Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe

Kobe , Japan

Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe

Active

(38 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Sake breweries are scattered in the Nada area, where the area is known as one of the best sake breweries in Japan.
Several breweries are open to the public, and they are popular with tourists because they offer tours of the production process and free tastings.
Sake brewing in Nada has been active since the Edo period and now accounts for about 30% of Japan's total sake production.

The location, climatic environment, quality of rice, and water are just perfect to brew sake in Nada. Those are essential for sake brewing, and the craftsmanship has been handed down from generation to generation with its techniques.

This tour will not only introduce a sake brewery and tasting but will also introduce you to the food culture using sake, strolling through local shopping streets.
By learning about the efforts of the people involved in sake brewing, as well as feeling the daily lives in the area, you will be able to understand the appeal of sake.

Available options

Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe

What's included

Private Tour

Tour Guide

The necessary expenses for the guide during the tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum: This is a museum that was built in the early Taisho era. The museum displays the traditional sake brewing process and operations, and visitors can learn about the brewing process as well as see the historical architecture. You can also enjoy sake tasting.

Kobe Shushinkan: This is also a sake brewery that has been in business for 250 years, since the Edo period. The brewery produces Fukuju, which is drunk at Nobel Prize -dinners and is highly regarded both in Japan and abroad. Find your favorite flavor at the tasting corner and make it your souvenir.

Stop 3

Kobe Konan Mukonosato: Specializing in pickles and Mirin (sweet cooking rice wine). Mirin is made from the same raw materials as sake and is an essential part of Japanese cuisine. By learning about the similarities and differences between sake and Mirin, you can learn more about Japanese food and sake.

Oyasutei Ichiba Shopping Street: With a history of over 100 years, the market is said to be "the oldest shopping street in Kobe. Today, there are long-established stores that have been around since the postwar period, as well as stores that sell not only Japanese and Asian foods, but also Halal foods. It is a deep shopping street with a mixture of Showa and multinational, giving it a retro Japanese atmosphere.

What's not included

Estimated Costs of the Tour: 530 JPY per Person

Breakdown: Transportation: 530 JPY, Admission Fees: 0 JPY, Meal costs: 0 JPY per Person

Optional Experience Costs: 0 JPY per Person

Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

32 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All transportation costs, entrance fees, food and drink costs, etc. incurred at the visited spots, will be borne by the customer.

Under the age of 20 are not allowed to drink in Japan.

Tour finishing spot is different from starting spot. Please let your tour guide know if you would like to change the finishing spot.

Please understand that tour spots might be changed to alternative spots in case of temporary closure.

This tour does not include a dining spot.

If the weather is bad on the day, there is a possibility that the means of transportation, destinations, and routes may be changed.

Please wear comfortable clothing as you will be walking a lot.

Some of the spots we will visit on the day do not accept credit cards. Please remember to bring cash.

If you are unable to make it to the meeting point by the start time, there is a possibility that we might not be able to provide the full experience this tour has to offer, due to the time taken to get to the meeting point via public transport. Please ensure that you have ample time to get to the meeting point on time.

Meeting point

JR Sannomiya Station central exit, in front of ticket office

Important notes

・Please contact us using the messaging feature or WhatsApp message : +81 80-7475-5829.
・Please note that we do not answer calls. In case of any difficulties meeting up, kindly call your tour guide directly.
・All transportation costs, entrance fees, food and drink costs, etc. incurred at the visited spots, will be borne by the customer.
・If you do not arrive at the specified starting place after 60 minutes from the agreed meeting time, the tour will be considered canceled.

About Kobe

Kobe is a vibrant port city known for its stunning harbor views, diverse architecture, and world-class cuisine. It's a blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern urban living, with a rich history as an international trading hub.

Top Attractions

Kobe Port Tower

A iconic red tower offering panoramic views of Kobe's harbor and skyline. It's a symbol of the city and a popular photo spot.

Architecture 1-2 hours ¥800

Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown)

One of the largest and most vibrant Chinatowns in Japan, filled with colorful shops, restaurants, and street food stalls.

Cultural 1-3 hours Free to explore, varies for food and shopping

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden and Ropeway

A beautiful garden with a variety of herbs and flowers, accessible by a scenic ropeway ride offering stunning views of Kobe.

Nature 2-3 hours ¥1,600 (includes ropeway and garden entry)

Kobe beef

Kobe beef is one of Japan's most famous and luxurious culinary delights, known for its tenderness and rich flavor. It's a must-try when visiting Kobe.

Cultural 1-2 hours (for a meal) Expensive (¥10,000-¥30,000 per person)

Arima Onsen

One of Japan's oldest and most famous hot spring resorts, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience in a beautiful mountain setting.

Religious Half day to overnight ¥1,000-¥5,000 (varies by bathhouse and ryokan)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kobe beef

Tender, marbled beef from Tajima cattle, known for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Dinner Contains beef

Ikayaki (grilled squid)

A Kobe specialty, this grilled squid is seasoned with soy sauce and served with a tangy dipping sauce.

Snack Seafood, gluten (soy sauce)

Kobe-style sushi

A local twist on traditional sushi, featuring fresh seafood and unique toppings.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish, gluten (soy sauce)

Menki crab

A popular winter delicacy, Menki crab is known for its sweet and tender meat.

Dinner Seafood

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Rokko Mountains Mountain biking Ropeway ride to Nunobiki Herb Garden Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic harbor cruises Temple and shrine visits Traditional crafts workshops

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

These seasons offer pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn offers vibrant foliage.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken (in tourist areas)

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60Hz (varies by region)Hz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kobe is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, travelers should always be aware of their surroundings and take basic precautions to protect their belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid sharing your PIN
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night

Getting there

By air

Kobe Airport • 12 km from city center
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 30 km from city center

By train

Shin-Kobe Station, Sannomiya Station

By bus

Sannomiya Bus Terminal, Kobe Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway system is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. It's the best way to get around the city quickly.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Sannomiya Kitano-cho Nada

Day trips

Himeji Castle

30 km from Kobe • Half day to full day

One of Japan's most famous and well-preserved feudal castles, known for its elegant white exterior and beautiful gardens.

Osaka

30 km from Kobe • Full day

A vibrant, bustling city known for its modern architecture, historic sites, and delicious street food. Osaka offers a mix of traditional and contemporary attractions.

Koyasan

50 km from Kobe • Full day to overnight

A sacred mountain and the center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Koyasan is home to numerous temples, monasteries, and beautiful gardens.

Festivals

Kobe Luminarie • Early December (dates vary) Kobe Port Festival • Early May (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the Nunobiki Herb Garden and Ropeway for stunning views of Kobe and beautiful gardens.
Try Kobe beef at a high-end restaurant for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Explore the historic Kitano-cho neighborhood for a glimpse into Kobe's international past and beautiful views of the harbor.
Take a day trip to Himeji Castle, one of Japan's most famous and well-preserved feudal castles.
Visit the Kobe Luminarie festival in December for a breathtaking light display along the harbor.