Ginza Whiskey Half-Day Tour
Joined 2024
Explore Ginza & Shimbashi with a certified bourbon steward. Enjoy whisky tastings, allocated bourbon hunting, and Blanton's sale insights. Discover luxury Yamazaki bottles and sample Suntory's finest. Let me guide your palate and purchasing decisions. Book now for a whisky adventure in Japan!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Hotel
Shinanoya Ginza
We will check the Shinanoya Liquor Store for bourbons and whiskys. Shinanoya has the best selection of Heaven Hill's bourbon in Japan. We have a good chance to find the Evan WIlliams 12year at these stores. Sometimes they stock wild turkey 12year and other good bourbons as well.
Liquor Mountain Ginza 777
Here we can try mini samples of a wide variety of bourbons, scotches and Japanese whiskys. Samples are roughly 200yen for a small 10ml pour. Of course, I can help you find your perfect whisky or bourbon - and find something that suits your taste. There are other Japanese whisky experts here that I can interpret for you.
Ginza 6 Shopping Mall
We will check the JWC whisky collection to see some of the rarest and most expensive Japanese whiskies ever made. After we can enjoy a shot or two of high end Suntory or Nikka whiskys. A 15ml pour starts around 500yen and goes up for highly aged whiskys. I can give recommendations based on your personal preferences. Furthermore, I can ask staff any questions you might have in Japanese.
M Whisky Shop Ginza
Welcome to M Whisky Shop Ginza, a premium destination for whisky enthusiasts located in the heart of Tokyo's vibrant Ginza district. This sophisticated boutique offers an extensive selection of rare and fine whiskies from around the world, perfect for both collectors and casual sippers. The knowledgeable staff provide expert guidance to help you find the ideal bottle to suit your taste and occasion. Immerse yourself in a refined atmosphere where you can explore and appreciate the art of whisky making.
Yamaya
Here we can check the local Yamaya store, this store is likely to Buffalo Trace distillery products, sometimes they have the elusive Japan exclusive Blanton's Black or Blanton's Red label. Other than that Yamaya also has one of the widest whisky selections in Japan.
Rare Yamazaki and More: Discover Ginza's Whiskey Oasis
Nestled in the heart of Ginza, Rare Whiskey Ginza offers a unique whiskey experience. Explore an extensive selection of premium Japanese whiskeys, from the iconic Yamazaki to the Hakushu and beyond. The rare Mizunara barrel whiskeys are particularly noteworthy. Though prices aren't low, the store offers a price match guarantee. My visit was unforgettable; I even saw the legendary Yamazaki 50 Years Old. If you're a whiskey enthusiast, this is a must-visit spot.
Liquor Express: Home to Japan's Elusive Whiskey Finds
For seekers of Japan's rarest whiskeys, Liquor Express is a haven. Here, you'll find all the elusive Japanese whiskey bottles you've been hunting for. Prices are comparable to standard retail, often more affordable than major retailers, even without tax-free options. A must-visit destination for whiskey enthusiasts!
Optional: Exclusive Private Whiskey Tasting Experience
Indulge in a personalized whiskey tasting at a private bar near your hotel. Enjoy an unlimited sampling of a curated mix of 5-6 standard and premium bourbons in an intimate and comfortable setting. This unique experience, designed for up to four people, offers a delightful journey through the rich flavors of fine whiskey. Additional guests are welcome for just 5000 yen per person. Perfect for whiskey enthusiasts and those looking for a memorable evening, this private tasting replaces the traditional whiskey tour with elegance and convenience.
To ensure everything is perfectly arranged, I need advanced notice, along with your hotel information, the number of people attending, and your preferred time.
Ending Point
Your Hotel
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
Bourbon and whisky knowledge and recommendations
Japanese/English Interpreting
Hotel Pick up/Drop off within Tokyo 23wards
Guide's Rail fare
With the Optional Whiskey tasting course and bar rental you will get unlimited whiskey from the bottles I provide for the price of 20,000yen for a maximum of 4 people with an additional 5000yen for each additional person.
Your Rail fare
The standard Ginza whiskey course has a one tasting at Liquor Mountain 777, and one stop at the JWC Library for drinking Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki. These drinks are not included in tour.
