Japan · LUNCH EXPERIENCES
The good sake lunches run one small group at a time and go early. Below: the 5 to book ahead, what each includes and how they differ.
Spend about three hours in Kyoto’s Fushimi sake district with a local English-speaking guide. Visit small and large breweries, taste several sakes, enjoy a seasonal yakitori lunch, and tour the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum. The tour begins at 11:00 a.m., ends near Fushimi-Momoyama Station, and is limited to 10 people.
Leave Shinjuku at 7:30 am for a small-group Mount Fuji day trip capped at eight people. Visit Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, Lake Kawaguchi, Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato, a sake distillery, and several photo stops. Lunch is included, while the onsen, tea, and kimono options cost extra.
“Even though we couldn’t see Mount Fuji because of the clouds, Yayoi-san made the tour unforgettable! She was so kind, patient, and caring — like our Japanese mom. The museum was great, though the lunch wasn’t our favorite. We’d suggest more time at the onsen and skipping the kimono village. Overall, an excellent experience!”
Spend about three hours at Ito Brewery in Handa, Aichi, touring a historic wooden sake building with an English-speaking guide, tasting sake, and eating a seasonal lunch paired with local pours. The brewery closed about 20 years ago and was revived in 2021 by its ninth-generation successor. A mocktail pairing is available, and the small group is limited to eight people.
Spend eight hours with a private driver exploring Nagano’s Snow Monkey Park, Obuse sake country, and Zenko-ji Temple. You’ll walk forest paths to the macaques, sample local sake, and eat at Monzen Terrace Enya near the temple. Transport, parking, bottled water, and lunch with soft drinks are included.
“Went on this trip for my birthday, easily one of the best and most memorable things I have done. Our driver was so very friendly and answered any questions. He even went above and beyond at the restaurant letting them know it was my birthday and the brought out soRead more”
Begin above the cherry trees at Hokutopia, then walk through Oji’s river park, shrine, Asukayama Hill, and a 120-year-old red-brick brewing site. Finish with lunch and five sake pairings led by a certified sommelier. The small group is limited to 10, and non-alcoholic drinks are provided for those under 20.
Pick a brewing town, a counter or a kitchen.
