Tokyo’s reputation as a cutting-edge metropolis often overshadows its rich brewing traditions. Yet, the city offers an impressive array of brewery tours that showcase Japan’s centuries-old sake craft alongside innovative coffee workshops. We particularly enjoy the private tour of Tokyo’s oldest sake brewery for its intimate, culture, and the Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour for a concise, expert-guided tasting—both perfect for travelers eager to understand Japan’s beverage heritage. Whether you’re a dedicated connoisseur or just curious, these experiences reveal the craftsmanship behind Japan’s most beloved drinks.
From the historic Ozawa Sake Brewery to the modern Japanese coffee brewing experience, this list highlights Tokyo’s diverse brewing scene. We’ve included options ranging from full-day private adventures to quick local tastings, ensuring there’s something to match different interests and schedules. Read on to find your ideal brew tour in Tokyo.
1. Private tour: Tokyo’s Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk

At number one, this private tour offers an in-depth look at one of Tokyo’s most historic sake breweries, Ozawa Sake Brewery. The day begins with a scenic walk along the Tama River, providing fresh air and beautiful views before visiting the brewery’s traditional wood-lined facilities. You’ll learn about the entire sake brewing process, the cultural significance of sake in Japan, and sample several different varieties—plus enjoy a gourmet Japanese lunch included in the price.
This tour is perfect if you value a personal touch and want to combine nature, culture, and culinary delights in one seamless experience. The guide shares detailed insights into sake history and production, making it an educational day for both novices and enthusiasts. The included lunch and sake tastings make this a fantastic value at around $250 per person, especially given the full-day duration. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide and picturesque environment, with comments like, “Simon gives you a fantastic day—history, nature, and lots of tasting!”
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for those wanting an immersive, all-inclusive experience with cultural depth and beautiful scenery.
2. Tokyo: Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting

This 2-hour tour offers a concentrated, expert-led visit to Tokyo’s oldest sake brewery, Toshimaya. For just $98, you get a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship involved in sake production, guided by an industry professional. The tour emphasizes tasting different styles of sake, allowing you to compare flavors and find your favorite. The intimate environment in the Tokyo suburbs adds a local feel, away from tourist crowds.
This experience is ideal for travelers short on time but eager to understand sake’s nuances. The guide explains the production process in simple terms, making it accessible even for newcomers. It’s a straightforward and affordable way to enjoy authentic sake tasting without sacrificing depth. Reviewers note the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to learn “how craftsmanship influences flavor,” making it a solid choice for casual enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: A brief yet insightful tour focused on craftsmanship and tasting—great for a quick cultural fix.
3. Discover Japanese Coffee Brewing Experience at Tokyo

At around $112, this Japanese coffee brewing workshop takes you into the heart of Tokyo’s emerging coffee scene. Located centrally, the workshop introduces you to Japanese-style drip coffee techniques, traditional brewing methods, and the cultural importance of coffee in modern Japan. Led by an experienced barista, this experience includes hands-on brewing and a tasting session of specialty blends.
What sets this apart is the focus on Japanese coffee traditions, which blend meticulous technique with a respectful nod to history. It’s ideal if you’re a coffee lover looking for an authentic experience that’s more than just tasting—it’s about mastering a craft. Reviewers appreciated the opportunity to learn in English and leave with a new appreciation for Japanese brewing artistry.
Bottom Line: Perfect for coffee aficionados who want to understand Japan’s unique coffee culture in a relaxed, hands-on setting.
4. Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo

This private, 6-hour experience offers an exclusive look inside a 300-year-old sake brewery in Tokyo. The tour combines a historical overview with detailed sake tastings and pairing sessions. You visit the brewery’s inner sanctum, where modern and traditional brewing techniques converge, and enjoy tasting several varieties directly from the tanks.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on culture and history, combined with a relaxed patio tasting session that deepens your understanding of how sake is truly enjoyed. The personalized service ensures a more intimate experience, making it ideal for serious enthusiasts or those seeking a deeper connection to Japan’s brewing past. The reviews highlight the guide’s friendliness and the quality of the sake, with comments like, “The tastings and good were wonderful.”
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those interested in history, culture, and pairing sake with food in a private setting.
5. Tokyo’s Oldest Sake Brewery and jump into historic town

This 6-hour tour combines visits to Tokyo’s oldest sake brewery with a journey into Okutama’s scenic, historic environment. The tour starts with a train ride from Shinjuku and includes a visit to the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, where traditional buildings recreate old Japan. The sake brewery visit involves tasting about 10 varieties and experiencing the Kikisake method—judging sake by aroma and taste.
What makes this tour distinctive is its blend of nature, culture, and sake tasting outside the city’s hustle. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a peaceful retreat with authentic sake and cultural insights. Reviewers highlight the beautiful environment and fun experience of tasting different sake types.
Bottom Line: Suited for those who want an escape into nature combined with Japan’s sake culture and architectural history.
6. From Tokyo: Mt. Fuji /Museum/Sake brewery/ 1DAY BUS TOUR
For about $134, this full-day tour takes you from Tokyo to iconic spots like Mt. Fuji, with stops at the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum and a renowned sake brewery. Travel comfortably by luxury bus, and enjoy scenic views along the way. The tour includes visits to Arakurayama Sengen Park with its famous pagoda, and Lake Kawaguchi.
The sake brewery visit adds a cultural dimension to this sightseeing trip, making it ideal for travelers who want variety—nature, art, and tradition in one day. The reviews praise the knowledgeable guide and smooth transportation, though weather can affect views of Mt. Fuji. It’s a longer, more comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers combining sightseeing with cultural exploration and a touch of sake.
7. Asakusa: Sensoji Temple + Craft Sake Brewery Tour

