Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo
Active
2h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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About this experience
In this 2-hour Japanese Whisky Tasting tour, you'll visit a local whisky bar with an English-speaking guide, taste different types of Japanese whiskies, and learn more about what makes Japanese whisky different from other whiskey in the world.
Availability: Every day from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM except holidays (tours may start at 8:30 PM on some occasions)
Available options
Whisky Tour+Tokyo 4h (Vehicle)
Add-on: 4h Tokyo Custom Tour: A fully customizable Tokyo exploration with your private English-speaking guide (3:30 PM – 7:30 PM).<br/>Private Vehicle: Travel in comfort with a private car and driver (transport cost included).
Whisky Tour+Tokyo 4h (Public)
Add-on: 4h Tokyo Custom Tour: A fully customizable Tokyo exploration with your private English-speaking guide (3:30 PM – 7:30 PM).<br/>Public Transport: Travel with your guide using Tokyo’s public transport (cost included).
Whisky Tour+Tokyo 6h (Public)
Add-on: 6h Tokyo Custom Tour: A fully customizable Tokyo exploration with your private English-speaking guide (1:30 PM – 7:30 PM).<br/>Public Transportation: Travel with your guide using Tokyo’s public transport (cost included).
Private Whisky Tasting Tour
Whisky + Yurakucho Food Tour
Add-on: Yurakucho Food Tour: A 2.5-hour guided food crawl (5:00 PM – 7:30 PM) through hidden alleys and local eateries before your whisky tasting.
Whisky Tour+Tokyo 6h (Vehicle)
Add-on: 6h Tokyo Custom Tour: A fully customizable Tokyo exploration with your private English-speaking guide (1:30 PM – 7:30 PM).<br/>Private Vehicle: Travel in comfort with a private car and driver (transport cost included).
What's included
Small group tour
Service fees
English speaking tour guide
Photo opportunities
Beverages/Whisky tasting: 4– 5 short glasses, depending on availability
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Tokyo's most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district, featuring numerous department stores, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, night clubs and cafes.
2
Add-on Yurakucho Food Tour
What's not included
Add-on Food Tour (if selected)
Private experience (if selected)
Gratuities (Optional)
Rare Japanese aged whisky (Maybe available for purchase)
Transportation to/from meeting point
Available languages
Guide guide
ZH-TW
JA
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
19 reviews
5★
18
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.7
40 reviews
5★
36
4★
1
3★
0
2★
1
1★
2
Important information
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 20 years (drinking age in Japan)
A current valid passport or identification card is required on the day of travel (proof of age may be required at bars)
Dress code is smart casual
Smoking: Please be aware that many establishments, especially bars, will allow smoking in Japan
What is Japanese whisky?
Whisky may not be originally from Japan, but recent years saw the world taking notice of whisky bottles coming out of the country. Japanese whisky brands Suntory and Nikka, etc., have now joined the ranks of its Scottish counterparts in terms of quality ratings and popularity.
What kinds of Japanese whisky will I be tasting?
Some examples are: Chita, Yamazaki 18, Hakushu, Hibiki Blender’s Choice, Yamazaki 1982, and other whisky.
In this 2 hour small group Japanese whisky tasting tour, visit a local bar with your tour guide to taste various types of Japanese whisky (4 – 5 short glasses, depending on availability) and learn about the subtleties and differences of these different brands, how the whiskies are aged and what sets the Japanese whisky apart from others around the world. You will also be able to experience what a local bar in Tokyo feels like, as you enjoy the atmosphere, talk to the bartender (with the help of your English-speaking tour guide) and sip on your chilled whisky (spelled “whisky” not “whiskey” in Japan). Some rare Japanese aged whisky may be available for purchase (not included) at the bar for guests interested
Please note that this tour will be at a local bar only, and does NOT include a distillery tour
Standard Cancellation Policy
We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 7 days or less before event
We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 14 days or less before event
We will charge a cancellation fee of 25% if booking is cancelled 20 days or less before event
Q&A
What if I'm late?
Although this is a private tour, the guide will wait up to 30 minutes after the scheduled start time. If you do not arrive within this time, the tour will be considered cancelled.
