Japan · SAKE TASTING

Where to Taste Sake in Japan: the 15 Best Sessions

54 tours  ·  from $38 a head

A tasting is sold by the number of pours and the person pouring them. These 15 compare flights of five, eight and thirty, whether snacks come with them, and which ones bother to explain what changed between cups.

3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings - The private tasting room and ten-sake flight
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3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings

1.3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 917 reviews · from $84Our pick

Meet a certified Sake Sommelier in Fushimi, Kyoto, for a museum visit and guided tasting of 10 sake styles. You’ll learn brewing basics, read bottle labels, compare flavors, and test food pairings with traditional otsumami. Guides such as Kyoko, Miyuki, Mai, Momo, and Shogo lead sessions in clear English.

“Mayo is phenomenal! I showed up for the sake tasting and left with so much knowledge. The history, the process, and the categories of sake were all very well explained. Bonus: you also get to try the sake with food, which makes it even better. Highly recommend!”

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Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour - Inside the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
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Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour

2.Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 623 reviews · from $98

Spend about three hours in Fushimi learning how sake is brewed, visiting the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum and Kappa Gallery, then tasting up to 18 Kyoto sakes at a local sake restaurant. Guides such as Matt, Rika, Ayu, and Yukari add history, tasting advice, and neighborhood tips. Food costs extra.

“Had a fun and educational experience with our tour guide. There was more than enough sake to enjoy and I walked out of the tour feeling satisfied.”

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1.5-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Experience with 7 Tastings & Pairings - What happens during the 90-minute tasting
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1.5-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Experience with 7 Tastings & Pairings

3.1.5-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Experience with 7 Tastings & Pairings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 297 reviews · from $68

In Fushimi, Kyoto’s famous sake district, a certified sommelier leads a 90-minute tasting of seven sakes with traditional otsumami snacks. You’ll compare styles, learn how brewing changes flavor, and test each drink with food. Guides including Mayo, Kiyomi, Miyuki, Greg, and Yui are known for clear, lively instruction. A tasting card helps you order with confidence later.

“Our sommelier was very knowledgeable. She made sure we understood and appreciated everything. The experience was very well paced.”

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Sake Tasting Masterclass in Shinjuku (8+ Varieties with a Pro) - The tasting table: from first sip to final pour
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Sake Tasting Masterclass in Shinjuku (8+ Varieties with a Pro)

4.Sake Tasting Masterclass in Shinjuku (8+ Varieties with a Pro)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 271 reviews · from $72

Meet a sake sommelier in Shinjuku for a two-hour tasting of at least six varieties, often closer to nine or ten, with Japanese snacks. Guides such as Max, Joe, Tadashi, Andrea, and Megan explain brewing, labels, flavor styles, and food pairings in a small group of no more than eight people.

“Joe was very informative and entertaining in schooling us in the intricacies of sake appreciation. We did this on our first day in Japan so we were well equipped with knowledge for our foray into the world of sake”

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Kyoto: Insider Sake Experience with 7 Tastings and Snacks - The first lesson: how sake is made
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Kyoto: Insider Sake Experience with 7 Tastings and Snacks

5.Insider Sake Experience with 7 Tastings and Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 266 reviews · 1h 30m · from $66

In a cozy Kyoto tasting room, an English-speaking sake expert such as Mayo, Kotaro, Kiyomi, or Greg leads you through seven generous tastings selected from more than 10 styles. You will learn how sake is brewed, read labels, compare dry and fruity flavors, and test food pairings with otsumami. The 90-minute class suits beginners who want to order with confidence.

“Interesting and practical information shared, very varied selection of sake and now I know which one I prefer!”

