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.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
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).
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.
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.
Transit
Depart Odawara and travel to Mishima by JR Tokaido Line, a journey of approximately 30–35 minutes (~580 JPY one-way).
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.
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
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Tour Guiding
Japanese/English Interpreting
Hotel Pick up/Drop off within Tokyo 23wards
Guide's Rail fare
Your rail fare
Your Lunch and/or dinner
Water dragon distillery tasting (3300yen per person)
Your Admission to Odawara castle is 510 yen
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.
DO NOT CONTACT ME FOR DRIVING SERVICES.
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Important Information – Please Read Before Inquiring
Inquiries should be made with the intent to book a tour.
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1.Do not ask me about Mt. Fuji. The mountain is usually not visible, meaning you can not see it; if you don't understand what that means you need to google "Mt. Fuji visibility". You probably want to join a group bus tour which is not what I am offering.
2. Tours are rail based, full day tours are roughly 20,000 steps.
3. I do not make bookings on behalf of customers, the tours cover areas that not require advanced reservations.*
*I can take you to places you booked in advance or as a drop-off point to end as well.
4.I am no longer accommodating vegans/vegetarians for not following Japanese etiquette. When visiting a restaurant you must order 1 item per person, don't bring in your own food, non-meat options typically contain dashi (a fish based product) and substitutions are not an option.
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.
Tiffany B.
“Best Tokyo Day”
First, we challenged Grant to fill our day with almost everything a family could want to do in Tokyo. He exceeded expectations, and when he understood we would be in Tokyo for a few extra days, he ensured that we understood the subway system and made recommendations for additional places to eat and tour. He solicited our preferences for lunch and when I said that I had the best dipping noodles in my life... lunch was fantastic. The day was fun, and Grant was great to spend the day with.
Emily O.
“Awesome Anime Tour! ”
Our group of 6 (ages 8-47) had Grant for a full day tour and had an absolute wonderful time! He took our interests and incorporated them into the agenda, offering advice on what places to return to, or make reservations at. I am so glad we booked him on our first day in Tokyo because he gave us a great overview of the city.
Tom H.
“Tokyo Tour”
Grant was great. We moved around the city with ease. He led us through the complicated subway and train system to quickly get us to our sites we had picked to visit. He took us to a wonderful restaurant in the famous fish market. His knowledge about the city and its many sacred sites was astounding. We all learned a lot about this amazing city. He was also incredibly helpful getting us on the express train to the airport. This was hugely important. We couldn't have done it without his help. Grant is your guy if you need a guide for Tokyo!!!!!!!!
$272/ per group