Our Tours
Our walking tours explore the historic sake region of Nada to discover the art and science behind Japan's national drink. During the tour, an expert guide with insider access and deep knowledge of the brewing process will accompany you. You will visit some of Japan's most prestigious sake breweries, enjoy a guided tasting of rare sake with your host, and learn brewing secrets passed down through generations.
Nada West (Kobe)
Explore Uozaki and Mikage, two districts in the famous Nada Go Go, Japan’s premier sake brewing region. You will visit renowned sake breweries such as Kiku-Masamune, Hakutsuru, and Kenbishi and learn about their unique brewing methods and characteristics. Our knowledgeable guide, who has firsthand experience brewing in Nada, will provide insights into the history and brewing expertise that make sake from this region special. With a focus on sake tasting, we promise an immersive experience, allowing you to delve into the fascinating world of this traditional Japanese beverage. Get ready to sip, savor, and discover Nada's finest local sake.
Tour Highlights
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Sample at least seven types of local sake
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Visit a barrel (taru) making facility (subject to availability).
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Learn traditional brewing techniques.
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Guided sake tasting with your host.
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Visit two of Nada's famous ''Five Villages.''
Nada West Itinerary (approx 4hrs)
Part One
Museum Visit
Sake Barrel Factory
Sake Tasting
Your Nada adventure begins in Uozaki, one of the Five Villages of Nada. This region is home to some of Japan's most famous sake breweries. First, we will take a short stroll through the central brewing district, passing by the towering Sakura-Masamune brewery and the legendary Kenbishi.
Our first stop is Kiku-Masamune, established in 1659 and famous for traditional taru-sake (barrel-aged sake). Here, we will learn about one of the often-overlooked secrets to Nada's success and enjoy some of their delicious sake, made using traditional techniques dating back to the time of the Shoguns. Included in the tasting is sake from their premium lineup that celebrates the strong relationship they maintain with the local rice farmers who cultivate Hyogo's famous Yamada-Nishiki sake rice.
Part Two
Sake Museum
Sake Tasting
Brewing Techniques
You will then head to the village of Mikage, which, according to legend, was the first region to brew sake in Nada.
The first stop is Hakutsuru, the biggest of Nada’s breweries. Here, you will enjoy a tour of their restored traditional sake brewhouse, which includes various old tools and brewing equipment. Your guide, who has experience using some of these implements, will explain the brewing process in detail and how it differs from modern brewing.
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To finish, you will try a comparative tasting of two of their ultra-premium Daiginjo sakes, one made from a modern strain of rice and the other pre-modern. Tax-free shopping is also available, with several items ideal for souvenirs, such as sake vessels, aprons, and head scarves worn by the brewers.
Part Three
Guided Sake Tasting and light snack
Former Brewery Visit
Finally, we will arrive at the center of Mikage to visit the renowned Nada Sake Tokoro, a bar and brewery unlike any other. It is housed in a former Kenbishi brewery, with tanks and other equipment still visible. Unlike our first two brewery visits, this contemporary brewery provides a unique opportunity to enjoy sake in the same place it was once made.
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Here, you can try a specially crafted comparative tasting of three types of Nada sake. This is an excellent opportunity to relax, reflect on your day’s tour and learn about the various styles of sake you have encountered throughout the day. For those wishing to continue drinking, the Nada Sake Tokoro also stocks sake from every brand in Nada.
Meeting Place
Our meeting place is Uozaki Station on the Hanshin Line. Those coming from Osaka can board the Kobe-bound train from Osaka Umeda Station or Osaka Namba. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes by local train. From Kobe Sannomiya Station, board the Osaka-bound train. The journey takes around 8 minutes. Please note that Uozaki Station is on the Hanshin Main Line, not the Japan Rail or Hankyu Lines, which also run from these locations.
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Nada West (weekdays)
Based on the popular Nada West Tour (above), which is held from Friday to Sunday, this weekday tour follows a different route through Uozaki and Mikage, two of the famous Nada Go Go regions in Japan known for sake brewing. During the tour, you will visit renowned sake breweries such as Hakutsuru, Kiku-Masamune, and Hamafukutsuru to experience both the modern and traditional aspects of brewing. Our knowledgeable guide, who has firsthand experience in brewing in Nada, will provide insights into the history and brewing expertise that make sake from this region special.
Tour Highlights
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Sample at least seven types of local sake
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Visit a barrel (taru) making facility (subject to availability).
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Compare traditional and modern brewing techniques.
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Guided sake tasting with your host.
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Compare sake made using Japan's finest sake rice
Nada West (weekday) Itinerary (approx 4hrs)
Part One
Museum Visit
Sake Tasting
Your Nada adventure begins in Mikage, one of the Five Villages of Nada. Our first stop is Hakutsuru Sake Brewery to visit their incredible Sake Museum. Here, you will learn about the traditional brewing techniques that helped establish Nada as Japan’s premier sake brewing region. We will finish the visit with a comparative tasting of two premium sakes made from different rice varieties: one pre-modern and the other modern.
