Chubu Food & Sake Tours: Taste Japan's Heartlands

Taste Kanazawa’s Local Delicacies Try fresh sushi, croquettes, and other seasonal street foods at Omicho Market — known as “Kanazawa’s Kitchen.” Explore the Traditional Geisha District Wander through the charming Higashi Chaya with its wooden teahouses, gold-leaf shops, and cozy sake bars. Perfect Photo Opportunities Capture Instagram-worthy shots in hidden alleys and at scenic spots only locals know. ️ Friendly Local Guide Your guide will share fun stories about Kanazawa’s culture and daily life — easy to understand even if English isn’t your first language! ✨ Small Group Experience Enjoy a relaxed and personal tour with plenty of time to eat, chat, and explore at your own pace.

Freshly prepared Japanese food is waiting for you. Enjoy the rich flavors of Japanese sake while tasting the harmony of Japanese cuisine and rice wine. Learn about the process of making sake and the connection between sake and Japanese people. The fragrance of sake is classified into four categories, each of which will be carefully explained. Learn about which dishes pair well with which kinds of sake. We will also teach you how to order (in Japanese) at a Japanese style pub. Make no mistake. You too will surely be called a connoisseur.

Discover the ancient history of Japanese sake (or rice wine) which dates back to at least 700 AD. Originally only consumed at religious ceremonies, sake was believed to connect individuals to the divine realm. For nearly a millenuim, sake was produced by shrines and temples all over the country. Even now, it is one of the primary offerings to the Shinto gods. Become a part of this rich tradition by tasting the elixir of the Japanese gods in the heart of a Shinto shrine. Learn firsthand the deliciousness of Niigata sake amidst the serene ambiance where tranquility and the essence of the divine converge.

Kubota Liquor Store is a long-established liquor store that was founded in 1914 (Taisho 3), and is the first place you should visit if you want to buy Fukui's local sake in Sabae. Here guests will get to taste locally made sakes in special lacquered glasses. Guests can try junmai sake, daiginjo sake, or both depending on the plan. Glasses for junmai sake have a wide opening so that you can enjoy the full flavor of junmai sake, whereas glasses for daiginjo sake have a slightly narrower opening to trap the aroma and has depth to its shape which is its characteristic. This experience is perfect for those who love sake as they will get in try local sake in a unique way.

Guests will journey deep into the hidden region of Nagano known as Akiyamago, a remote mountain valley rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here, they’ll soak in one of the wildest open-air hot springs in Nagano, where the healing waters bubble up directly from the riverbed — a rare and unforgettable experience. Important Note: The outdoor hot spring may be unavailable during bad weather if the river overflows. In that case, we’ll visit a local indoor onsen instead. The tour also includes a taste of tradition with a hearty bear meat hot pot lunch, called "Kumanabe", a local specialty passed down through generations. On the way back to Iiyama Station, we’ll stop by a local sake brewery, where guests can enjoy tasting some of Nagano’s finest rice wine. Akiyamago is usually closed off in winter due to extreme snowfall that even surpasses ski resorts, but we operate guided car tours to this remote area.

Embark on a journey through Toyama, where cultural allure meets sensory delight. Begin with a visit to Shimakawa Candy Store, a testament to the art of traditional confectionery, and delve into history at the venerable Ikedayaya-Yasubee Merchant Shop. Wander through the historic geisha district, a testament to time-honored traditions. Relish in an exquisite Kaiseki dinner, featuring the finest seafood from Toyama Bay, elegantly paired with premium local sake. The evening reaches its zenith with the resonant melodies of Etchu Owara and Kokiriko, traditional folk songs, performed at the esteemed Ryotei Kagaya. This experience offers a profound immersion into the heart of Toyama’s heritage. Secure your participation in this remarkable journey and weave yourself into the rich cultural fabric of this historic city.

Gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Japanese tradition as you journey through Inami, a town that's practically a museum of wood sculptures. You'll visit historic Zuisenji Temple and stop by a carver's studio. You'll carve your own wooden sake cup with real tools under the guidance of a master—an experience like no other. You'll savor a fine Japanese lunch in a traditional home and tour the earthen brewhouse of the Wakakoma Sake Brewery, where you'll have a chance to sample local sake in the wooden cup you created. With an English-speaking guide-interpreter to accompany you every step of the way, you can enjoy your journey with peace of mind. Inquire about an experience today.

