Samurai Guide Sho’s:Kichijoji Night Training–Drink & Dish Pairing
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
A modern-day Samurai, Sho, who has spent many years drinking his way through Kichijoji,
skillfully wields drinks instead of a sword and guides you on an evening training journey.
An intense story born of a small group of up to five.
The story begins in the nostalgic atmosphere of Harmonica Yokocho.
Blending into the atmosphere of the yokocho and loosening your spirit with a toast, we then move on to the Craft Beer Dojo.
There, you enjoy a diverse selection of Japanese craft beers.
The final stop is artisan sushi.
A quiet moment to complete the night’s story.
Drinks are not served as a fixed set.
At all training grounds, dishes carefully selected by the Samurai are served.
In that moment, you choose the single glass you want to drink most—
this is the practice of pairing.
Which drink will you pair with which dish?
That very hesitation is the joy of the training.
And if you find yourself unsure—
your Samurai Guide will quietly offer a secret word of guidance.
Available options
Samurai Guide Sho’s:Kichijoji Night Training–Drink & Dish Pairing
What's included
3rd Stop = Sushi Bar (Sushi platter / assortment)
2nd Stop = Craft Beer Bar (1–4 dinner dishes)
Drink & Dish Pairing Support Support in choosing drinks that match each dish.
1st Stop = Harmonica Yokocho Bar (1–2 dinner dishes)
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet the Samurai and Begin Your Training —
Samurai Training Night in Kichijoji
Meeting Point: In front of Baskin-Robbins, JR Kichijoji Station North Exit.
A man dressed in an indigo haori appears —
a modern-day samurai-style guide named Sho.
What begins under his guidance is more than just a bar-hopping tour.
It’s a local Tokyo experience story, guided by Samurai Guide Sho.
2
The First Training: Become One with the Nostalgic Yokocho
The training begins with a kanpai in a retro bar inside Harmonica Yokocho.
This bar warmly welcomes visitors with not only Shogun-class Japanese whisky, but also beer, wine, sake, and every drink you could wish for.
Our seats (4 seats + standing) are reserved, offering the perfect view to take in the atmosphere of the yokocho.
After absorbing the spirit of the alley at the first stop, we shall set off for the next training — the next bar.
3
The Second Training: The Craft Beer Dojo
Welcome to the dojo of fermentation.
In this training, you will pursue the perfect balance of aroma and bitterness while tasting Japanese craft beer on draft.
Here, we learn the virtues of patience and harmony.
4
The Third Training: Sushi × Your Favorite Sake to Conclude the Journey
The training concludes with the ultimate harmony between sushi and the sake of your choice.
It is a tranquil moment where flavor, tradition, and spirit become one.
5
Having completed your training, you have become a Samurai of Tokyo.
With smiles, we pledge “Until our next departure” — and the night comes to an end.
What's not included
Drinks are ordered freely and paid individually. About ¥1,000 per drink. Credit cards accepted.
Optional food orders (~¥1,000 each; small portions, card accepted, order freely, skip ok)
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
6 reviews
5★
5
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is not a party tour. This experience is designed for travelers who enjoy quiet conversations, good drinks, and the natural flow of a local night.
This tour may NOT be suitable if you are looking for: • An all-you-can-drink party • A fast-paced bar crawl with many stops • Detailed sightseeing explanations • A highly structured “perfect service” experience • The cheapest way to drink in Tokyo
This experience is for travelers who: • Prefer small groups and meaningful conversations • Enjoy pairing drinks with food, rather than drinking for quantity • Want to experience a local night, not a tourist event • Appreciate spontaneity, silence, and atmosphere • See their guide as a drinking companion, not a tour conductor
The price of this experience reflects what it is not. This is not a mass tour. It does not rely on discounts, drink quotas, or standardized service. Each night is carefully shaped for a very small group, with handpicked venues, reserved seating, and a natural flow that cannot be scaled or repeated. You are not paying for quantity. You are paying for intimacy, trust, and a night that feels personal rather than produced.
This experience is intentionally limited in size and frequency to preserve its quality.
In one sentence: Not a bar crawl, but a local night with Samurai Guide Sho.
Q: I don’t know much about alcohol. Can I still enjoy the tour without expert knowledge? A: Absolutely. This “training” is not a competition of knowledge, but a practice in sharpening your intuition. The focus is on what you feel and what you wish to drink in response to the dishes I select. If you feel unsure, I will quietly offer a small “secret word of guidance.” Please relax and enjoy the moment.
Q: Does “Modern Samurai” mean you walk around in a costume? A: No, this is not a loud performance or a costume show. I wear an indigo haori jacket as a sign of respect for traditional Japanese values and the Samurai spirit. Instead of a sword, I carry the philosophy of Ichi-go Ichi-e (once-in-a-lifetime encounters). My style is to walk through the Tokyo night quietly, blending into the modern city.
