Tokyo: Sake Tasting Tour Shinjuku Golden Gai with Sommelier

Summary

Savor rare sake in Tokyo’s neon-lit Shinjuku Golden Gai with a local sommelier

You’ll join a small group in Shinjuku Golden Gai with a certified sake sommelier guiding you through 6-7 unique sakes — including one you won’t find outside Japan. Learn to read labels, pair sake with Japanese food, and pick up little cultural insights along the way. Expect laughter, local stories, and maybe even a new favorite drink by the end.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the lights from Shinjuku’s side streets made everything feel a bit electric — even before we met our guide. He waved us over near some busy corner (I think there was a Louis Vuitton store right there?), and just like that, we were talking about how this whole area, Shinjuku 3 Chome, is kind of its own character in Tokyo. Our guide, Yuki, had this way of making you feel like you’d known him for ages — he kept grinning every time someone tried to pronounce “Junmai Daiginjo.” I still can’t say it right.

Inside the sake bar, it was quieter than I expected — just the low hum from outside and the clink of tiny glasses. Yuki poured us our first sake and handed out these little info sheets (which I’ve actually looked at since; didn’t expect that). Each pour was different: one felt almost creamy on my tongue, another sharp and cold like metal. He explained which ones go warm or chilled and pointed at the labels, showing us what those kanji actually meant. At one point he laughed because I sniffed a glass for too long — apparently that’s not really how locals do it. The rare sake he brought out last… honestly, I’m not sure you could find that anywhere else but here.

We talked about food pairings (I wrote down his tip about grilled mackerel) and somehow ended up swapping stories about Tokyo nightlife. Golden Gai came up — all those tiny bars stacked together, each one with its own weird charm. It wasn’t all formal; sometimes we’d just sit quietly between sips, listening to rain start tapping against the window. That part surprised me most: how easy it was to slow down in such a loud city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sake tasting and Shinjuku tour

• Meet in Shinjuku area
• Discuss Shinjuku 3 Chome area
• Visit sake bar near Louis Vuitton
• Taste various types of sake
• Learn sake temperature and labels
• Receive basic sake document
• Get food pairing hints
• Talk about Kabukicho in Shinjuku
• Discuss Tokyo nightlife and Golden Gai

Top questions

How many types of sake will I taste on this tour?

You’ll taste 6-7 different types of sake during the experience.

Where does the sake tasting take place?

The tasting happens at a bar near Louis Vuitton in Shinjuku 3 Chome, Tokyo.

Is this tour led by a certified sommelier?

Yes, your guide is an International Sake Sommelier.

Are food pairings included with the sake?

No meal is included but you’ll get tips on pairing sake with Japanese foods.

Does this experience include pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide in Shinjuku.

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers.

Will we visit Golden Gai during the tour?

You’ll hear stories about Golden Gai nightlife as part of the experience.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the meeting point.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided tasting of 6-7 different types of sake led by an International Sake Sommelier in Shinjuku Golden Gai. You’ll get an easy-to-read handout about sake basics to keep for later and plenty of insider tips on choosing and pairing sake while sharing laughs and stories along the way.