Kamakura isn’t just about historic temples and scenic beaches; it’s also a fantastic place to explore authentic Japanese drinking culture. With its cozy sake bars, vibrant izakayas, and hidden local pubs, Kamakura offers a range of experiences that go beyond the tourist spots. We especially like the Kamakura Small Group Onigiri Making and Sake Tasting in Sake Bar, which combines hands-on food making with a relaxed sake tasting—an ideal way to connect with local traditions. For those who want to really immerse themselves, the Very Local Bar Hopping Tour in Kamakura takes you into backstreets filled with beloved neighborhood pubs.
Kamakura’s drinking scene is surprisingly diverse. Whether you’re after a quiet sake experience, a lively night out, or discovering hidden local eateries away from crowds, there’s a tour for you. These experiences give travelers a chance to enjoy Kamakura’s night-time charm while sampling authentic dishes and drinks.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a variety of drinking tours, each offering unique ways to experience Kamakura’s local flavor. From small-group sake tastings to nighttime izakaya hopping, they cater to different interests and schedules. Check out the full lineup below.
1. Kamakura Small Group Onigiri making and Sake Tasting in Sake Bar
At number 1, this tour combines a hands-on food activity with a sake tasting in a cozy, intimate setting. You’ll learn how to make two rice balls (onigiri) guided by a food journalist, who shares insights into Japanese food traditions. Afterwards, you’ll visit a small, hidden sake bar to sample a variety of sake under the guidance of the bar owner. This experience is ideal for those interested in culinary traditions, as it offers a relaxed atmosphere and a chance to understand Japan’s drinking culture beyond just drinking — it’s about the food, the stories, and the setting.
What makes this tour stand out is the personalized approach—being part of a small group ensures plenty of interaction and attention. The guide’s knowledge about Japanese cuisine heightens the experience. At just $42.47 per person for about 1.5 hours, it’s an excellent value for a culture. Perfect for food lovers and curious travelers looking for an authentic, approachable introduction to sake.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, intimate experience for those new to sake or Japanese cuisine, offering a taste of Kamakura’s hidden sake bar scene and culinary traditions.
$42.47 per person
2. Izakaya Bar Hopping in Ofuna: A Taste of Local Japan
Next on our list is the Izakaya Bar Hopping in Ofuna, which offers a glimpse into everyday Japanese drinking culture outside the tourist-heavy areas. While Kamakura’s main sights draw crowds, Ofuna is a quieter neighborhood where locals gather in small, traditional pubs. This 1.5-hour tour takes you to several of these hidden spots, pairing heartwarming dishes like oden and skewers with authentic sake.
What makes this tour special is its focus on local life. You’ll sit at tiny counters, chat with locals, and enjoy dishes that are familiar yet rarely seen by visitors. With a price of $110.72 per person, it’s a slightly pricier option but offers a deeper cultural experience. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want to go beyond the typical sightseeing and see how locals unwind after work.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you’re interested in experiencing Kamakura’s everyday drinking culture in a relaxed, authentic setting.
$110.72 per person
3. Kamakura: Night Izakaya Bar Hopping Tour
For those who enjoy nightlife and want to explore Kamakura’s evening scene, this Night Izakaya Bar Hopping Tour is a great pick. Over approximately 1.5 hours, you’ll visit a handful of hidden pubs and cozy eateries, sampling traditional Japanese dishes in a peaceful, less crowded atmosphere. It’s perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing, with the streets illuminated softly and a laid-back vibe.
What’s key here is experiencing Kamakura’s nightlife away from daytime crowds. The tour highlights include discovering off-the-beaten-path pubs where locals gather, enjoying authentic dishes and drinks, and strolling along lantern-lit streets. The price is $57 per person, making it a good value for an intimate night tour. Ideal for night owls and those wanting a relaxed but authentic evening.
Bottom Line: A charming way to enjoy Kamakura’s quiet, authentic night scene and sample local dishes in a peaceful setting.