Discover Handa, a hidden gem in Aichi—just 30 minutes from Chubu Centrair Airport by car and 40 minutes from Nagoya by train or car. Known for its rich fermentation culture, Handa offers an authentic alternative to Japan’s crowded tourist spots. Your tour begins along the historic Handa Canal, lined with traditional black-walled storehouses reflecting the city’s history. Next, step inside a preserved traditional residence. Here, you’ll taste five types of vinegar and learn what makes each one unique. After the tasting, browse local miso, soy sauce, and other aged Japanese seasonings known for their rich UMAMI—ideal as gifts. To finish, enjoy a stroll through Handa’s streets, with stops such as a sake museum and local wagashi shops. This mix of flavor, history, and scenery makes Handa a memorable destination for food lovers. *This tour is operated in collaboration with Handa Tourist Association. *Please inform us in advance if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Niigata is one of the leading centers of food culture in Japan.​ While walking through charming avenues, you can feel the atmosphere of old port town and taste many delicious Japanese dishes. Emersed yourself in history as you walk through the Furumachi district of Niigata, which renowned as much as Gion in Kyoto and Shinbashi in Tokyo for it’s Geisha. ​ You can not only enjoy the delicious Japanese food, but also interact with locals! Meeting Niigata residents is an experience you are unlikely to quickly forget. ​ As you stroll through the streets, go into any restaurant that strikes your fancy! Your local guide will make restaurant recommendations and help you order in traditional Japanese restaurants.​ ・You can enjoy wonderful food and local sake of Niigata.（Beer, wine, and alcoholic/Non-alcoholic beverage are also available.）​ ・As you move between Japanese pubs, experience the charming Niigata streets. ​ ・If you are lucky, you may event pass a Geisha!

Experience the differences in water, the fundamental ingredient of Japanese sake. An interactive plan with the sake brewery staff. A special explanation of the sake brewing process will be provided.

Okazaki, the second largest city in Aichi Prefecture, has a long history and you can enjoy traditional buildings and food. It is also a recommended place for sightseeing because of its convenience. Make fun memories with the guide staff.

Discover Toyama's vibrant nightlife on this guided bar-hopping tour that introduces you to the city's authentic dining and drinking culture. Designed for travelers seeking a local experience, this tour takes you to small izakayas and neighborhood bars where residents unwind after work. Start at a convenient location near Toyama Station or in the Sogawa district, then enjoy two unique venues with a set allowance for food and drinks included. Engage with local ingredients, seasonal dishes, and customs as your guide shares insights into Toyama's social dynamics. This is more than just a night out; it’s a genuine connection to Toyama's culture and community. - Guided tour focusing on Toyama’s local nightlife and dining culture - Visit two unique venues, including izakayas and neighborhood bars - Set food and drink allowance included for a hassle-free experience - Choose your meeting point for convenience: Toyama Station or Sogawa district

Delve into the rich flavors of Japanese sake with this private tasting experience at the renowned NOGUCHI NAOHIKO Sake Institute. Set in the tranquil TOUAN tasting room, this 3.5-hour journey offers a unique blend of sake tasting and culinary delights. Sample five limited-edition sakes paired with carefully selected snacks while enjoying the serene scenery reminiscent of a traditional tea room. An English-speaking guide will accompany you, ensuring a personalized experience. Ideal for sake enthusiasts and those seeking a unique cultural outing in Japan. - Private tasting experience in a serene tea room atmosphere - Sample five exclusive limited edition sakes - English-speaking guide and private transportation included - Minimum of 2 participants required for the tour to operate

Discover a Hidden Sake Lab and Create Your Own Signature Blend Step into a hidden corner of a sake brewery for a rare, behind-the-scenes experience. You’ll explore the post-fermentation blending process, a special part of sake making rarely experienced, even by locals. Hosted by a WSET Level 3–certified brewery guide, you’ll craft your own personalized sake blend. Finish your bottle by painting a kanji character on the label that reflects your blend’s personality. Take home a one-of-a-kind bottle created by you. Creative, immersive, and unforgettable.

Explore the vibrant nightlife of Ōgaki, a city rich in history and culinary traditions, on this guided bar-hopping tour. With a knowledgeable local guide, visit two unique establishments that highlight Ōgaki’s culinary identity, sampling local dishes and drinks while uncovering the stories behind the city’s heritage. Enjoy ¥3,000 worth of food and drinks included in the tour price, allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in the flavors of this proud castle town. Experience a blend of cozy izakayas and lively bars, mingling with locals as you connect through the shared love of food and community. - Guided evening tour through the historic streets of Ōgaki - Enjoy ¥3,000 of food and drinks at two selected venues - Sample local delicacies and creative cocktails while mingling with locals - Discover the rich history and culture of Ōgaki from your local guide