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Sake Omakase in Tokyo: Guided Tasting by Certified Sommeliers - The small bites are part of the lesson
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Sake Omakase in Tokyo: Guided Tasting by Certified Sommeliers

6.Sake Omakase in Tokyo: Guided Tasting by Certified Sommeliers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 239 reviews · from $79

At Sake Studio in Kanda, certified English-speaking sommeliers lead a two-hour tasting of seven Japan-exclusive sakes across four themed courses. You will compare rice styles, temperatures, infusions, and drinking vessels while enjoying pickles, cheese, cured meats, and dessert. Groups are limited to six, with hosts speaking English, Japanese, and Chinese.

“Wonderful - highly recommended. I wanted to understand more about saki and objective definitely achieved!”

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Private Tea Ceremony and Sake Tasting in Kyoto Samurai House - Making your own matcha with a bamboo whisk
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Private Tea Ceremony and Sake Tasting in Kyoto Samurai House

7.Private Tea Ceremony and Sake Tasting in Kyoto Samurai House

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 163 reviews · from $99

Spend about 50 minutes inside a private 300-year-old samurai house, just an 8-minute walk from Kyoto Station. A tea master explains the ritual and prepares organic Uji matcha. You can whisk your own tea, choose five sake shots or two Japanese whisky shots if over 20, and pose in kimono or with a katana.

“HIGHLY RECOMMEND! We had an amazing time! I looked at many different places for tea ceremonies in Kyoto, but this one was by far the best option and it did not disappoint! The private tea ceremony was followed by a sake tasting. The traditional tea ceremony was beRead more”

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Casual Japanese SAKE tasting and snack experience in Kabukicho - Starting with lighter sake at Shinjuku Ale
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Casual Japanese SAKE tasting and snack experience in Kabukicho

8.Casual Japanese SAKE tasting and snack experience in Kabukicho

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 159 reviews · from $39Best value

Meet in Kabukicho for a relaxed one-hour tasting of eight Japan-only sakes, starting with lighter bottles and building toward stronger aromas and flavors. Hosts such as Sakiko and Saki guide the session with Japanese snacks, sake served at different temperatures, and a sweet amazake finish. The small bar may also offer karaoke.

“Great way taste a bunch of different sakis. Our host, Sakiko was very friendly and knowledgeable. Comes with little snacks. Bar owner was super nice too. Highly enjoyable and highly recommended!!”

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Osaka Sake Tasting with Takoyaki Cooking - Meeting Momo at MOMO to SAKE
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Osaka Sake Tasting with Takoyaki Cooking

9.Osaka Sake Tasting with Takoyaki Cooking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 156 reviews · 2 hours · from $70

Meet Momo at MOMO to SAKE near Osaka Namba for a hands-on takoyaki class and guided sake tasting. You will cook octopus balls with fillings such as wagyu beef, cheese, kimchi, and corn, then taste a seasonal selection of more than 10 Japanese sakes. Momo, a sake sommelier and former brewer, explains sake in clear English and Japanese.

“Momo, this was one of the best experiences we had during our trip to Japan, thank you so much. A wonderful experience in a friendly atmosphere, Momo's knowledge of sake was very high, and the cooking together was unforgettable. I definitely recommend it to everyone. A fantastic experience. Dorota”

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KOBE Sake Tasting Tour at Breweries (tasting fee included) - Starting at Ishiyagawa Station at 1:00 pm
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KOBE Sake Tasting Tour at Breweries (tasting fee included)

10.KOBE Sake Tasting Tour at Breweries (tasting fee included)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 154 reviews · from $109

Spend about three and a half hours walking Kobe’s Nada Gogo with guides such as Hiro, Romi, Aya, or Aki. Visit major sake museums and working brewery sites, taste about ¥2,000 worth of sake, stop at a local tofu shop, and compare unfiltered, seasonal, warm, and refined styles. The group is capped at 10, though the exact breweries can vary.

“Our guide, Hiroko (Hiro) was very knowledgeable, funny and kept the walking tour fun! Only visited 3 breweries this time. Will definitely do this tour again to visit the other sake breweries next time with Hiro again!”