Tour Important Information
Must be a minimum of 20 years old to join the tour.
Important message from the supplier
DO NOT CONTACT ME FOR DRIVING SERVICES.
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Important Information – Please Read Before Inquiring
Please read before reaching out. Inquiries should be made with the intent to book a tour.
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Are the tours rail-based?
Yes—tours are primarily rail-based, especially within Tokyo. On the first day, I’ll help you learn the Tokyo rail system, assist with IC card setup, and explain how to navigate confidently.
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Can you book tickets for us?
I don’t handle advance reservations. Most people want to visit places like teamLab, Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Sky, Studio Ghibli, or the Sumo Lunch in Tokyo. These must be booked separately on your own. I can include these as part of the tour day or drop you off there, but I can’t make bookings on your behalf due to liability issues and platform commission.
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What about Mt. Fuji?
Due to visibility issues and common misunderstandings about access and logistics, inquiries about Mt. Fuji often don’t lead to bookings. A group bus tour is usually the better option.
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 2024
About Tour Guide Grant A.
Hello! My name is Grant, and I’ve spent over a decade living and exploring Japan. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, I first came to Japan as a high school exchange student in Inuyama, a historic castle town in Aichi. My love for Japan began early—sparked by childhood games like Pokémon that were released in Japanese before English. That early curiosity grew into a lifelong passion for Japanese language, culture, and history.
I hold an N2 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, a degree in Asian Studies from a Tokyo university, and I graduated from the Japan Visual Media Translation Academy. I’ve visited all 47 prefectures and explored a wide range of historical sites, shrines, and castles throughout the country. My background in Japanese history helps me provide context that brings depth and meaning to the places we visit—whether it's understanding a centuries-old temple in Kyoto, the story behind a castle ruin, or uncovering the historical layers of a Tokyo neighborhood.
If you’re planning to explore Tokyo, here are some tour options to consider:
One day in Tokyo? The Ginza Line Tour offers a great introduction to the city’s highlights.
Two days? Pair the East Tokyo Tour and West Tokyo Tour to get a well-rounded experience.
Interested in anime? The Anime Tour is flexible and can be tailored to match your specific interests.
For those looking to go beyond the city, I also offer day trips to Nikko, Kamakura, and other nearby destinations.
While most guests book Tokyo-based tours, I also guide in other regions—especially Kyoto, where I’ve visited every World Heritage Site. I regularly lead tours in Osaka, Nara, Nagoya, Hikone, and other locations easily reached by rail. Multi-day and custom tours are available on request.
Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours)
Full-Day Tour Outside of Tokyo: 40,000 yen + transportation
Feel free to get in touch to plan a tour that fits your interests and travel plans.
Reviews
Alfonso S.
“An American guide in Tokyo ”
We have selected Grant for our stay in Tokyo, and we could be more happy to have done so. He is a very knowledgeable guide with vast experience in the Japanese culture, religion, customs, as well gastronomy and tastes. Were recommend him for English speaking travelers who need to understand this destination and want a kind and intelligent guide. Thanks Grant
Bethany W.
“Knowledgeable and flexible tour”
Native English speaker with years of experience in Japan. Easy to understand and very well informed on History of Japan, Buddism and Shintoism. We navigated the subway easily and went to an inexpensive but great seafood lunch. Grant also helped me shop for things we needed to bring home. Fun day. Arigato!
Brian K.
“Our day with Grant touring Tokyo was perfect!”
Our family had an amazing experience with Grant as our private tour guide in Tokyo. He was incredibly personable and extremely knowledgeable, sharing detailed historical facts and guiding us through Tokyo’s amazing food scene. One of the most helpful parts of the tour was how he taught us to navigate the subway system confidently on our own — a skill that made the rest of our trip so much easier. He made the entire experience memorable and truly enjoyable. Highly recommend!
$137/ per group
More tours by Grant A.
Ginza Line Tour
Ginza Line Tour
Eastern Tokyo Tour: Taito, Chuo, and Minato
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Western Tokyo Tour: Shibuya and Shinjuku
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