Nara isn’t just about ancient temples and friendly deer; it’s also a surprisingly vibrant place for craft beer, sake, and food experiences. Its small size makes for intimate, authentic tours that often steer clear of the tourist crowds—perfect for those wanting to explore local flavors. We love how some tours combine sake tasting, traditional crafts, and local foods all in one walk, like the Nara – Craft Beer, Sake, and Food Walking Tour, which offers a bit of everything in just a few hours. Plus, the chance to do a mochi pounding session or shop for authentic souvenirs away from the usual tourist spots adds a special touch you won’t find in bigger cities.
If you’re curious about local brews and sake or want a guided stroll through Nara’s hidden culinary spots, these tours won’t disappoint. Whether you prefer a comprehensive experience with multiple tastings or a relaxed, casual look at Nara’s emerging craft scene, there’s something here to match your style. Let’s take a closer look at each of the top options.
1. Nara – Craft Beer, Sake, and Food Walking Tour
At number one, this Nara – Craft Beer, Sake, and Food Walking Tour combines local craft beers, sake, and delicious traditional foods in a 3.5-hour walk. The tour features a mochi pounding session, where you’ll get to make and taste fresh mochi, plus a tasting of Kaki No Ha Zushi, a unique persimmon leaf-wrapped sushi native to Nara. The highlight is a visit to a sake distillery where you can sample up to 5 different types of sake—an eye-opener for anyone interested in Japan’s rice wine.
The tour also includes a stop at Nara machi craft beer for a tasting of locally brewed beers paired with regional snacks. You’ll get the chance to explore off-the-beaten-path shops for authentic souvenirs—a plus for those who prefer to skip the touristy stores. The final part features regional tapas and drinks at a cozy local restaurant, making it a full evening of food, drink, and culture. With a friendly guide and reviews praising the personalized experience and friendly atmosphere, this tour is great for those who want a well-rounded taste of Nara’s culinary scene.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a bit of everything—sake, craft beer, local foods, and authentic shopping—all in one engaging walk.
2. Nara – Craft Beer, Sake & Food Walking Tour
The second option, also priced around $106.50, offers a relaxed, bilingual guide-led experience that takes you off the beaten path. This Nara – Craft Beer, Sake & Food Walking Tour focuses on hidden gems like Okuta, a handmade mochi shop, where you’ll enjoy tasting fresh mochi en route to the sake brewery. You then visit Harushika, a well-regarded sake brewery, for a sampling of five different sake varieties—ideal for anyone wanting to understand local sake traditions.
The tour continues with a visit to Nara machi craft beer, a modern brewery established in 2017, known for smooth, refreshing beers. Afterward, you’ll get a chance to experience a local restaurant—Take no Yakata—for a traditional Japanese meal, giving you a taste of everyday Nara life. The final stop is at Koshi-no-Ie, a replica of an Edo-period townhouse, offering a glimpse into historical architecture and daily life.
Guests praise the tour for its authenticity and local insights. One reviewer loved how the guide introduced them to hidden eateries they wouldn’t have found alone, emphasizing the tour’s focus on authenticity over tourist traps.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want to explore Nara’s local breweries and sake with a laid-back, culturally immersive touch.
3. Nara Craft Tours – Local Craft Beers Experience in Nara City
For budget-conscious travelers, the Nara Craft Tours offers a more informal, flexible way to taste Nara’s emerging craft beer scene. Priced at just under $30, this 3-4 hour tour takes you to two microbreweries—Nara machi craft beer and GOLDEN Rabbit Beer—both known for seasonal and award-winning brews.
The tour starts with Kaki no Ha Zushi, a traditional sushi rolled in persimmon leaves. It then moves on to Nara machi craft beer, where you can enjoy two different beers paired with snacks. The last stop is at a local bar called Junk Box, run by a biker-loving owner who serves fusion Japanese-Western dishes and craft beers, allowing for extended mingling after the guided portion.
While this tour offers less structure, it’s excellent for independent beer lovers who want a casual, social experience without a hefty price tag. It’s also perfect if you prefer flexibility to linger or explore on your own afterward.
Bottom line: Best suited for budget travelers and those who enjoy informal, social drinking with a local twist.
$29.04 per person
How to Choose
Choosing between these tours depends on your budget, interests, and how deep you want your Nara craft experience to be. If you seek a comprehensive cultural walk with sake, food, and shopping, the Nara – Craft Beer, Sake, and Food Walking Tour is your best bet. For a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure, the second tour offers hidden breweries and historical insights. Budget travelers might prefer the more relaxed and affordable Nara Craft Tours, which still covers the essentials of Nara’s craft beer scene.
When booking, consider your time constraints—the first tour offers 3.5 hours, while the second is slightly longer—and your interest in food or traditional sake. Spring and fall tend to be the best seasons for outdoor walking tours, but check availability early to secure your spot.
Nara offers a surprising array of craft beer and sake experiences that blend history, food, and local craftsmanship perfectly. Whether you want an all-in-one tour with shopping and cultural sights or prefer a casual tasting at a microbrewery, these options provide authentic flavors and memorable moments. Planning ahead and booking early can ensure you don’t miss out—each tour promises a fun, flavorful exploration of Nara’s growing craft beverage scene.