This scenic tour explores the historic Sensoji Temple and Nakamise-dori shopping street, coupled with a visit to Konohana Sake Brewery. It’s a guided walk that emphasizes traditional Japanese culture, ending with sake tastings that include both craft sake and doburoku (unfiltered sake). It’s an easy, accessible option for those wanting a mix of history, shopping, and tasting.
For around $74, the tour offers a taste of Tokyo’s most famous temple district along with a local sake brewery experience. The combination makes it ideal for first-time visitors wanting a well-rounded introduction.
Bottom Line: Great for those interested in combining cultural sightseeing with authentic sake tasting in a relaxed environment.
8. Day Trip Kobe From Tokyo: Sake Brewery Kobe Beef By Bullet Train

This long day trip offers a chance to explore Kobe’s famous sake brewing area and Kobe beef cuisine. Traveling by bullet train, you visit the Nada Gogo sake district, visit the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens, and enjoy a Kobe beef meal. The tour includes several hours at each site, making it a full immersion.
This is ideal if you want to combine culinary delights with sake culture and a city known for its natural beauty. The tour’s high price reflects its premium experience, but it delivers with expertly curated visits.
Bottom Line: Best suited for food lovers and those seeking a full-day cultural and culinary adventure outside Tokyo.
9. Sake Brewery Adventure

This 6-hour tour offers a guided sake brewing experience from Tokyo. It includes transportation to a sake brewery, a detailed tour of the brewing process, tastings of various sake types, and a chance to purchase sake on-site.
While reviews are not yet available, the tour’s focus on craftsmanship and tasting makes it appealing for serious enthusiasts. The convenience of transportation and a comprehensive, hands-on approach sets it apart.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for those interested in understanding sake production from start to finish, with a focus on tasting.
10. Historic Sake Brewery Tour and Culinary Pairing

This 3-hour tour provides exclusive access to the Red Brick Brewery, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. The tour includes a detailed look at sake history and tools, along with a food pairing experience that enhances your tasting. It’s an excellent option for those wanting a more intimate, insider perspective on sake innovation.
The tour is well-suited for travelers interested in both history and gastronomy, offering a rare glimpse into Japan’s brewing past coupled with modern culinary pairings.
Bottom Line: Ideal for enthusiasts eager to combine history, culture, and food with sake tasting.
11. Discover Japanese Coffee Experience Brewing Workshop

This 2-hour workshop is perfect for coffee lovers who want to learn Japanese-style brewing techniques. Held in a serene environment, the class guides you through hand drip methods and explains the cultural importance of coffee in Japan. Participants get to taste various Tokyo blends, making it a relaxed yet educational experience.
The workshop is best suited for those wanting a hands-on, cultural introduction to Japan’s coffee scene, especially in a small group setting. Reviewers note the opportunity to learn “in English” and gain new skills.
Bottom Line: A calming, educational experience for coffee fans wanting to master Japanese brewing at their own pace.
12. Ibaraki Stone Quarry & Sake Brewery Tour with Matcha Experience
This 10-hour tour offers a mix of industrial history, sake, and matcha. You visit Japan’s largest stone quarry in the Ishikiri Mountains, tour the Isokura Sake Brewery, and participate in a matcha tea preparation at the Ibaraki Museum of History. The day ends with a local chestnut lunch in Kasama.
Ideal for travelers interested in natural landscapes, craftsmanship, and traditional tea culture, this tour combines diverse interests into one full-day experience. The tour’s length and varied stops make it a unique, immersive option.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a comprehensive, culturally rich day combining sake, stone quarrying, and matcha.
How to Choose the Best Brewery Tour in Tokyo
When selecting your ideal brewery experience, consider your budget, time constraints, and interest level. For a deep, private exploration, the Private tour of Tokyo’s oldest sake brewery offers a full-day culture. If you’re short on time but eager to taste, the Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour provides a quick, expert-guided experience. For those curious about Japanese coffee, the Japanese coffee brewing workshop offers a unique perspective.
Also, think about logistics—if you enjoy combining breweries with sightseeing, the Mt. Fuji day trip or the Kobe day trip add extra layers of experience. Booking early can secure spots in popular tours, especially during holiday seasons or weekends. For detailed planning, review the tour descriptions and select the one that matches your interests and schedule.
To sum it up, Tokyo offers a vibrant selection of brewery tours suited for wine and sake connoisseurs, coffee lovers, or curious travelers. Whether you prefer a private, in-depth experience or a quick taste test, these tours provide a window into Japan’s rich brewing traditions. Two standout choices are the Private tour of Tokyo’s oldest sake brewery for its personalized approach and the full-day Mt. Fuji combo tour for its scenic variety. Whatever your preference, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable outings.