Q: Will communication be smooth? Do you use translation tools? A: Yes, communication is smooth. I use translation tools. The latest technology is my “modern weapon.” By combining simple English with translation tools, I share only what is needed in the moment. I am not a guide who explains everything in detail. By using fewer words, communication often becomes more genuine. Silence is also part of the training.
Q: Is there enough food? A: Yes, we serve satisfying dishes at each “training ground” (bar). Please come hungry. We focus on quality and harmony between the food and the drink. By the final sushi course, both your heart and stomach should feel full.
Q: How is this different from other “Bar Hopping” tours? A: The key differences are stillness, intimacy, and a natural pairing between food and drink. We do not take shots, shout, or rush between bars. We take our time, sit down comfortably, and feel what kind of drink suits the dish in front of us, while enjoying the local atmosphere. I join you not just as a guide, but as your drinking companion for the night, sharing that flow together.
Q: I am joining alone (or with one other person). Will I be with other guests? A: Yes. This is a small-group experience for up to five people, so you may be joined by other travelers. Sharing a table and a drink with people from different backgrounds is part of the experience. By the end of the night, you will likely feel a quiet bond from sharing the same Tokyo night.
Eligibility & Preparation – Participants must be at least 20 years old (the legal drinking age in Japan). This experience includes walking; please wear comfortable shoes suitable for your training.
Flexibility of the Night – The night in Kichijoji is a living thing. Routes and venues may change depending on crowd conditions and the spirit of each place. Your Samurai Guide will responsibly choose the spot with the best energy for that specific night and moment.
Dining & Dietary Requirements – We serve substantial food at every training ground (bar). Menus change daily based on the chef and seasonal ingredients, offering a once-in-a-lifetime taste each night. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance; we will do our best to accommodate where possible. The dishes typically include animal products, seafood-based broth, and alcohol-based seasonings, so vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and halal diets cannot be accommodated. This decision is made to preserve the authenticity of the local dining experience.
Safety & Mutual Respect – The organizer is not responsible for illness, injury, or loss or damage of personal belongings during the experience; please take responsibility for your own safety and well-being. To maintain harmony within the group, respectful behavior is required, and if disruptive behavior continues, the Samurai Guide may end the experience immediately without a refund.
Meeting point
Meet in front of the Baskin Robbins (31 Ice Cream) shop at the North Exit of Kichijoji Station. Your guide, Sho Kondo, will be wearing a modern samurai-style outfit, making him easy to spot (as shown in the first photo).
About Musashino
Musashino is a charming city in Tokyo Prefecture, known for its picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and serene parks. It offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life of Tokyo, with a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Musashino-no-Mori Park
A beautiful park with scenic walking paths, a large pond, and various wildlife. It's a great spot for picnics, birdwatching, and relaxation.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Gakushuin University Museum
A museum showcasing the history and culture of Gakushuin University and the surrounding area. It features exhibits on education, art, and local history.
Historical
1 hour
Free (donations welcome)
Koganei Park
A large park with a museum, a lake, and various recreational facilities. It's a popular spot for families and nature lovers.
Nature
2-3 hours
Free (activities may have fees)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Soba Noodles
Thin buckwheat noodles served hot or cold, often with a dipping sauce or in a broth.
Main Dish
Vegetarian-friendly (check for fish-based broth)
Tempura
Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, served with a dipping sauce.
Main Dish
Can be vegetarian if no seafood is included
Matcha Desserts
Desserts made with green tea powder, such as ice cream, cakes, and pastries.
Dessert
Vegetarian-friendly
Popular Activities
Hiking in nearby parks
Biking along scenic routes
Picnicking in Musashino-no-Mori Park
Tea ceremonies
Visiting local museums
Attending traditional festivals
Boat rentals in Koganei Park
Winter festivals
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September 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 outdoor activities and sightseeing.
10-25°C
50-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Musashino is a very safe city with a low crime rate. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Use reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing apps.
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services.
Getting there
By air
- Narita International Airport • 70 km
- Haneda Airport • 30 km
By train
Musashi-Koganei Station, Musashi-Sakai Station
By bus
Musashi-Koganei Station, Musashi-Sakai Station
Getting around
Public transport
The train network is efficient and covers most of the city. Trains are punctual and frequent, making them the best way to get around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Musashi-Koganei
Musashi-Sakai
Day trips
Kichijoji
5 km • Half day
A trendy neighborhood known for its shopping, dining, and the famous Inokashira Park.
Mitaka
3 km • Half day
A quiet neighborhood with the famous Ghibli Museum, a must-visit for fans of Studio Ghibli films.
Festivals
Musashino Festival • Late October
Cherry Blossom Festival • Late March to early April
Pro tips
- Visit Musashino-no-Mori Park early in the morning for a peaceful experience.
- Use an IC card like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
- Try local specialties like soba noodles and matcha desserts.
- Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Japan Travel for real-time updates on public transport and attractions.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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