Takayama: Authentic Sake Tasting at a Historic Brewery
Overview
Available languages
30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Takayama has a long sake-brewing history. More than 300 years ago, the town had 56 sake breweries, supported by its cold climate, pure mountain water, and craftsmanship.
Today, seven breweries remain in the old town area, all within about 200 meters. This rare concentration offers a unique chance to experience Takayama’s sake culture in a short time.
On this tour, you will visit one historic brewery and learn about sake-making, local traditions, and the characteristics of Takayama sake. The tour will be held at either Hirase Sake Brewery or Funasaka Sake Brewery, depending on opening hours, business conditions, and production schedules.
Some production areas may not be accessible for hygiene and safety reasons. The tour will end at the brewery visited.
Tours are conducted in English or Japanese.
Alcohol cannot be served to anyone under 20 under Japanese law.
This tour generally operates rain or snow, but may be canceled or adjusted if safe operation is difficult.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible
What To Expect
Hirase Shuzo Brewery
You can see inside factory and tasting in this place.
Options
Takayama: Authentic Sake Tasting at a Historic Brewery
What‘s Included
You can see facilities & Kura to make Sake
Tax
Guide in English
Tasting Sake
Any other things
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
70 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A fun way to spend an afternoon!
lynb7777,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a really interesting tour with lots of background on how sake is made as well as lots of opportunity for tastings with explanations. Takumi gave us a thorough rundown or the whole process as well as explaining the differences in types of sake and how they affect tastes. Be warned though - you will need an extra bag to take home your supplies after the tasting!
Wasted money & bad English
Alibaba-en-4-Rovers,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Tour leader spoke poor English. The tour does not go to or past a working brewery. The guide tells you how Sake is made using plasticized A4 sheets. You don't see anything of the production anywhere. You can take a picture at two places at the entrance. The tasting was fine.
Great Sake Brewery Tour
Carol H,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed our small group Funasaka Sake Brewery tour. Satoe our friendly and expert guide clearly provided the historic context and explained about the different types of rice used in the production and brewing process, before taking us through our tasty and enjoyable sake tasting session. Would definitely recommend this tour.
A great experience.
Peter K,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was such a lot of fun. We learned such a lot about making sake from our wonderful guide, and the tasting was amazing - we had never imagined there could be so many different varieties of depth and taste.
Great tour and the best guide.
W2288PBtrevorh,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was so nice and very informative (thanks Sato). The tour went into the back rooms of the brewery. I learnt many new things about the complex process for making quality Sake. Next time I’d book directly with Happy Plus tours for less than half the cost. TripAdvisor is a complete rip off.
Great experience
casselc,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed our time and learned a lot. Yama was great. Worth it for the tasting and learning about sake. We also purchased some bottles to bring home
Detailed review of sake...
Khea B,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Detailed review of sake making process and the tastings were delicious. The host was knowledgeable and patient in answering questions.
Great tour, great tour...
Nicholas K,Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour, great tour guide! Super interesting seeing the oldest sake brewery in Japan! Also got to try some great sake as well.
Informative and delicious
Patrik H,Aug 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was very interesting and the guide was very friendly. He answered all the questions. The highlight was the tasting of 7 different sake bottles.
An excellent and tasty introduction to sake
Claire S,Aug 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was the only person booked into the tour so I got a private tour and tasting and it was excellent! Takumi explained everything throughly and clearly about the sake-making process and could answer all my questions. He was a great guide that kept things fun and relaxed. At the end I got to try 8 delicious different samples - would highly recommend this tour
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Operated by Happy Tour