Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most iconic and well-preserved castles, is a must-visit destination in Nagano Prefecture. Its striking black exterior, rich samurai history, and panoramic views from the top floor make it a highlight for travelers. However, for most … Read More
Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour
Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour
Info
¥8,800/person (10+)
- 📆 Period: All year
- ⏱️ Duration: 2 hours
- 📍 Meet at Starbucks Midori Nagano station
Discover Nagano’s Local Flavors & Sake Traditions
Stroll through the Zenkoji Temple area, sip premium local sake, and explore a historic brewery with 300 years of tradition. Taste seasonal treats, meet local shop owners, and enjoy a warm, cultural experience that blends history, flavor, and community.
Tour Highlights
✅ Visit a 300-year-old sake brewery & preserved factory
✅ Taste 5+ premium sakes, including seasonal varieties
✅ Sample Nagano’s umeshu, pickles & local miso soup
✅ Enjoy 3 kinds of sweet non-alcoholic amazake
✅ Explore local shops & hidden streets near Zenkoji Temple
Discover Nagano’s Spirit – From Temple to Tasting
This 2-hour walking tour starts with the spiritual heart of Nagano: Zenkoji Temple. After exploring this iconic site, you’ll dive into the city’s rich sake culture — tasting premium brews, learning local stories, and connecting with the flavors of the region.
1️⃣ Walk to Zenkoji Temple 🏯
Explore Nagano’s historic heart. Learn the 1,400-year-old story of Zenkoji, its cultural significance, and spiritual traditions that still shape local life today.
2️⃣ Walk Through the Temple District 🛍️
Wander scenic alleys lined with traditional shops and eateries.
Your guide introduces hidden gems and shares insights into local life and customs.
3️⃣ Sake Tasting Experience 🍶
Taste a curated selection of Nagano’s best sake — from seasonal and unpasteurized brews to rich plum wine (umeshu). You’ll also enjoy light pairings like soy sauce beans and local pickles.
4️⃣ Amazake & Miso Soup (Non-Alcoholic Options) 🍡
For a deeper dive into traditional tastes, try different types of amazake and a warm bowl of Nagano-style miso soup.
5️⃣ Enter a Historic Sake Brewery 🍶
Step inside a sake brewery with over 300 years of history. You’ll also visit a 120-year-old factory space that showcases old brewing equipment and learn how sake has been crafted for generations.
📋 What’s Included?
✅ Guided visit to Zenkoji Temple
✅ 5+ premium sake tastings
✅ Umeshu & amazake tastings
✅ Miso soup & local snacks
✅ Brewery & sake factory visits
✅ Local shop exploration
✅ Photography service
✅ English-speaking guide
🌟 Why Join This Tour?
🔍 Start your tour with spiritual insight at Zenkoji Temple
🍶 Learn and taste your way through Nagano’s sake traditions
👣 Walk with a guide through streets full of history and charm
📸 Take home great photos of your experience
💡 Additional Info
📍 Meeting Point: In front of Starbucks, Midori Nagano Station
🕒 Duration: 2 hours
👥 Group Size: Small & personal
🍶 Must be 20+ to taste alcohol
👟 Bring walking shoes & curiosity
Meet the people behind o8Experience HERE
📅 Reserve Your Spot Now
From spiritual calm to flavorful fun — this short tour brings you the best of Nagano in just two hours
- Photo Friendly
- 2 Hours
- 2 to 8 people
- All weather
Previous
Next
Trip Itinerary
Meet Your Guide at Nagano Station
Meet your guide in front of Starbucks Coffee MIDORI Nagano Station. From there, take a leisurely walk through the city (approx. 20 minutes) toward the sake tasting venue near Zenkoji Temple.
Explore Zenkoji Temple and Its Surroundings
Start the experience with a stroll around the historic Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most beloved and spiritual landmarks. Your guide will share local stories, cultural insights, and introduce you to traditional shops and artisan spots along the way.
Sake Tasting Experience
Next, head to a local sake venue and enjoy a tasting of 5+ premium sakes, including unfiltered, unpasteurized, and seasonal selections. Local side dishes like soy sauce beans, pickles, and a hearty bowl of Nagano-style miso soup accompany the drinks.
Visit the 120-Year-Old Sake Factory
After the tasting, step into a beautifully preserved historic sake factory (no longer in operation), where you’ll see traditional brewing tools and learn how sake was crafted in the past.
Tour Concludes in the Zenkoji Area or Returns to Nagano Station
The tour finishes near Zenkoji. You can choose to continue exploring the area on your own—perhaps visit a café or enjoy lunch—or return to Nagano Station with your guide if preferred.
Have a Question?
Feel free to reach out and we're happy to answer any questions you may have.
¥8,800/person (10+)
ℹ️ Info
🕒 Duration: 2 hours
👥 Group size: 2–8 guests
💴 Price: ¥8,800 (20+)
🍽️ Includes: Sake tasting, umeshu, amazake, miso soup, local nibbles, brewery visit, English-speaking guide, photo souvenir
🚫 Excludes: Extra food/drinks, bullet train or other transport
📍 Meeting point: In front of Starbucks Midori Nagano Station
🔞 Note: Must be 20+ to drink alcohol
- Visit a sake brewery with over 300 years of history — a rare chance to step into the roots of Japanese brewing tradition.
- Taste 5+ premium varieties of local sake, including unfiltered, unpasteurized, and seasonal brews you won’t find outside Japan.
- Discover a 120-year-old sake factory no longer in operation, filled with tools and stories from generations past.
- Immerse yourself in the local flavor of Nagano — not just through your palate, but through the stories behind every bottle.
- Perfect for sake lovers, foodies, and anyone curious about Japanese culture — no prior knowledge required.
