12 Best Drinking Tours In Nagoya

Nagoya might not be the first city that comes to mind for nightlife, but it’s actually a treasure trove of lively bars, authentic izakayas, and sake breweries. Unlike Tokyo or Osaka, Nagoya offers a more relaxed, local vibe with plenty of opportunities to connect over drinks. We especially like the Pub Crawl in Nagoya because it’s led by local residents who know the best spots—think vibrant bars, tasty yakitori, and friendly open-floor pubs (see more here). For those wanting a more refined experience, the All-You-Can-Drink Sake Tasting Tour takes you into historic breweries for an immersive tasting session (check it out here). Whether you’re after a night of karaoke, hidden snack bars, or a cultural dive into sake, Nagoya delivers.

Quick Overview

Our list covers a variety of drinking tours tailored for different preferences—from high-energy pub crawls and sake tastings to intimate snack bar experiences and comprehensive food and drink explorations. Many options, like the Nagoya Night Bar & Food Tour, combine local cuisine with vibrant bar scenes, while others, such as the Sake Heritage Nagoya Brewer’s Insights, focus solely on the city’s sake brewing traditions. Below, we detail each experience to help you pick the perfect match.

1. Pub Crawl in Nagoya

At number 1, the Pub Crawl in Nagoya stands out for its energetic, social approach to exploring the city’s nightlife. Led by a local guide, this 3-hour tour visits a mix of bars—like the DAIKOKU Sumiyoshi branch, a lively izakaya, and ARK’s open-floor pub—giving a real taste of Nagoya’s youthful energy. The tour features multiple stops, from enjoying frosty beers at Shinjidai, famous for its inexpensive frosted beers and crispy chicken skin, to making friends at The HUB, a well-known chain that’s a staple across Japan. It’s perfect for travelers who want to experience Nagoya’s nightlife in a safe, friendly environment with a guide who knows where the locals go. With a high rating of 5/5 from 15 reviews, people love how this tour mixes fun, conversation, and authentic spots.

Bottom Line: If you want a lively, social introduction to Nagoya’s bar scene, this tour offers a great mix of authentic spots and safe fun.

2. All-You-Can-Drink Sake Tasting Tour in Nagoya

For those interested in Japan’s iconic rice wine, the All-You-Can-Drink Sake Tasting Tour in Nagoya is a must-do. This 2-hour experience features visits to two local sake bars in the city center, where a Certified Sake Expert guides you through tasting many different types—from sweet to dry, warm to cold. Alongside the sake, you’ll enjoy carefully selected local appetizers that emphasize Nagoya’s culinary traditions. The tour provides a deep dive into sake history and brewing methods, making it ideal for connoisseurs or curious travelers eager to learn about Japan’s national drink. Priced at $174.48 per person, it ranks top for quality and authenticity. Although the reviews are limited to 7, those who have tried it praise the guide’s knowledge and the variety of sake offered.

Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for enthusiasts and anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of sake while tasting some of its finest varieties.

3. Nagoya Night Bar & Food Tour with Locals

In the Nagoya Night Bar & Food Tour, you’ll explore Sakae’s buzzing street scene with a local guide. Over approximately 2.5 hours, visit authentic izakaya-style bars and enjoy delicious local dishes—ranging from Nagoya-meshi favorites to innovative bites. The highlight is experiencing the city’s lively bar culture while discovering hidden spots only locals frequent. The guide’s insider knowledge helps you navigate the often tricky Japanese bar scene, ensuring you get the most authentic flavor of Nagoya’s nightlife. With a 5/5 rating from 5 reviews, travelers love the friendly atmosphere and engaging stories. The tour is particularly suited for those who want a relaxed, intimate experience combined with great food and drinks.

Bottom Line: For an authentic, local night out that combines food and bar hopping, this tour offers a friendly and flavorful experience.

4. Sake Heritage Nagoya Brewer’s Insights and Tastings Tour

Taking you inside Tōshun Brewery, a family-run sake producer over 160 years old, this exclusive tour is about more than just tasting. You’ll learn how traditional brewing methods shape the flavors and explore kura storehouses built with timbers reserved for Nagoya Castle. Guided by a master brewer, you’ll taste three distinctive sake varieties and receive a bottle as a souvenir. The tour also includes visits to historic kura storehouses and a deep dive into Nagoya’s brewing heritage. At $209.08, the experience is a bit pricier, but it’s a rare opportunity to see a real sake brewery’s inner workings. Reviews highlight the unique access and the guide’s expertise, making it suitable for those interested in cultural and culinary craftsmanship.

Bottom Line: If you’re curious about sake brewing and want a behind-the-scenes peek, this tour offers authentic insight and a memorable tasting.

5. The Nagoya Restaurant and Bar Crawl

For a flexible, casual night out, the Nagoya Restaurant and Bar Crawl is an affordable option. Starting at Sakae station, you’ll visit one izakaya and one bar, sampling local dishes and drinks in a lively atmosphere. The tour runs for approximately 2 to 3 hours and is ideal for travelers who want a laid-back experience—perfectly suited for small groups or first-timers unsure where to start. With a modest price of $40, it’s excellent value for those wanting a taste of Nagoya’s bar scene without a fixed itinerary. Reviewers appreciate the local atmosphere and the chance to experience authentic food spots.

Bottom Line: Budget-friendly and flexible, this crawl is perfect for those who want a quick, social introduction to Nagoya’s nightlife.

