there a particular way to drink it?
On this Sake-tasting and food-pairing tour, your expert will let you in on all of the secrets this Japanese specialty holds. From traditional brewing techniques, to modern trends and refined tasting methods, your Sake guide will arm you with all of the knowledge you need to enjoy and order Sake like a local.
Visit a few of your expert’s favorite haunts in the neighborhood, sampling a variety of carefully selected sakes as well as accompanying your drinks with Otsumami, savory snacks intended to be consumed alongside alcoholic beverages. These pairings not only delight the palate but also enhance your understanding of how sake can complement various flavors.
You’ll part with your expert after experiencing an evening as only a true local could, having savored the complexity of Japan’s national drink in a neighborhood far from the tourist-filled crowds of Shibuya. Whether you're a seasoned sake enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this experience promises to be both delicious and informative.
On this Sake-tasting and food-pairing tour, your expert will let you in on all of the secrets this Japanese specialty holds. From traditional brewing techniques, to modern trends and refined tasting methods, your Sake guide will arm you with all of the knowledge you need to enjoy and order Sake like a local.
Visit a few of your expert’s favorite haunts in the neighborhood, sampling a variety of carefully selected sakes as well as accompanying your drinks with Otsumami, savory snacks intended to be consumed alongside alcoholic beverages. These pairings not only delight the palate but also enhance your understanding of how sake can complement various flavors.
You’ll part with your expert after experiencing an evening as only a true local could, having savored the complexity of Japan’s national drink in a neighborhood far from the tourist-filled crowds of Shibuya. Whether you're a seasoned sake enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this experience promises to be both delicious and informative.
- You have an appreciation for wine tasting or brewery experiences. Why not add sake to the list?
- You want to do as the locals do and drink as the locals drink
- You are starting out your trip and want to be confident in Sake ordering and purchasing for the remainder of your time in Japan
- Several glasses of Sake spanning different types and qualities
- Otsumami-a special variety of Japanese appetizers, sure to complement your Sake tastings
- These tastings do replace a meal, but you are in Japan, where there are far too many delicious things to taste, so never rule out a post-tour snack.
- We are taking you to local establishments that are often family-run, hours and availability may vary.
- We don’t recommend this tour for non-drinkers as there are not suitable non-alcoholic options.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
- For more information on planning your travels to Tokyo, take a read through our Context Stories.
- If you are looking to learn more about Japan prior to a visit, check out our online lectures.
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 food pairing options may be more limited. 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.
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We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
The sake bars we visit are often cramped and narrow, and therefore not ideal for wheelchair-bound guests. However as the experienced is mostly seated, it is an ideal choice for guests with low mobility.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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15 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
This was our 2nd tour with Maciej. We love him! He is extremely knowledgeable about sake or nihonshu as they call Japanese sake. We feel like we understand better the history of sake in Japan, how to grade the sake and the process of actually making sake.
Neal
Oct 14, 2024
Two hours was not enough! We could have takes to Maciej all night. About sake, about food, about photography. He was so knowledgeable and showed a real love for what he does. Highly recommend!
Jose
Jan 23, 2024
Excellent evening learning about sake and tasting. Extremely knowledgeable about the making of sake learning how to read the labels on the bottles invaluable information. Looking forward to exploring on our return home.
Jennifer
Jan 11, 2024
