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Sake Sensations at SANGEN : an Exclusive Tasting with a Sake Sommelier

There are many kinds of sake unique to Takayama.

Takayama's cold climate makes it ideal for brewing sake!

Takayama Private Tour - I'm a licensed Kikisake-shi (Sake Sommelier), so I can answer all of your questions about sake, and help find the perfect bottle for you!

I'm a licensed Kikisake-shi (Sake Sommelier), so I can answer all of your questions about sake, and help find the perfect bottle for you!

You will have chance to meet local brewer.

The entrance of sake breweries, they have a cedar ball. Your guide will tell the meaning of the tradition.

Takayama Private Tour - You will know much more about how to choose your favorite sake by knowing differences of sake rice, milling and production process.

You will know much more about how to choose your favorite sake by knowing differences of sake rice, milling and production process.

Sake brewing process.

In the time of their sake production(during winter), you can even go inside of sake breweries.

Takayama Private Tour - You will taste various kinds of sake at 7 different local sake breweries. Your guide will explain the difference between each sake.

You will taste various kinds of sake at 7 different local sake breweries. Your guide will explain the difference between each sake.

You will have chance to visit different sake breweries.

Learn about and get a taste of sake cake!

Do you know what sake cake is? It's a very unique dish that I will tell you all about!

A sake brewery in Takayama

Takayama Private Tour - Takayama is well known for its traditional sake producing. The buildings of sake breweries are more than 100years old. You can even enjoy the atmosphere of the old buildings.

Takayama is well known for its traditional sake producing. The buildings of sake breweries are more than 100years old. You can even enjoy the atmosphere of the old buildings.

Takayama's sake is popular across Japan!

Sake Sensations at SANGEN : an Exclusive Tasting with a Sake Sommelier

Food & Drink

Joined 2017

Mika S.

4.96 / 5

(27 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Takayama

Japanese (Native), English

2 hours

Private tour (only you and Mika S.)

Up to 4 people

Led by a dedicated Sake Sommelier, this private experience includes a brewery visit before the tasting. The three-session tasting sharpens your palate through comparative pours, with rare or sustainability-focused sakes selected to match your interests. Omakase bites accompany each session, bringing out the unique character of each sake.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

10:00 AM

Meeting Point

Takayama Jinya

- Takayama Jinya is located in the historic old town, near the iconic Nakabashi Bridge. From there, we can take a scenic walk through the charming streets of the old town, heading towards a local brewery to experience Takayama’s renowned sake.

Visit a local sake brewery in the heart of Takayama

Explore the different types of sake, its delicate brewing process, and how it compares to other alcoholic beverages. Learn the best ways to enjoy sake, including ideal serving temperatures, and taste Takayama’s locally brewed sake!

SANGEN

Private tasting venue in the heart of the town. SANGEN’s space is warm, minimalist, and defined by craftsmanship. A stone counter carved from locally sourced mountain stone draws the eye, along with an oversized door made of traditional washi paper. Plasterwork, woodwork, and other hand-finished details create a calm atmosphere that feels both modern and deeply rooted in local craft.

Ending Point

SANGEN

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

Private sake tasting tour guided by an International Kikisake-shi (Sake Sommelier) with food pairing bites.

What‘s not included

Transportation (if needed)

Tour Important Information

・Some topics covered on the tour: the most suitable temperature to enjoy sake, the various types of sake, the sake brewing process, the differences between sake and other alcoholic beverages, how to pair sake with food, etc.

・We will visit 1 private sake brewery during the tour. Please contact me for additional fees to visit 2 or more breweries.

・Each brewery specializes in a unique type of sake! No matter which brewery you visit on the tour, there will be around 5 types of sake for you to taste included in the guide fee. You can pay on-site for additional tastings not included.

・Please note that I cannot take responsibility for any accidents that occur during the tour. I highly recommend getting travel insurance before you come to Japan.

*PARTICIPANTS MUST BE 20+ YEARS OLD TO DRINK SAKE ON THIS TOUR.

*Non-alcoholic tastings available upon request.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2017

Mika S.

4.96 / 5

(27 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Mika S.

My interests include art, architecture, food, sake, wine, and sustainability.

In the past, I had the opportunity to visit destinations around the world. My passion for traveling and experiencing other cultures helped me recognize the beauty in my own culture, and inspired me to become a tour guide. I’m a fun, energetic, and passionate guide who’s ready to show you an unforgettable time in Japan, whatever your interests may be!

Hida is a beautiful region tucked away in the Northern Alps, and its location helped preserve Takayama’s old town constructed by local master carpenters. On your tour, I’ll give you tips on what you should look for to appreciate traditional Japanese architecture. If you’re a sake lover, Hida is the place for you because the cold climate makes it suitable for brewing quality sake. I’m a licensed Sake Sommelier, and I’d love to take you to the breweries in town and give you some recommendations. I’ve also been trained to host art tours. If you’re interested in contemporary Japanese art, I recommend visiting Kanazawa, where you can find inspirational creativity in every corner!

My goal is to help you discover the authentic Japanese way of life while feeling comfortable like a local rather than standing out like a tourist. Please let me know what kind of experience you’re looking for, and I will happily tailor a unique experience just for you.

Fun facts about me!

I was sponsored to travel around the world twice

I was a torch runner in the 1998 Nagano Olympics

I grew up in nature, eating wild plants and seeing many wild animals

Reviews

Sierra T.

5 / 5

Apr 30, 2025

Sake Sensations at SANGEN : an Exclusive Tasting with a Sake Sommelier

Apr 30, 2025

Takayama

1 hour

“Exceeded My Expectations”

We booked this tour with Mika and were blown away with how incredible it was. She is so sweet and kind, we felt comfortable throughout our entire tour. She is very knowledgeable and explained many things about the history of Takayama and the sake-making process. As a sake-sommelier, she really elevated this experience with her exceptional knowledge. The tour of the sake brewery was informative and the tasting was delicious. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to have a unique and informative sake experience - thank you Mika!!

Mika S.

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review, Sierra! I’m truly glad the timing aligned, and it was a pleasure to host the sake experience for you and your parents. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have shared a part of your time in Takayama and to introduce you to something I’m so passionate about. I hope our paths cross again on another tour in the future!

Thierry A.

5 / 5

Aug 8, 2024

Sake Sensations at SANGEN : an Exclusive Tasting with a Sake Sommelier

Aug 8, 2024

Takayama

1 hour 20 mins

“Exciting Sake Tour in Takayama”

Thank you for the tour of the sake brewery. Your knowledge and passion made this tour really enjoyable.

Mika S.

Thank you for the kind review, Thierry. I was pleasantly surprised by your extensive knowledge of sake! It was a pleasure sharing my passion for sake with you, and I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour.

Deborah I.

5 / 5

Jun 15, 2024

Takayama Highlights Tour of Must-Visit Gems

Jun 15, 2024

Takayama

3 hours

“A Wonderful Half-Day with Lovely Mika”

We enjoyed strolling and learning about Takayama with Mika. We went thru the market, visited the local shrine and most fascinating was visiting the historic house. Mika was obliging and helpful and a great companion.

Mika S.

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed our stroll through Takayama. It was a pleasure showing you the market, local shrine, and historic house. I’m glad you found them fascinating. I enjoyed being your companion for the day and am happy to have been of help. I hope to see you again on another tour in the future!