Japan Awaits is a licensed tour operator in Japan, with hundreds of registered and vetted tour guides nationwide. We offer tours in any location in Japan and manage all details, including transportation and tickets. Visit Japan Awaits to learn more about our tours or inquire about a custom experience today.
Meeting point
The exact direction to the meeting point will be provided after booking. Please check your message through Viator.
Important notes
• Dress code is smart casual
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• A current valid passport or identification card is required on the day of travel (proof of age may be required at bars)
• Minimum age is 20 years (drinking age in Japan)
• Minimum of 2 people per booking is required
• Not recommended for pregnant women
• Smoking: please be aware that many establishments, especially bars, will allow smoking in Japan
• Location change: in some cases, if the local bars in Ginza are not available, the local may be changed but will still be within Central Tokyo. We will notify you of the change within 7 days prior to the event date, unless otherwise specified.
About Ginza
Ginza is Tokyo's upscale shopping district, known for its luxury boutiques, high-end dining, and vibrant nightlife. This area offers a blend of traditional and modern Japanese culture, with historic sites nestled among contemporary architecture.
Top Attractions
Ginza Six
Ginza Six is a high-end shopping complex with luxury brands, a rooftop garden, and various dining options. It's a great place to experience the latest in fashion and design.
Shopping/Mall
2-4 hours
Expensive
Kabukiza Theatre
Kabukiza Theatre is one of the most famous theaters for traditional Japanese kabuki performances. It's a must-visit for those interested in traditional Japanese culture.
Cultural/Theater
2-3 hours for a performance
Moderate to Expensive
Tsukiji Outer Market
Tsukiji Outer Market is a bustling market known for its fresh seafood, sushi, and other Japanese delicacies. It's a great place to sample local cuisine and experience the vibrant atmosphere.
Food/Market
1-2 hours
Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sushi
Fresh, high-quality sushi made with the finest ingredients. Ginza is home to many renowned sushi restaurants.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains fish and seafood; some restaurants offer vegetarian options.
Tempura
Lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables, served with a dipping sauce. Tempura is a popular dish in Ginza.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains seafood; vegetarian options may be available.
Kaiseki
A traditional multi-course meal that showcases the seasons and the chef's skills. Kaiseki is a high-end dining experience.
Dinner
Contains various ingredients, including seafood and meat; vegetarian options may be available.
Popular Activities
Hiking in nearby parks and gardens
Biking around the city
Spa and wellness treatments
Tea ceremonies
Strolling through parks and gardens
Kabuki performances
Temple and shrine visits
Boat tours in Tokyo Bay
Best Time to Visit
March to May, September to November
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for sightseeing and shopping. Cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn add to the charm.
10-25°C (50-77°F)
50-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas and hotels)
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Ginza is a very safe area with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is uncommon. However, travelers should still take basic precautions to protect their belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis and check the meter.
Getting there
By air
- Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles)
- Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles)
By train
Tokyo Station, Shimbashi Station
By bus
Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shimbashi Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The Tokyo Metro system is efficient, clean, and covers all major areas of Ginza. The Ginza Line is particularly useful for exploring the district.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, JapanTaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Central Ginza
Yurakucho
Shimbashi
Day trips
Asakusa
3 km (1.9 miles) • Half day
Asakusa is a historic district known for its traditional architecture, temples, and street food. It's a great place to experience old Tokyo.
Odaiba
6 km (3.7 miles) • Full day
Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay, known for its futuristic architecture, shopping, and entertainment venues.
Kamakura
50 km (31 miles) • Full day
Kamakura is a historic city known for its temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a popular day trip from Tokyo.
Festivals
Ginza Festival • Late October to early November
Sanja Matsuri • Third weekend of May
Tokyo New Year's Countdown • December 31 - January 1
Pro tips
- Use an IC card like Suica or Pasmo for easy payments on public transportation and in some stores and vending machines.
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Try local street food and snacks for an authentic and budget-friendly dining experience.
- Explore the backstreets and alleys of Ginza to discover hidden gems and local shops.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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