Sake Tasting Experience with Nagoya Brewery Tour

2 h 10 min Free cancellation Private tour

Sake Tasting Experience with Nagoya Brewery Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Unlike standard mass-market tastings or automated factory tours, this private experience grants rare, behind-the-scenes access to Sawada Sake Brewery—a 170-year-old heritage producer near Nagoya in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, where traditional hand-craftsmanship thrives.

What sets this exclusive sake tasting apart is the multi-sensory ceramic pairing. Guided personally by the brewery owner, you will explore six distinct Japanese sakes and craft plum wine (umeshu) using four differently shaped, handcrafted Tokoname-yaki artisan pottery cups to discover how ceramic shapes transform flavor profiles, before selecting your favorite handmade cup to take home as a souvenir.

By combining owner-led heritage storytelling, a 6-variety sake tasting paired with local fermented snacks, and an authentic Tokoname ceramic gift, this experience delivers an unforgettable cultural highlight for travelers exploring Greater Nagoya and the Chita Peninsula region.

Wine Tastings Historical Tours Cooking Classes Mixology Classes Wine Making Workshops Spring Break Short term availability Weather Dependent - Weather-Proof

At a glance

Duration: 2 h 10 min
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: Honey J Tours

Ages: Adults (20–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Aichi Fermented Appetizer Plate
Included: All Experience & Facility Fees
Included: Artisan Tokoname Ware Experience: Compare aromas and flavors using four Tokoname-yaki cups.
Included: Take-Home Tokoname-Yaki Sake Cup
Included: Guided Historic Brewery Tour
Included: 6-Tier Tasting Flight: Enjoy 6 tastings: 4 Hakurou sakes, 1 seasonal namazake, and 1 umeshu.

Not included

Not included: Transportation fee from/to the meeting point
Not included: Food and Drinks

Itinerary

Step inside the historic Sawada Sake Brewery in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, a celebrated cultural landmark on the scenic Chita Peninsula. Famous for crafting the renowned 'Hakurou' sake, this traditional Japanese brewery offers a fascinating glimpse into authentic, centuries-old brewing techniques. During your guided visit, you will explore the beautifully preserved wooden brewery buildings, learn about the intricate rice fermentation process, and discover how Tokoname’s famous pottery heritage intertwines with local sake culture. Your experience concludes with an immersive sake tasting session, allowing you to sample premium, locally brewed Japanese sake directly at the source. This is a must-visit destination for culinary travelers seeking an authentic taste of central Japan.

Stop 1

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Nearby Attraction: The brewery is conveniently located in Tokoname, close to local ceramic studios and within easy reach of the Pottery Footpath (Yakimono Sanpomichi), a scenic historic trail known for its iconic brick chimneys, winding lanes, and giant lucky cat statue (Tokonyan)

End point

Nearby Attraction: The brewery is conveniently located in Tokoname, close to local ceramic studios and within easy reach of the Pottery Footpath (Yakimono Sanpomichi), a scenic historic trail known for its iconic brick chimneys, winding lanes, and giant lucky cat statue (Tokonyan)