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Tasting All Types of Sake with Sommelier - A short walk through Shinjuku 3-chome
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Tasting All Types of Sake with Sommelier

11.Tasting All Types of Sake with Sommelier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 151 reviews · from $62

Meet Aki, also introduced as Akira, near Shinjuku San-chome for a 90-minute sake lesson and tasting. You will try 6 to 7 styles, including sparkling, sweet, dry, hot, pasteurized, and unpasteurized sake, while learning how to read labels, pair sake with food, and choose bottles in Japan. The small group can include up to 12 people.

“Went to sake tasting with my daughter on her first visit to Japan. Lovely and informative experience would definitely recommend to anyone.”

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Osaka Sake Tasting & Takoyaki Cooking Experience - Meeting Momoko at Higashishinsaibashi
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Osaka Sake Tasting & Takoyaki Cooking Experience

12.Osaka Sake Tasting & Takoyaki Cooking Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 149 reviews · from $72

At MOMO to SAKE in Osaka’s Higashishinsaibashi district, Momoko guides you through sake history, production, labels, and tasting before teaching you to make takoyaki. You’ll cook with octopus, wagyu, cheese, and other fillings, then eat your food with your chosen sake. Classes run in the afternoon and evening for up to six people.

“Had a great making the Takoyaki and tasting and learning about sake. Very knowledgeable about sake!! Everyone in the group had a great time and would 100% recommend!”

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Tokyo Wagyu & Sake Pairing Tasting Experience with Local Flavors - Finding EMC near Tokyo Skytree
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Tokyo Wagyu & Sake Pairing Tasting Experience with Local Flavors

13.Tokyo Wagyu & Sake Pairing Tasting Experience with Local Flavors

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 108 reviews · from $151

At Enjoy Meat Club near Tokyo Skytree, chef Mike and his team serve a short omakase-style dinner built around Japanese Wagyu, seasonal ingredients, and sake pairings. Expect about two hours, a small group of up to 12, friendly explanations, and a changing menu. Alcohol is included, with craft juice available for non-drinkers.

“Be prepared to leave begging for more. Just WOW. Everything was beautiful. The food was amazing, the staff were lovely and the vibe of the place was so cool! Absolutely recommend & don’t forget to ask the staff about their fav food spots after the experience.”

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Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour with visit to 7 Breweries - Meeting at Saijo Station at 1 p.m.
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Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour with visit to 7 Breweries

14.Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour with visit to 7 Breweries

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 104 reviews · from $50

Meet your English-speaking guide at Saijo Station for a compact walking tour through seven breweries. You will taste eight sakes, from Daiginjo Gold and Junmai Ginjo to cloudy Nigori, while learning how brewing methods shape flavor. Guide Ione has led warmly explained tours here, and the small group keeps the pace easy.

“We had a great time with the brilliant Ione as a guide. Learnt a lot about the Saijo area and the history and brewing techniques for sake. I would recommend this tour over those that visit only a couple of locations, much more complete and more fun!”

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Tsukiji: Outer Market Walking Tour & Sake Tasting Experience - Meeting at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
Markets, Sake Tasting, Sake Tours, Sushi & Sake Tours, Tokyo Sake Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Tsukiji: Outer Market Walking Tour & Sake Tasting Experience

15.Outer Market Walking Tour & Sake Tasting Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 81 reviews · 3 hours · from $70

Meet your English or Japanese-speaking guide at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, learn local prayer customs, then walk through Tsukiji Outer Market to discover food stalls and produce. The afternoon ends at a private sake salon, where a sommelier explains sake-making and offers unlimited tastings from 50 to 60 varieties. Market food costs extra, while snacks are included.

“Amazing! Exceeded my expectations! Guide was knowledgeable, welcoming and social! 10/10 stars! Tour started in a Buddhist temple and then a walk through the market where we tried different food! After we met up with a Sake expert where we sampled 20 different Sake’s to find our perfect match!”

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