- Great for couples, families with adults, or small groups wanting a laid-back, premium experience.
- Not a “bar-hopping” or party tour — this is a deep dive into culture, craft, and community.
- Must be 20+ to enjoy the alcoholic tastings — but non-alcoholic amazake is available for those who don’t drink.
- Small groups only — we keep it intimate and flexible so you can ask questions and really connect.
- Your guide is local, knowledgeable, and will personally introduce you to brewery staff and nearby shop owners.
- We take a scenic walk through the Zenkoji Temple area, stopping at artisan shops you’d likely miss on your own.
- You’ll receive photo memories taken during the tour, delivered to you afterward.
Q&A
1. Who can join this tour?
This tour is open to all ages. While adults can enjoy sake tasting, children are welcome to join and enjoy non-alcoholic amazake and the cultural exploration around Zenkoji Temple. Families with children will find this tour engaging and inclusive.
2. Do I need to be a sake expert to join this tour?
Not at all! This tour is designed for everyone, from beginners to sake enthusiasts. Your guide will explain the basics of sake production, tasting techniques, and its cultural significance.
3. What types of sake will I get to try?
You’ll taste a variety of premium sakes, including unfiltered, unpasteurized, and seasonal varieties. Non-alcoholic amazake will also be available for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, including children.
4. Are there any snacks or sides during the tasting?
Yes, the tasting includes local specialties like Japanese pickles, soy sauce beans, and Nagano’s miso soup to enhance the experience.
5. What is included in the tour price?
The tour price includes:
Guided sake tasting at historic breweries
Japanese pickles, soy sauce beans, and miso soup
A visit to cultural and historical sites near Zenkoji Temple
6. Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends near Zenkoji Temple in Nagano. Exact meeting details will be provided upon booking.
7. How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, depending on the group’s pace and interests.
8. Can I purchase sake during the tour?
Yes, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase sake at the breweries if you’d like to take some home.
9. Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers or children?
Absolutely! Non-drinkers can enjoy non-alcoholic amazake and learn about Japanese sake culture, brewing techniques, and Nagano’s history. Children can also enjoy amazake and explore the cultural and historical sites around Zenkoji Temple, making this tour family-friendly.
10. What should I wear or bring?
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as this is a walking tour. Bringing a reusable water bottle is also recommended. Don’t forget your camera if you’d like to capture additional memories!
11. Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The walking tour includes historic streets and old buildings, which may not be fully accessible to wheelchairs. Please contact us in advance to discuss any accessibility concerns.
12. What if it rains on the day of the tour?
The tour operates rain or shine. In the event of rain, please bring an umbrella or raincoat to stay comfortable.
13. Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes! Feel free to take as many photos as you like to capture the experience.
14. What is the cancellation policy?
7+ days before the tour: Full refund (minus a 10% processing fee).
3–6 days before the tour: 50% refund (minus a 10% processing fee).
Within 2 days: No refunds.
Related Tours
Choose from our comprehensive list of guided, sightseeing, and family Nagano tours.
Check Our Blog
How to Spend 5 Days in Tokyo: An Ultimate Guide
How to Spend 5 Days in Tokyo: An Ultimate Guide Tokyo, the world’s largest metropolis, is a city of contrasts—where ancient temples meet futuristic skyscrapers, and serene gardens coexist with bustling neon-lit streets. With over 14 million residents and countless … Read More
Unraveling Pachinko: Japan’s Noisy, Colorful Obsession
Unraveling Pachinko: Japan’s Noisy, Colorful Obsession If you’ve ever wandered the streets of Japan, chances are you’ve encountered a pachinko parlor. With an estimated 1 in 10 people in Japan playing regularly and an industry valued at a staggering $200 … Read More
Exploring the Historic Nakasendo Trail: A Journey Through Time in Nagano
Exploring the Historic Nakasendo Trail: A Journey Through Time in Nagano Japan’s geography is as striking as it is diverse, and its central spine, a vast mountain range stretching from Tokyo to Kyoto, divides the country into two distinct halves. … Read More
Why Snow Monkeys Are So Special: A Journey to Nagano’s Natural Wonder
Nestled in the Snow-Draped Valleys of Nagano: A Journey to the Enchanting Snow Monkeys In the serene, snow-laden valleys of Nagano Prefecture lies one of Japan’s most extraordinary natural wonders: the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani Yaen-Koen. These Japanese macaques, famous … Read More
What is Matcha and Why It Pairs Perfectly with Ice Cream, Chocolate, and Sweets
Matcha, a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves, has been a cherished part of Japanese culture for centuries. From its origins in the tranquil tea ceremonies of Zen monasteries to its rise as a … Read More
The Tradition of Daruma: When to Buy and How to Paint Its Eyes
The Daruma doll, a symbol of perseverance, luck, and goal-setting, is an iconic figure in Japanese culture. These round, hollow dolls are modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, and hold deep cultural significance. If you’re considering purchasing a … Read More
Understanding Tipping in Japan – Is It OK?
When traveling in Japan, many visitors are surprised to discover that tipping is not a common custom. However, like many aspects of Japanese culture, there are nuances to this practice. In this post, we’ll explore the etiquette surrounding tipping in … Read More
A combined trip to Nagano and Kanazawa
Combining Kanazawa and Nagano for a tourism trip is an excellent idea! Both cities offer unique cultural experiences, historic landmarks, and stunning nature, and they are conveniently connected by the Hokuriku Shinkansen, making travel between them easy. Here’s a suggested … Read More
How to get Matsumoto from Tokyo
To get from Tokyo to Matsumoto, you have a few convenient options depending on your priorities in terms of speed, comfort, and budget. 1. Limited Express Train (“Azusa”) Type: The JR Limited Express Azusa runs directly from Shinjuku Station in … Read More