6 Drinking Tours to Build an Afternoon Around

1.Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Monkeys, or Secret Sake Brewery

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 886 reviews · 5 hours - 330 minutes · from $87Our pick

Join guides such as Karim, Tom, Francis, or Toru for a five-hour walking tour through Arashiyama. Visit the bamboo grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Okochi Sanso Garden, Tenryuji Temple, and Iwatayama Monkey Park, with an alternate sake brewery and local lunch option.

“Alice was AMAZING! Our favorite tour of our trip given her depth of knowledge, ability to assess the group and adjust as needed, and her practical knowledge (buy water here, bathroom here, etc).”

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

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

Spend about 50 minutes in a private 300-year-old samurai house near Kyoto Station. A tea master introduces you to Uji matcha, then you choose hands-on whisking, five sake tastes, or two Japanese whisky tastes. Photos in kimono or samurai dress add a memorable finish.

“This was the highlight of our entire trip. I highly recommend this for couples. Family was very welcoming and warm. Very traditional, and worth every penny!”

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3.Tokyo Sushi Making Class : Sake Ceremony & Matcha Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · from $45Best value

At Sushi Meets Matcha in Asakusa, you’ll open a sake barrel, shape nigiri, make torched salmon mayo gunkan, and whisk matcha. The 90-minute class welcomes beginners, serves 6 to 12 pieces, and offers water or warm tea instead of sake.

“What a brilliant experience! The instructor was so fun, welcoming and knowledgeable. Completely exceeded my expectations. It was an amazing, relaxing and special activity to do. Thank you for going above and beyond for me!”

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4.Kyoto Local Gourmet Night Experience: Kaiseki & Izakaya & Matcha

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $70

Meet at Minamiza for a 3.5-hour Kyoto food walk through Gion, Pontocho, and Kawaramachi. A local guide such as Lisa, Akari, Ayane, or Sura leads you to three restaurants for dinner, drinks, desserts, and a taste of everyday Kyoto culture.

“We had a wonderful time with Ayane! The food from all three locations was great and each provided a unique experience. The small group setting made it feel more personalized.”

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5.Making Japanese desserts Nerikiri & drinking matcha in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · from $65

In a small class of up to eight, you’ll shape three seasonal nerikiri sweets by hand, learn their place in Japanese food culture, and drink matcha with your creations. The 90-minute session usually meets in Shimokitazawa, though Toritsu Daigaku Station may be used when the kitchen is unavailable.

“This was a super fun experience! I would highly recommend if you want to try something more cultural. You don't often get to learn new skills, and I this activity was really beginner friendly. Would recommend to do with friends and family. I wRead more”

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6.Shanghai Mahjong Experience in Local Tea Bar

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $95

Meet Jenny and local Mahjong players at a tea bar on Shanxi South Road. Over about three hours, you’ll learn the rules, practice with English translation, play on an automatic table, and hear how Mahjong fits Chinese social life. Tea and drinks cost extra.

“On a drizzling afternoon, I walked into a cozy tea house and had the BEST time learning how to play Shanghai mahjong with Jenny and her friends. She (patiently) first introduced me to the basics and provided a handout that I was able to usRead more”

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