6. Nagoya Nightlife: Snack Bar Hopping

This tour offers a very Japanese experience—snack bar hopping. These intimate venues are where locals unwind with drinks and karaoke. The tour includes visits to two iconic snack bars, with two drinks and light meals at each spot, all guided by a friendly local. The experience emphasizes authentic, cozy settings often difficult for foreigners to access alone. Though the price is listed as $303 per person, the focus here is on atmosphere and culture rather than just the cost. Review details are limited, but the appeal lies in the chance to enjoy genuine Japanese hospitality and karaoke.

Bottom Line: If you want a deep dive into Japan’s snack bar culture, this tour offers a genuine, cozy experience.

7. Nagoya Food & Nightlife Adventure | Local Cuisine & Hidden Bars

This tour combines Nagoya-meshi—famous for miso-based dishes and tebasaki—and the thrill of discovering hidden Japanese snack bars. Over 2 hours and 45 minutes, you’ll visit an izakaya called Gomitori, sampling Nagoya’s hearty flavors, then explore secret bars run by charming “Mama-san”. It’s an excellent choice for foodies who want to blend the culinary with the cultural nightlife scene. While reviews are not yet available, the combination of local dishes and intimate bar visits promises a memorable night out. It’s suited for travelers eager to enjoy authentic flavors and traditional bar settings.

Bottom Line: For those who love local food and the thrill of discovering secret bars, this tour is a flavorful and cultural choice.

8. Nagoya Nightlife, Cuisine & Snack Bar Hopping

This experience offers a full night of food, drinks, and karaoke at Nagoya’s best snack bars. You’ll savor local dishes like tebasaki, then plunge into the lively karaoke scene with over 10,000 songs, including Western hits and anime classics. The cozy bars, guided by a friendly host, give you a genuine taste of Japan’s nightlife. The tour’s strength is its combination of culinary delights and entertainment, making it ideal for travelers looking to enjoy a fun, relaxed night with friends or new acquaintances.

Bottom Line: If karaoke and local bar culture appeal to you, this tour promises an enjoyable night out with a warm atmosphere.

9. 2 Day Tour Shimotsuki Festival with Traditional Food and Sake

This two-day experience blends festivals, food, and sake, including attending the Shimotsuki Festival with local participants and tasting winter gibier dinners. It’s a comprehensive cultural package, perfect for travelers with a keen interest in regional traditions. The itinerary covers festival participation, traditional cuisine, and regional sake, providing a deep culture. At $555.37 per person, it’s a higher-end experience best suited for those who want to combine cultural exploration with memorable culinary moments.

Bottom Line: For serious culture lovers and foodies willing to invest in a two-day adventure, this tour offers a unique look at Nagoya’s seasonal traditions.

10. Sake, beer, gourmet and night view in Nagoya

This flexible, 3 to 5-hour tour is guided by a licensed professional, allowing you to customize your experience. You can choose to visit various spots, sample sake, beer, or gourmet food, and enjoy Nagoya’s night views. It’s ideal for travelers who want a personalized, laid-back night exploring what interests them most. The tour is more about experience than a fixed itinerary, making it suitable for those who prefer spontaneity or have particular tastes.

Bottom Line: For a tailored, relaxed night enjoying Nagoya’s culinary and scenic highlights, this tour adapts to your preferences.

11. Nagoya Night Delight!: Drinks, Karaoke & Hidden Snack Bars

This intimate tour offers exclusive access to snack bars—Japan’s cozy, karaoke-filled social venues. Over three hours, you’ll visit two bars, enjoying drinks, snacks, and karaoke from a selection of over 10,000 songs. It’s designed for those who want a genuine, local night out, with the chance to sing their heart out and relax in a warm, friendly environment. The small-group structure makes it a great option for travelers who want an authentic, immersive experience.

Bottom Line: For karaoke lovers and fans of cozy, local bar scenes, this tour delivers a memorable night in Nagoya.

12. Nakasendo Post Town Trekking and Izakaya Hopping Tour

This full-day, 12-hour tour combines historic walking through preserved post towns with nightlife exploration. Starting at Nagoya Station, you stroll through Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku, then finish the day pub-hopping in Nagoya’s shopping arcades. It’s perfect for those interested in combining cultural sightseeing with an evening of drinks. The long duration makes it suited for hearty travelers. Although the price ($574.98) is higher, it offers a unique blend of history, scenic walking, and socializing.

Bottom Line: If you want a comprehensive day of sightseeing and nightlife, this tour balances history and fun in equal measure.

How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Nagoya

Picking the ideal tour depends on your interests and how you like to experience a city. If you’re after a social, energetic night, the Pub Crawl in Nagoya is perfect. Want to learn about sake brewing and sample authentic varieties? The Sake Heritage Nagoya Brewer’s Insights offers a deep dive into traditional production. For food lovers, the Nagoya Food & Nightlife Adventure combines regional dishes with hidden bars, while karaoke fans will enjoy the Nagoya Night Delight. Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the Restaurant and Bar Crawl, offering authentic experiences at a lower price point.

Consider your time availability, budget, and what kind of experience appeals most—whether it’s cultural, social, or culinary. Booking early is always wise, especially during peak seasons or local festivals, to secure your spot.

In summary, Nagoya has a diverse selection of drinking tours to suit every taste—from lively pub crawls and sake tastings to cozy snack bar nights and cultural explorations. For a fun, social experience, the Pub Crawl is a top pick. For those interested in Japan’s iconic drink, the sake tours provide authentic insight. And if you’re seeking a relaxed, local atmosphere, the hidden bar and food tours will never disappoint. Whichever you choose, Nagoya promises a memorable night out—so plan ahead and enjoy discovering its lively, welcoming nightlife scene.