Kobe Sake Brewery Walking Tour with Local Guide

Kobe , Japan

Kobe Sake Brewery Walking Tour with Local Guide

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About this experience

Discover the story behind Japan’s sake culture on a guided walking tour through Nada Gogo, one of the country’s most renowned sake-producing regions. Starting at Hanshin Sumiyoshi Station, your guide will welcome you and introduce the tour before leading you through the neighborhood, explaining Kobe’s geography and why this area became ideal for sake brewing.

Visit three historic breweries—Hakutsuru, Kikumasamune, and Sakura Masamune—each with its own philosophy and flavor style. Learn how sake is made, how it differs from other alcoholic beverages, and how tradition and craftsmanship influence taste. At each brewery, enjoy tastings of approximately 3 to 5 types of sake, allowing you to compare styles and discover your favorites.

This relaxed, easy-to-follow experience suits both beginners and sake lovers. With a knowledgeable guide, walkable distances, and an optional seasonal lunch at the final stop, the tour offers a meaningful way to experience Japanese sake culture.

Available options

Kobe Sake Brewery Walking Tour with Local Guide

What's included

At each brewery, you will have the opportunity to taste around 3 to 5 different types of sake.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Meeting & Welcome Briefing (Hanshin Sumiyoshi Station)
We meet at Hanshin Sumiyoshi Station, where your guide will give a short welcome briefing, including self-introductions and an overview of the tour.
After that, we take a 7-minute walk from the station while learning about Kobe’s geography, the Nada Gogo sake-producing area, and why this region became one of Japan’s most important sake-brewing centers.

Stop 2

Stop 1: Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum (Approx. 1 hour)

Our first stop is the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, operated by one of Japan’s most well-known sake brands with a long history of large-scale brewing.
Here, many historical tools and documents have been carefully preserved. While viewing these valuable materials together, your guide will explain the traditional sake brewing process, its history, and how sake differs from other alcoholic beverages.
After the visit, enjoy a tasting of 3–5 types of sake, followed by free time for shopping and souvenirs.

Stop 2: Kikumasamune Sake Brewery (Approx. 30 minutes)

We then walk about 10 minutes to Kikumasamune, a brewery famous for its dry, bold style of sake, often referred to as otokozake (masculine sake).
Each brewery in Nada has its own philosophy and flavor profile, and here you’ll enjoy a different selection of 3–5 sake tastings that highlight Kikumasamune’s distinctive character.
If you prefer a break from alcohol, you may choose sake lees soft-serve ice cream instead (subject to availability).

Stop 3: Sakura Masamune Sake Brewery (Approx. 30 minutes) OR Optional Lunch (Approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes)

After a 7-minute walk, we arrive at the final brewery, Sakura Masamune, known for its elegant, well-balanced sake and its close connection to food pairing.
Another tasting session is included here. An optional lunch can be added at this location, featuring a beautifully prepared seasonal meal designed to pair well with sake.
Your guide will assist with menu selection, so no worries even if you’re unfamiliar with the dishes.

Stop 5

Tour End: Hanshin Uozaki Station

Perfect for both beginners and sake lovers, this guided tour lets you explore Kobe’s famous sake district at a relaxed pace. Enjoy multiple tastings, learn how to taste and compare sake, and discover local favorites without worrying about directions or planning. With easy access from the station and a friendly guide, it’s a fun and approachable way to experience Japanese sake culture.

What's not included

Private transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Participants must be 20 years of age or older, as the legal drinking age in Japan is 20.

Meeting point

Hanshin Sumiyoshi Station is a local station (local trains only). Please make sure to take or change to a local train.
From Osaka-Umeda toward Kobe (about 25 min).
From Hanshin Kobe-Sannomiya toward Osaka (about 10 min).
Our guide will be waiting at the station ticket gate with a sign.

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.