The 3 Sake Tastings in Japan That Earn Their Price

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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