Tokyo: Sake Omakase Tasting with Certified Sommeliers

Summary

Tokyo sake tasting journey led by industry experts in a cozy private room

You’ll join a small group in Tokyo for an intimate sake omakase tasting led by certified sommeliers. Taste seven exclusive sakes paired with premium small bites, learn how brewing techniques and vessels shape flavor, and share laughs as you discover new favorites together. It’s not just about drinking — it’s about connecting over stories and flavors you might not expect.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I came to Tokyo thinking I knew a thing or two about sake. But sitting around that big table — reclaimed wood, still smelling faintly of old cedar — with just five other people and our guide, Yuki, I realized I’d barely scratched the surface. He started us off easy: “This one’s made from rice grown up north,” he said, pouring a clear stream into these delicate cups. The first sip was softer than I expected, almost creamy. Someone laughed when I tried to guess the flavor notes (I said melon, but apparently it was more like steamed rice and chestnut). It was friendly though — no pressure to be an expert.

We tasted seven different sakes over two hours, each one paired with little bites — pickles here, a bit of cheese there, even some cured meat that surprised me (never thought cheese and sake would work together). Yuki explained how temperature changes everything; we tried one sake cold and then warm, and honestly it felt like drinking two different drinks. There was this moment when he passed around a heavy ceramic cup and asked us to notice how the vessel changed the taste. I didn’t expect to care about cups but… yeah, it made a difference. The room was quiet except for soft jazz playing somewhere behind the bar — and occasionally someone’s happy sigh after a good sip.

I liked that it wasn’t rushed. We could ask anything — someone wanted to know about koji mold (Yuki got really animated explaining fermentation), another asked which sake goes best with spicy food. There were stories about brewers from tiny villages and jokes about failed home experiments. By dessert (a tiny sweet bite that somehow matched the last sake perfectly), I felt like we’d all loosened up together. Maybe it was the unlimited refills or just the way people open up over good drinks in Tokyo at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sake tasting with certified sommeliers

• Arrive at private tasting room
• Enjoy 4-course sake omakase menu
• Taste 7 Japan-exclusive sakes
• Experience unlimited sake refills
• Learn about sake production process
• Explore sake flavor differences
• Discover effects of drinking vessels
• Infuse paired spices and herbs
• Engage with sommeliers in English/Japanese
• Complete interactive sake tasting session

Top questions

How many sakes are included in the Tokyo omakase tasting?

The tasting features 7 exclusive Japan-only sakes served across four themed courses.

Are food pairings included during the sake tasting?

Yes, each course includes small bites like pickles, cheeses, cured meats, and dessert matched to the sakes.

Is this Tokyo sake tasting suitable for beginners?

Absolutely — no prior knowledge is needed and questions are encouraged throughout the session.

Who leads the guided sake tasting in Tokyo?

The experience is hosted by WSET & JSS certified sommeliers deeply involved in Japan's sake industry.

Is there unlimited refills during the tasting?

Yes, you can enjoy unlimited refills of all seven sakes throughout the experience.

How many people are in each group?

The tasting is limited to six guests for an intimate atmosphere.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas including transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Can children attend this Tokyo sake tour?

Infants or small children can attend if accompanied by adults but alcohol is only served to those of legal age.

What’s included

Your evening includes seven varieties of sommelier-selected Japanese sakes served free-flow style across four themed courses, paired with premium small bites like pickles, cheeses, cured meats and dessert — all enjoyed in an intimate private tasting room with guidance from certified local sommeliers before heading back out into Tokyo’s night air.