GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
GoWithGuide
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
Tokyo Private Tour - Mishima Distillery
Mishima Distillery
Tokyo Private Tour - Mishima Distillery
Mishima Distillery
Tokyo Private Tour - Mishima Distillery
Mishima Distillery
Tokyo Private Tour - Tasting at Mishima Distillery
Tasting at Mishima Distillery
Tokyo Private Tour - Odawara Castle
Odawara Castle
Tokyo Private Tour - Daruma Dining
Daruma Dining
Tokyo Private Tour - Daruma Dining
Daruma Dining

Mishima Distillery and Odawara Castle Full-Day Tour

Food & Drink
Tokyo Tour Guide - Grant A.

Joined 2024

Grant A.
5.00 / 5
(74 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
Tokyo
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
English (Native), Japanese
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
8 hrs 30 mins
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
Private tour (only you and Grant A.)
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
Up to 6 people

Embark on the Mishima Bourbon-Style Japanese Whiskey Distillery Tour

Dive into Japanese history and craftsmanship with a tour blending Odawara Castle's samurai heritage and Mishima’s innovative distillery traditions. This revised itinerary caters to both history buffs and whiskey enthusiasts, offering a well-rounded cultural experience accessible by local train.

Itinerary

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

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

Your Hotel

- Begin your day by departing from your hotel in Tokyo. Travel to Odawara by JR Tokaido Line, a journey of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (~1,520 JPY one-way).

10:30 AM

Odawara Castle Half-Day Tour

Odawara Castle - Gateway to Samurai Heritage

Step into Japan’s feudal past at Odawara Castle, a proud symbol of samurai valor. Explore the reconstructed fortress, steeped in history from the Kamakura Period through the Sengoku era. Marvel at the donjon, stone foundations, and the legacy of the powerful Hōjō clan. This immersive visit unveils tales of conquest and resilience, offering a vivid glimpse into Japan’s storied heritage.

12:00 PM

Daruma Dining - Culinary History at a National Treasure

Savor tradition at Daruma, a renowned restaurant since 1893 in Odawara’s historic center. Famous for tempura and sushi crafted from local seafood, this culinary gem is housed in a shrine-like, nationally recognized historic building. Whether dining casually downstairs or in elegant tatami rooms above, enjoy seasonal dishes that honor Odawara’s rich culinary legacy. At Daruma, every bite celebrates history and flavor.

01:30 PM

Transit

Depart Odawara and travel to Mishima by JR Tokaido Line, a journey of approximately 30–35 minutes (~580 JPY one-way).

03:00 PM

Mishima Bourbon-Style Japanese Whiskey Distillery Tour

Step into Distillery “Water Dragon,” a Unique Venue in Mishima

Set in a 97-year-old building renovated from a Taisho-era fabric store, this rare distillery blends Japanese craftsmanship with bourbon-style whiskey traditions. Using Mishima's famed soft water, sourced from Mt. Fuji's subterranean streams, the distillery reimagines bourbon traditions in a Japanese context.

Explore the facilities, admire the dragon-themed ceiling art, and learn about the innovative techniques behind their craft. Custom-designed pot stills, created in collaboration with Germany’s Arnold Holstein, enable precise control for diverse flavors, while a 12-level distillation tower refines spirits to perfection. Conclude your visit at Water Gate, a reception and bar space housed in a historic storehouse. Experience the harmony of history, innovation, and taste at Water Dragon Distillery.

04:30 PM

Transit

Depart Mishima and travel back to Tokyo by JR Tokaido Line, a journey of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes (~1,980 JPY one-way).

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

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What‘s included

Tour Guiding

Japanese/English Interpreting

Hotel Pick up/Drop off within Tokyo 23wards

Guide's Rail fare

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What‘s not included

Your rail fare

Your Lunch and/or dinner

Water dragon distillery tasting (3300yen per person)

Your Admission to Odawara castle is 510 yen

Tour Important Information

Subject to availability at the distillery in Mishima, please contact me and confirm prior to booking.

The tour is also possible using the Kodama bullet train but must be done by private request.

Subject to availability at the distillery in Mishima, please contact me and confirm prior to booking.

Important message from the supplier

GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!

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

  • GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
    Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
  • GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
    50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
  • GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
    No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Tokyo Tour Guide - Grant A.

Joined 2024

Grant A.
5.00 / 5
(74 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks

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

A great Tokyo overview!

My family just finished a 2 day tour with Grant and we couldn’t recommend him enough! Grant is a wealth of knowledge and expertly guided us through both the Eastern and Western sides of Tokyo while also adjusting our itinerary to build in some of our personal requests for shopping, Pokémon Center stops, and a latte art coffee shop that we asked to visit. As a native English speaker, he was very easy to understand. Grant also helped us get familiar with the trains and left us with detailed instructions on how to navigate the train system for our remaining days in Tokyo and beyond. We are so happy that we hired Grant to help us get an introduction to Tokyo, 100% recommend!

A

Alfonso S.

5 / 5
Jun 23, 2025

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

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!

Want to Personalize?

$276/ per group