Part Two
Sake-barrel workshop
Sake Tasting
Brewing Techniques
The next stop is in the neighbouring village Uozaki to visit Kiku-Masamune, a brewery established in 1659. Here you will learn about and taste traditional taru-sake (barrel-aged sake) at their special workshop that still makes them by hand. You will also taste two sakes from their premium lineup that celebrate the strong relationship they maintain with the local rice farmers who cultivate Hyogo's famous Yamada-Nishiki sake rice.
Part Three
Guided Sake Tasting
Former Brewery Visit
The final visit is to Hamafukutsuru, a micro-brewery that focuses on fresh, premium Ginjo sake. The modern glass layout of this brewery allows you to witness sake brewing as it happens. The final tasting of the tour is a comparison of three of Japan’s most famous rice varieties, all made in the premium Ginjo style.
Meeting Place
The meeting place is Mikage Station on the Hanshin Line. If you are coming from Osaka, board the Kobe-bound train from Osaka Umeda Station or Osaka Namba. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes by local train. From Kobe Sannomiya Station, board the Osaka-bound train. The journey takes around 8 minutes. Please note that this station is on the Hanshin Main Line, not the Japan Rail or Hankyu Lines, which also run from these locations.
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Nada East (Nishinomiya)
Nada comprises five regions, or villages. Nishinomiya, located in the east, is home to renowned names such as Hakushika, Nihon-Sakari, and Hakutaka. It is also the source of Nada's famous miyamizu well water, still used throughout Nada. This mineral-rich hard water is ideal for brewing Nada's signature rich and full-bodied style, and helped propel the region to fame during the Edo Period.
Our walking tour of Nishinomiya reveals the unique qualities of this regions sake. We take you to the source of miyamizu, where you will see the wells still used by brewers throughout Japan. You will explore two of the region's most famous breweries, Hakushika and Nihon-Sakari, where you can taste their delicious local sake and learn about the unique brewing methods and characteristics used to make them. Finally, we will visit a kaku-uchi, a traditional liquor store and bar, to enjoy a guided tasting of the local sake.
Tour Highlights
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Sample at least six different sakes from local breweries.
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Explore the Nishinomiya Brewing District.
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Visit a traditional kaku-uchi (liquor store)
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Visit the source of miyamiza.
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Guided sake tasting with your host.
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Guided tour of a Sake Museum.
Nada East Itinerary (approx 4hrs)
Part One
Shrine Visit
Miyamizu wells
Your adventure begins with a quick visit to Nishinomiya Shrine. Here, you can take pictures next to traditional komodaru, ornate sake barrels donated to this famous Shinto shrine. After that, we will visit the source of Miyamizu well water. This miraculous brewing water is one of the reasons why Nada gained fame during the Edo Period (1603-1868). It is rich in minerals, which results in Nada's signature rich and luscious sake.
Part Two
Sake Tasting
Sake Museum
Learn About Traditional Brewing Techniques
Next on the itinerary are visits to two local breweries. The first destination is Nihon-Sakari, renowned across Japan. We will sample an exceptional sake provided to the Imperial Household Agency, utilized in the enthronement ceremonies of various past Emperors. For those interested, you can also purchase a bottle of draft sake (additional cost), bottled fresh right before their eyes. After that, you will visit the sake museum at Hakushika, where your guide will explain traditional sake brewing techniques. We will finish this leg of the tour with a quick tasting of their fantastic sake.
Part Three
Guided Sake Tasting and light snack at a traditional kaku-uchi.
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Our final stop is a visit to a small, family-owned kaku-uchi. This is a unique type of liquor store that allows customers to drink and eat snacks, known as otsumami, inside the shop. Here, your guide will prepare a special tasting of local sake, the perfect way to unwind and reflect on all you have experienced during your Nishinomiya adventure.
Meeting Place
Our meeting place is Nishinomiya Station on the Hanshin Line. Please wait outside the tickegate of the Ebisu Exit (Ebisu Guchi). Those coming from Osaka can board the Kobe-bound train from Osaka Umeda Station or Osaka Namba. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes by local train. From Kobe Sannomiya Station, board the Osaka-bound train. The journey takes around 8 minutes. Please note that this station is on the Hanshin Main Line, not the Japan Rail or Hankyu Lines, which also run from these locations.
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Eligibility
The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. Those under 20 can accompany paying adults for free. However, under 15's are not permitted to enter the Meister Factory (barrel making facility) and minors are not permitted at our final destination (Nada Sake Tokoro). For further information, please contact us for a free consultation before making your booking.
Our Commitment
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Tours may change: Due to unforeseen circumstances, certain aspects of the tours (such as site closures or restricted access) might be altered. However, suitable alternatives will be arranged.
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Tour inclusions: Each tour covers a minimum of three sites, and complimentary tastings are provided.
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Final tasting: The final tasting experience is immersive and guided by your host.
In summary, our tours include multiple site visits and include a guided tasting experience.
Recommendations
Our tours are conducted on foot, so it is recommended that you wear appropriate clothes and footwear. The distance covered from the beginning till the end of the tour is approximately 3 kilometers. If you are not comfortable walking this distance, we suggest that you avoid making a booking. Moreover, if there is a possibility of rain, we recommend that you bring an umbrella or wear waterproof clothing. If you have any special requirements, please feel free to get in touch with us for a complimentary consultation.