Private Tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and Riverside Walk

About this tour

Head west from central Tokyo to visit the city's oldest sake brewery in the Tama river valley. This eight-hour private tour pairs brewery education and tastings with a traditional riverside lunch and forest temple visit. Your guide walks you through fermentation techniques, rice varieties and the drink's cultural place in Japan, while you sample several brews throughout the day. All food and drink included.

Highlights

• Tour Japan's longest-operating sake brewery with production walkthrough
• Taste multiple sake varieties and learn brewing fundamentals
• Gourmet lunch at a traditional riverside restaurant
• Hidden forest temple accessible only by foot
• Scenic Tama valley setting, notably cooler than central Tokyo

What to expect

The journey begins with an 80-minute train ride from Shinjuku—use this time to get briefed by your guide. Once at the brewery, expect a hands-on look at fermentation rooms and storage areas, followed by structured tastings that explain the nuances between styles. After lunch in a countryside eatery overlooking the river, you'll walk to a tucked-away temple surrounded by forest. The day involves moderate walking on uneven paths, so wear proper shoes. Bring layers; the valley runs cooler than the city.

Good to know

Legal drinking age is 20. You'll need reasonable fitness for walking; the terrain isn't rough but is sustained. Tell organisers about dietary restrictions when booking. The brewery sits 80 minutes from Shinjuku by train; no car transfers included. Not suitable for pregnant travellers, those with spine issues or cardiac concerns.