Kobe Sake Brewery Tasting and Lunch Tour with Local Guide

5.0 (4 reviews) Kobe, Japan
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Duration4h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 6 travelers

Overview

Sake tastings and a seasonal lunch in Kobe’s renowned district!

Discover Japan’s sake culture on a guided walking tour through Nada Gogo, one of the country’s most famous sake-producing regions. Starting near Hanshin Sumiyoshi Station, your local guide explains Kobe’s geography and why this area became ideal for sake brewing.

Visit three historic breweries—Hakutsuru, Kikumasamune, and Sakura Masamune—each with its own philosophy and flavor style. Learn how sake is made and how tradition and craftsmanship shape its taste, while enjoying tastings of 3 to 5 varieties at each stop.

The tour concludes at Sakura Masamune with a seasonal lunch in a traditional setting. Your guide will recommend dishes from the varied menu, with optional sake pairings to complete your meal. With walkable distances and a small group size, this experience suits both beginners and sake lovers seeking an authentic and meaningful cultural experience.

What's included

  • At each brewery, you will have the opportunity to taste around 3 to 5 different types of sake.
  • Lunch
  • Private transportation

What to expect

  1. 15m
    Meeting & Welcome Briefing (Hanshin Sumiyoshi Station)
    We meet at Hanshin Sumiyoshi Station, where your guide will give a short welcome briefing, including self-introductions and an overview of the tour.
    After that, we take a 7-minute walk from the station while learning about Kobe’s geography, the Nada Gogo sake-producing area, and why this region became one of Japan’s most important sake-brewing centers.
  2. Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Stop 1: Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum (Approx. 1 hour)

    The first stop is the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, operated by one of Japan’s most well-known sake brands with a long history of large-scale brewing.
    Here, many historical tools and documents have been carefully preserved. While viewing these valuable materials together, your guide will explain the traditional sake brewing process, its history, and how sake differs from other alcoholic beverages.
    After the visit, enjoy a tasting of 3–5 types of sake, followed by free time for shopping and souvenirs.
  3. Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewery Museum
    45m · Admission ticket included
    Stop 2: Kikumasamune Sake Brewery (Approx. 30 minutes)

    We then walk about 10 minutes to Kikumasamune, a brewery famous for its dry, bold style of sake, often referred to as otokozake (masculine sake).
    Each brewery in Nada has its own philosophy and flavor profile, and here you’ll enjoy a different selection of 3–5 sake tastings that highlight Kikumasamune’s distinctive character.
    If you prefer a break from alcohol, you may choose sake lees soft-serve ice cream instead (subject to availability).
  4. Sakuramasamune Kinenkan Sakuraen
    1h 45m · Admission ticket included
    Stop 3: Sakura Masamune Sake Brewery Tasting & Lunch (Approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes)

    After a 7-minute walk, we arrive at the final brewery, Sakura Masamune, known for its elegant, well-balanced sake and its close connection to food pairing.
    Another tasting session is included here. An optional lunch can be added at this location, featuring a beautifully prepared seasonal meal designed to pair well with sake.
    Your guide will assist with menu selection, so no worries even if you’re unfamiliar with the dishes.
  5. 15m
    Tour End: Hanshin Uozaki Station

    Perfect for both beginners and sake lovers, this guided tour lets you explore Kobe’s famous sake district at a relaxed pace. Enjoy multiple tastings, learn how to taste and compare sake, and discover local favorites without worrying about directions or planning. With easy access from the station and a friendly guide, it’s a fun and approachable way to experience Japanese sake culture.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Hanshin Sumiyoshi Station is a local station (local trains only). Please make sure to take or change to a local train.
From Osaka-Umeda toward Kobe (about 25 min).
From Hanshin Kobe-Sannomiya toward Osaka (about 10 min).
Our guide will be waiting at the station ticket gate with a sign.

End point

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Participants must be 20 years of age or older, as the legal drinking age in Japan is 20.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (4)
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22,000.00 JPY per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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