$57 per person
4. Interactive Sake Tasting Experience for Beginners
If you’re new to sake, this Interactive Sake Tasting for Beginners is the place to start. Led by a seasoned staff member with over 2,000 tastings, this 1-hour-15-minute session takes you beyond just sipping. You’ll actively participate—handling sake rice and koji—learning how temperature affects flavor and mastering the art of pouring and tasting.
Held in Ofuna, a quiet town just five minutes from Kamakura, this tour is ideal for those who want a hands-on understanding of sake. The inclusion of six different types of sake, served both chilled and warm, gives a comprehensive view of the drink’s versatility. The price of $78.41 makes it a slightly more premium experience but offers deep insight into sake’s nuances. Perfect for beginners eager to understand what makes sake unique.
Bottom Line: An engaging, instructive experience for newcomers, blending tasting with practical skills to deepen your appreciation of sake.
$78.41 per person
5. Kamakura Nightlife Izakaya Bar Hopping for a Local Taste
This Kamakura Nightlife Izakaya Bar Hopping tour lets you see Kamakura’s evening transformation. As the city quiets down, local pubs and eateries come alive, offering hearty dishes like tempura, skewers, and oden. The 1.5-hour tour takes you through two or three hidden spots with a local guide, who shares stories about Kamakura’s night scene.
The tour is ideal for those who want to experience Kamakura’s authentic nightlife away from tourist traps, in intimate environments beloved by locals. At $110.72, it’s a bit on the higher side but delivers a local’s perspective. The relaxed stroll along lantern-lit streets in the evening makes it perfect for a mellow night out.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers interested in Kamakura’s quiet, local night scene with a focus on hearty, traditional Japanese pub fare.
$110.72 per person
6. Sip & Snack: A Sake Tasting with Local Flavors
This Sip & Snack Sake Tasting offers a modern take on sake appreciation. Led by a staff member with experience tasting over 2,000 sakes, you’ll explore five carefully selected types, served first chilled, then warmed, to understand how temperature impacts flavor. Held in Ofuna, just five minutes from Kamakura, it provides a relaxed environment free of tourist crowds.
What sets this experience apart is its focus on matching sake with local snacks, adding an extra layer of flavor pairing. The 1-hour-15-minute experience costs $85.43, making it a solid choice for those wanting a taste of contemporary sake culture paired with local flavors. Suitable for people who want a relaxed but informative experience.
Bottom Line: A good opportunity to taste a variety of sake and learn about flavor profiles in a laid-back, engaging setting.
$85.43 per person
7. Very Local Bar Hopping Tour in Kamakura
Finally, the Very Local Bar Hopping Tour offers a longer, more in-depth experience. Over approximately 2.5 hours, you’ll visit 2–3 bars favored by locals—places most visitors miss. The guide, a local who grew up in Kamakura, takes you through quiet backstreets to enjoy tucked-away izakayas and yakitori spots.
This tour is ideal for adventure seekers wanting to explore Kamakura’s undiscovered nightlife, with a focus on authentic ambiance and local flavors. Priced at $60 per person, it provides good value for a richer, more intimate experience. It’s suited for travelers comfortable walking and seeking some off-the-radar spots.
Bottom Line: If you love enjoying local life and aren’t afraid of a longer night, this tour offers an in-depth glimpse into Kamakura’s lesser-known drinking scene.
$60.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Kamakura
When deciding which tour fits your style, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. For a casual, hands-on introduction to sake, the Kamakura Small Group Onigiri Making and Sake Tasting offers excellent value. If you’re eager to explore local night scenes, the Night Izakaya Bar Hopping or Very Local Bar Hopping are perfect. For those interested in learning about sake in a relaxed environment, the Interactive Sake Tasting for Beginners is a top choice.
Timing also matters: some tours are daytime, focusing on food and sake education, while others are evening-focused, ideal for experiencing Kamakura’s nightlife. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your spot.
Kamakura offers a surprising variety of drinking experiences — from quiet sake tastings to lively night tours. For travelers seeking authentic local flavors, these tours provide a great way to connect with Kamakura’s culinary and social traditions. Whether you prefer a simple tasting, a lively pub crawl, or an educational workshop, there’s an option here for everyone. Dive into Kamakura’s drinking culture and make your visit all the more memorable.