5.0(15 reviews)
Kobe Beef & Sake Tasting Tour
From¥30,000
4 hours
Kobe, Japan
About this activity
Discover Kobe's rich sake heritage and savor premium Kobe beef in this immersive culinary tour, including sake tastings and a unique ice cream experience.
Highlights
- Explore Kobe's renowned sake breweries
- Taste 6 unique sake varieties
- Enjoy sake-lees ice cream
- Learn about sake production
- Experience authentic Japanese culture
Full description
Dive into the heart of Kobe's culinary scene with this exclusive tour that combines the city's famed sake breweries with a delectable Kobe beef experience. Guided by a knowledgeable local, you'll visit traditional sake breweries, tasting six distinct varieties that showcase the depth and diversity of Japanese brewing. To complement the sake, indulge in a unique sake-lees ice cream, offering a sweet twist on the traditional brew. This tour provides an authentic glimpse into Kobe's rich food culture, making it a must-do for food enthusiasts seeking a memorable Japanese experience.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Kobe's sake breweries
- Tasting of 6 varieties of sake
- Sampling of sake-lees ice cream
- Transportation to and from the tour location
Itinerary
1
Meet at Uozaki Station and visit Kiku-Masamune Sake Museum Right outside the ticket gate of Hanshin Uozaki Station. If you're not arriving by train, the gate is located on the second floor, right next to the Lawson. The theme of the museum is “Discovering the origins of sake brewing.” From the process of sake brewing to the tools used, visitors can gain knowledge and interact with actual items, experience the techniques, water, rice, and terroir that go into brewing Nada sake, learn about the passion and traditions behind sake brewing, and explore new ways to enjoy sake and the culture surrounding it...
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Join the barrel-making tour (if available) and enjoy sake tasting “Taruzake Meister Factory” is a new experiential facility established by Kikumasamune in 2023. As a place to convey the charm and manufacturing techniques of cedar barrels, which symbolize Japanese sake culture, it is the only facility in Japan where visitors can observe the entire process of barrel making from start to finish within the company premises. Visitors can watch skilled barrel craftsmen assemble and roast barrels up close, and enjoy exhibits that allow them to experience the scent and texture of cedar wood. Through the tour, visitors can experience the traditional craftsmanship and Kikumasamune's dedication to barrel sake production with all five senses.
Duration: 1h 15mAdmission: YES
3
Travel to central Kobe and explore Ikuta Shrine Ikuta Shrine, located in Chuo Ward, Kobe City, is an ancient shrine with a history of over 1,800 years. Its name is recorded in the Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan), and it is said to have been founded by Empress Jingu as one of the three sacred places known as “Kando-koro.” The deity enshrined here is Wakahirume-no-Mikoto, who is revered as the god of textiles, performing arts, and matchmaking. Particularly beloved as “Ikuta-san of Matchmaking,” the shrine attracts many visitors seeking good matches and marital harmony. The shrine grounds feature the “Ikuta Forest,” where clear water flows, and have been revered as sacred grounds since ancient times. Additionally, having overcome the devastation of war and earthquakes, the shrine symbolizes “regeneration
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Enjoy a Kobe beef lunch at a selected restaurant “Kobe Beef” is a world-renowned brand of Wagyu beef, known not only in Japan but around the world. However, not just any cow raised anywhere can be called ”Kobe Beef.” It is a title granted only to a limited number of cattle raised under strict conditions and management. “Kobe Beef” is a leading brand of Wagyu beef known not only in Japan but also around the world. However, not just any cow raised anywhere can be called ”Kobe Beef.” It is a title given only to a limited number of cows under strict conditions and management.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Tour ends in the Sannomiya area After a satisfying meal, the tour ends at Sannomiya Station, with local tips to explore even more of Kobe on your own!
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is conducted in English; proficiency is recommended.
- Participants must be of legal drinking age in Japan to partake in sake tastings.
- The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking between locations.
- Bring a valid ID for age verification during tastings.
- Ensure you have a reliable means of transportation to and from the tour location.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Traveler reviews
5.015 reviews
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Wonderful!
We loved this tour! It was so fun visiting the saki distillery. Our guide was so good and he did a good job with translation for us. The beef was amazing too! Just a great day!
Michael_HMay 7, 2026VIATOR
Incredible!
Izumi was excellent! Request her for an awesome tour!!
Cruiser68565056100May 3, 2026TRIPADVISOR
EPIC and PERFECT
Tour was a completely awesome experience. Guide had the history and knowledge to answer almost any questions we threw at her. She made the tour fun and exciting as well as educational. I would recommend this tour to all. Besides how can one go wrong with Kobe beef and Sake!!!
hardyusmc2023Apr 29, 2026TRIPADVISOR
The tour was very...
The tour was very thorough and what made it even better was our tour guide Take. He was very personable, told us a many things his culture and life in Japan. The food was absolutely amazing also!
Ray_BApr 29, 2026VIATOR
Request Take!
Take was amazing. Very informative and friendly. Went above and beyond!!!
alexpD4995KPApr 19, 2026TRIPADVISOR