Takayama Sake Tasting at Historic Brewery: Learn Brewing & Taste

Inside a sake brewery: see the tanks, learn the craft, taste what they make

A 30-minute sake tasting and brewery tour in Takayama where you visit a working historic brewery, walk through the production facility, and taste sake made there. The tour runs in English or Japanese at either Hirase or Funasaka Sake Brewery depending on production schedules and opening hours. Alcohol is served only to visitors 20 and older under Japanese law.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit historic sake brewery and tasting

• Enter the sake brewery
• See inside the factory
• Learn about sake-making process
• Taste Takayama sake
• End tour at the brewery

The experience

Takayama sits in a cold mountain region with pure water that made it a sake-brewing center: over 300 years ago the town had 56 breweries. Today seven remain, all clustered within about 200 meters of each other in the old town. This tour takes you inside one of them to see how that history still works. You walk through the brewery's production areas (some spaces may be off-limits for hygiene and safety), watch the equipment and tanks where sake ferments, and learn what makes Takayama sake distinct from breweries elsewhere.

The tasting happens at the brewery itself after the walk-through. An English-speaking guide leads the whole experience and explains the local traditions and craft that shape what you're tasting. The tour is 30 minutes total. Which brewery you visit (Hirase or Funasaka) depends on the day's production schedule and opening hours, so you'll find out which one when you book.

The tour runs in rain or snow unless conditions make safe operation impossible. Visitors under 20 cannot be served alcohol under Japanese law. The brewery is wheelchair accessible, and all surfaces and transportation options nearby are accessible as well.

What’s included

• Access to the brewery production facility.
• English-language guide.
• sake tasting at the brewery.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00

AgesAdult (6 to 88 years) · Child (under 6)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Happy Tour

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see how sake is actually made rather than just taste it in a bar: the 30-minute walk through a working brewery shows you the tanks, equipment, and process before you taste what comes out of it.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 6).

Can I visit both breweries on the same day, or just one?

The tour visits one brewery per booking: either Hirase or Funasaka depending on that day's production schedule and opening hours. If you want to experience both, you would need to book separate tours.

What exactly do I see inside the brewery?

You walk through the production facility to see the tanks, equipment, and areas where sake ferments and is made. Some production zones may not be accessible due to hygiene and safety rules, but the guide will show you the main working spaces and explain the process as you go.

Is the tasting included, or do I pay extra for sake?

Sake tasting is included in the tour price. You taste at the brewery after the facility walk-through, and the guide explains the characteristics of what you're sampling.

What's special about Takayama sake compared to sake from other regions?

Takayama's cold climate, pure mountain water, and centuries of brewing tradition shape its sake. The guide explains these local characteristics and how they differ from other brewing regions during the tasting.

Do I need to speak Japanese, or is English enough?

The tour is conducted in English or Japanese. You can request English when you book, and a guide will lead the brewery visit and tasting in that language.

What if I'm under 20 or don't drink alcohol?

Alcohol cannot be served to anyone under 20 under Japanese law. If you don't drink, you can still join the tour to see the brewery and learn about sake-making. The tasting portion simply won't include alcohol for you.