Private Half Day Sake Brewery Tour in Takayama
Active
3h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the Art of Japanese Sake in Takayama
Join a guided tour of historic sake breweries in the heart of Takayama’s old town. Learn the traditional brewing process, explore normally off-limits areas inside the breweries, and enjoy tastings of carefully crafted sake, from time-honored classics at Hirata Brewery to modern flavors at Funasaka Brewery.
With an English-speaking guide, deepen your appreciation for Japan’s iconic drink in a truly immersive setting.
Available options
Private Half Day Sake Brewery Tour in Takayama
What's included
English-Speaking Guide
Bottled water
Experience fees
Detailed itinerary
1
If you're new to sake, why not begin your sake journey at Funasaka Brewery?
More than just a brewery, Funasaka is like a theme park dedicated to Japanese sake.
The facility includes a restaurant and bar converted from the original brewery, offering a unique atmosphere.
They also sell plum and yuzu liqueurs, as well as sweets and cosmetics made with sake, allowing you to enjoy sake in many different forms.
Funasaka Brewery is the perfect place to discover a modern take on traditional Japanese sake.
2
Hirata Sake Brewery is a celebrated establishment nestled in the historic old town of Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. With roots tracing back to the Edo period, it stands as one of the city’s most distinguished breweries.
The brewery draws its heritage from both Ise and Hida. It uses premium sake rice varieties such as Yamadanishiki, as well as locally grown Hidahomare from Hida and Isehikari, a rare rice born from the sacred fields of the Grand Shrine of Ise.
The water, sourced from the crystal-clear Miyagawa River, adds to the exceptional quality.
Blending the spiritual legacy of Ise with the harsh winters and deep sake-making traditions of Hida, Hirata Sake Brewery produces a refined and elegant selection of sake — the true essence of Japanese craftsmanship.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a private tour. Only your group will participate.
Children under 20 years old are not allowed to sample alcoholic beverages according to Japanese law.
You can customize it as you like. If you have any requests please let us know in advance.
If you want to change your schedule even on the tour day, your guide is always happy to help you.
You can skip the spot where you don't go (※in this case we do not refund any fees) or change it with another place.
If you add some new spots by your request, please pay the ticket fee on the spot. (Note that you may need to pay extra transportation fee)
Please understand that you may be joined by other customers during the sake brewery tour.
Please be aware that weekends, holidays, and event days may experience high levels of congestion.
In the event of a natural disaster, such as a typhoon, the tour will be canceled, and a full refund will be issued.
Please personally take responsibility for your valuables.
Please refrain from using strong perfumes on the day of the tour.
Please refrain from eating natto on the day of the tour.
Meeting point
Meet up with guide at Takayama Station East Exit
About Takayama
Takayama is a charming mountain town in the Japanese Alps known for its well-preserved Edo-era streets, traditional architecture, and rich cultural heritage. It offers a glimpse into Japan's past with its historic districts, vibrant festivals, and delicious local cuisine, particularly its famous Hida beef and sake.
Top Attractions
Old Town (Sannomachi Street)
This well-preserved Edo-era district features beautifully maintained merchant houses, wooden facades, and traditional shops. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of Takayama's cultural heritage.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
Free to explore (individual shops may charge)
Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato)
An open-air museum featuring 30 traditional thatched-roof houses from the Hida region, showcasing the rural life and architecture of the Edo period.
Cultural/Historical
1-2 hours
600 JPY
Takayama Morning Market
A lively market offering local produce, crafts, and street food. It's a great place to experience the local culture and sample regional delicacies.
Cultural/Market
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free to enter (costs vary for food and items)
Takayama Jinya
A historic government office from the Edo period, now a museum showcasing the region's history and the samurai era. It features exhibits on local governance, trade, and daily life.
Historical/Museum
1 hour
320 JPY
Shirakawa-go
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring traditional thatched-roof farmhouses, known as gassho-zukuri. This remote mountain village offers a unique glimpse into rural Japanese life.
Cultural/Historical
Half-day to full day
Free to enter the village (individual houses may charge for entry)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Hida Beef
A premium type of wagyu beef known for its tenderness and rich flavor. It's often served as sukiyaki or grilled.
Main Course
Contains beef, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
Gohei Mochi
Grilled rice cakes skewered on bamboo sticks, often served with sweet soy glaze or miso paste.
Snack/Dessert
Vegetarian (check for miso or soy sauce if vegan)
Mitarashi Dango
Sweet rice dumplings skewered and grilled, brushed with a sweet soy-based glaze.
Snack/Dessert
Vegetarian (check for soy sauce if vegan)
Hoba Miso
Grilled miso paste on magnolia leaves, often topped with vegetables and Hida beef.
Main Course
Contains miso (fermented soybean paste), may contain beef
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Japanese Alps
Mountain biking
River rafting in the summer
Onsen bathing
Traditional tea ceremonies
Strolling through the old town
Visiting temples and shrines
Attending local festivals
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April to May) and Autumn (October to November)
These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. It's the best time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
10°C to 20°C
50°F to 68°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
Japan Standard Time (JST, GMT+9)
Electricity
100VV, 50/60Hz (varies by region)Hz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Takayama is a very safe destination with low crime rates. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. The town is well-maintained, and the locals are friendly and helpful.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
- • Avoid walking alone in isolated areas late at night
Getting there
By air
- Chubu Centrair International Airport • 100 km
- Nagoya Airfield (Komaki Airport) • 150 km
By train
Takayama Station
By bus
Takayama Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary mode of public transport. They are punctual and cover most tourist areas. A day pass is available for unlimited rides.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town (Sannomachi Street)
Kamisannomachi
Higashiyama
Day trips
Shirakawa-go
60 km • Half-day to full day
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring traditional thatched-roof farmhouses, known as gassho-zukuri. This remote mountain village offers a unique glimpse into rural Japanese life.
Kamikochi
50 km • Full day
A scenic alpine area in the Japanese Alps, offering stunning mountain views, hiking trails, and outdoor activities.
Gero Onsen
30 km • Half-day
A famous hot spring town known for its beautiful natural surroundings and historic inns. It's one of Japan's three most famous hot spring resorts.
Festivals
Takayama Festival (Takayama Matsuri) • April 14-15 (Spring Festival) and October 9-10 (Autumn Festival)
Winter Light-Up Festival • December to February
Hida Folk Village Festival • Various dates throughout the year (check schedule)
Pro tips
- Visit the Takayama Tourism Association for a free map and guide, as well as information on local events and attractions
- Try the famous Takayama ramen, a local noodle dish with a rich, miso-based broth
- Experience a traditional ryokan stay, complete with multi-course kaiseki meals and onsen baths
- Explore the old town in the evening when the streets are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere
- Visit the morning market for a taste of local culture and to sample regional delicacies like gohei mochi and mitarashi dango
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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