Fabien was fantastic…he was very knowledgeable and passionate about the sake experience and the food was great.
Tokyo Sake Tasting Tour
Learn how sake is made, served, and enjoyed in Japan
The Finer Details
Wandering through the cobbled streets of Monzen-Nakacho, a Tokyo neighborhood favored by locals and known for its colorful authenticity, it is inevitable that you feel the pull to enter one of the many drinking holes and order a glass of the local elixir. But how on earth to choose from the shelves of calligraphed bottles? What exactly is sake, and is there a particular way to drink it?
On this Sake tasting tour with food pairing, your expert will let you in on all of the secrets this Japanese specialty holds. From traditional brewing techniques to modern trends and refined tasting methods, your Sake guide will arm you with all of the knowledge you need to enjoy and order sake like a local.
Visit a few of your expert’s favorite haunts in the neighborhood, sampling a variety of carefully selected sakes as well as accompanying your drinks with Otsumami, savory snacks intended to be consumed alongside alcoholic beverages. These pairings not only delight the palate but also enhance your understanding of how sake can complement various flavors.
You’ll part with your expert after experiencing an evening as only a true local could, having savored the complexity of Japan’s national drink in a neighborhood far from the tourist-filled crowds of Shibuya. Whether you're a seasoned sake enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this experience promises to be both delicious and informative.
On this Sake tasting tour with food pairing, your expert will let you in on all of the secrets this Japanese specialty holds. From traditional brewing techniques to modern trends and refined tasting methods, your Sake guide will arm you with all of the knowledge you need to enjoy and order sake like a local.
Visit a few of your expert’s favorite haunts in the neighborhood, sampling a variety of carefully selected sakes as well as accompanying your drinks with Otsumami, savory snacks intended to be consumed alongside alcoholic beverages. These pairings not only delight the palate but also enhance your understanding of how sake can complement various flavors.
You’ll part with your expert after experiencing an evening as only a true local could, having savored the complexity of Japan’s national drink in a neighborhood far from the tourist-filled crowds of Shibuya. Whether you're a seasoned sake enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this experience promises to be both delicious and informative.
Choose this tour if...
- You have an appreciation for wine tasting or brewery experiences. Why not add sake to the list?
- You want to do as the locals do and drink as the locals drink
- You are starting out your trip and want to be confident in Sake ordering and purchasing for the remainder of your time in Japan
What you’ll taste
- Several glasses of Sake spanning different types and qualities
- Otsumami - a special variety of Japanese appetizers, sure to complement your Sake tastings
Logistics
- These tastings do replace a meal, but you are in Japan, where there are far too many delicious things to taste, so never rule out a post-tour snack.
- We are taking you to local establishments that are often family-run, hours and availability may vary.
- We don’t recommend this tour for non-drinkers as there are no suitable non-alcoholic options.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
- For more information on planning your travels to Tokyo, take a read through our Context Stories.
- If you are looking to learn more about Japan prior to a visit, check out our online lectures.
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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A local bar in the downtown area
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
We do our best to accommodate everyone. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, please let us know when you book. We can check in on dishes, order ahead, and do everything possible to ensure you enjoy your tasting and meal. Vegetarians can join, but food pairing options may be more limited. Gluten-free diets are easy to accommodate, but there are trace amounts of wheat in soy sauce, which is common but can be avoided.
Yes. Context clients generally tip anywhere from 10-25% of the purchase price of a personal service such as this, depending on the quality of the experience and their tipping habits.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
The sake bars we visit are often cramped and narrow, and therefore not ideal for wheelchair-bound guests. However, as the experience is mostly seated, it is an ideal choice for guests with low mobility.
Don’t just take our word for it
we had a wonderful time learning about sake. marie was friendly, informative, and easy-going. And she was incredibly sweet going out of her way afterwards to take us to a nearby neighborhood that was intimate with its cozy streets and tons of tiny 6-seater bars.
We really enjoyed this sake tasting experience, Fabien took us to some very interesting standing sake bars & a beautiful meal paired with sake at a lovely local izakaya. Fabien is a wealth of knowledge on sake (& wine), we both learnt so much about the history, cultural & production process. He is a very good guide with excellent communication skills. Fabien is very friendly, courteous & helpful. We would definitely recommend this experience. Thanks Fabien. 10/10.
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