Nara Sake Tour: Birthplace of Sake, 2 Breweries & Tastings

Go beyond Nara’s famous deer and temples to discover the city as the birthplace of refined sake—the foundation of modern Japanese sake. Taste around 10 local sakes at two breweries and a neighborhood sake shop while exploring historic Naramachi in a small group. What truly sets this tour apart is the guide quality. Kampai Sake Tours has specialized in sake tours since 2017, with 1,000+ tours operated. Our team includes National Government Licensed Guide Interpreters, certified sake professionals, and even a former toji (sake brewmaster). Every guide—licensed or not—completes rigorous KST training in hospitality and tour delivery. So you don’t need any sake knowledge before joining. Your local Japanese guide makes sake easy to understand, connects it with Nara’s history and everyday culture, and keeps the experience relaxed and fun. All scheduled sake tasting fees are included.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   30 min

   Start your sake journey with a guided tasting of local Nara sake. Learn the basics of Japanese sake, how different styles are created, how to read a sake label, and how to identify the flavors you personally enjoy. This first stop gives you a simple foundation for comparing the sake you will taste throughout the tour.

2. 2

   Naramachi

   Pass by

   Walk through the atmospheric streets of historic Naramachi as your local guide shares stories about Nara’s history, everyday culture, and centuries-old connection with sake. Along the way, you may also encounter Nara’s famous free-roaming deer.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   30 min

   Step inside a traditional merchant townhouse in historic Naramachi and discover a side of Nara beyond its famous temples. Explore traditional Japanese architecture while your local guide shares stories about the neighborhood’s history, everyday culture, and connection to Nara’s long sake tradition. As you walk through Naramachi, you may also encounter Nara’s famous free-roaming deer.

4. 4

   Harushika Brewery

   40 min

   Visit Harushika, one of Nara’s best-known sake producers, established in historic Naramachi. Enjoy a guided tasting of different sake styles and compare their aromas, sweetness, dryness, and finish. Your guide explains what makes each sake different and how Nara’s centuries-old brewing traditions helped shape the refined Japanese sake enjoyed today. Their sparkling sake is a KST team favorite—light, refreshing, and easy to enjoy. Definitely worth a try while you're here!

5. 5

   Stop 5

   40 min

   Continue to Kasugayama Brewery, where over 200 years of tradition meet modern sake trends. Alongside traditional Nara sake, discover refreshing, creative drinks such as yuzu and apple fruit liqueurs. Compare different styles with your guide, explore the flavors, and find your personal favorites. By the final tasting, you'll not only have enjoyed a variety of drinks but also gained the confidence to choose sake that suits your taste during the rest of your trip in Japan.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.