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
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.
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.
Colleen M.
“Great introduction to Tokyo”
Cannot recommend Grant enough! His passion and wealth of knowledge of the Japanese culture is astounding. He covered everything from history, religion, anime, pokemon, sake, shopping, transportation.
Marion B.
“Go with Grant- you won’t be sorry!”
Grant was the perfect guide for our first day in Tokyo. He was incredibly accommodating, insightful, and flexible—willing to adjust our plans as needed to make the most of our time. We covered a lot of ground on the east side of Tokyo and even stumbled upon an unexpected street festival, which made the experience even more memorable. I wouldn’t hesitate to book him again or recommend him to others.
Javier M.
“A MUST have guide.”
With the limited time I've spent with Grant it sure was a blast! Having Grant as a guide for a day taking me to the most popular technological and otaku filled place in Tokyo was wide opening. While Grant may look a bit intimidatingly awkward, hes quite professional in his touring and guiding skills. He taught me how to properly use Japan's shinkansen and train stations when traveling to other places besides Tokyo. If you are in the fence on having Grant as a guide in japan ill say go for it! Hes been living in japan as a foreign exchange student since high-school, as well as having traveled to all of Japan's prefectures! As a side note he taught me the history and manufacturing process of making Japanese whiskey and scotch, in which he is quite knowledgeable on.
$278/ per group