Sake Lovers Private Tour Visit Liquor Store and Izakaya

Sake enthusiasts are in for a treat with the Sake Lovers Private Tour. This exclusive experience takes visitors on a journey through Sapporo’s rich sake culture. From visiting a local liquor store to indulging in a delightful meal at an Izakaya, this personalized tour promises an unforgettable culinary adventure. With the guidance of an expert and an English interpreter, you will explore the history and production of premium sake, all while savoring the flavors of authentic Japanese cuisine. The stage is set for an immersive exploration of Sapporo’s vibrant sake scene.

Key Points

• Explore Sapporo’s sake culture through a private tour that includes sake tasting at a local liquor store and dining at an Izakaya.
• Enjoy personalized attention from an English-speaking guide and private transportation for a hassle-free experience.
• Learn about the history, production methods, and flavor profiles of premium sake during the tasting session.
• Relish a variety of sake samples and savor traditional Japanese cuisine at the Izakaya.
• Benefit from a flexible cancellation policy and "reserve now, pay later" approach for convenient booking.

Tour Overview

The Sake Lovers Private Tour offers a private exploration of Sapporo’s sake culture, led by Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Inc. Priced from $285.42 per person, the tour includes an English interpreter, private taxi transportation, and a sake tasting experience.

Visitors can also enjoy food and drinks at an Izakaya. The tour picks up from central Sapporo hotels or the North Exit of Sapporo Station.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation. This private tour is open to most travelers, but not recommended for pregnant individuals.

Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

Inclusions

The Sake Lovers Private Tour includes an English interpreter fee, ensuring seamless communication throughout the experience. Plus, the tour covers the private taxi fare, including parking, allowing for convenient transportation. Participants will also enjoy a sake tasting experience, as well as food and beverage expenses at an Izakaya, a traditional Japanese pub. Taxes are included, providing a hassle-free experience.

Inclusions
English interpreter fee
Private taxi fare (incl. parking)
Sake tasting experience fee
Food and beverage at Izakaya
Taxes included

Pickup Information

According to the tour overview, pickup for the Sake Lovers Private Tour is available at either the hotel in central Sapporo or the North Exit of Sapporo Station.

This convenient option allows guests to easily access the tour starting point without hassle.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation, providing flexibility for those who require it.

While the tour is private, allowing only your group to participate, it’s suitable for most travelers, though not recommended for pregnant individuals.

Participation Details

The Sake Lovers Private Tour is a private experience, allowing only your group to participate. Most travelers can join this tour, though it’s not recommended for pregnant individuals.

As a private tour, you and your group will have the undivided attention of the guide. This personalized experience ensures you can explore at your own pace and focus on the aspects that interest you most.

With an English interpreter present, language barriers won’t be an issue. The Sake Lovers Private Tour offers a tailored, intimate sake tasting and dining experience in Sapporo, Japan.

Cancellation and Payment

Travelers can take advantage of the tour’s free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts in the local time zone. This allows for flexibility in planning and ensures travelers can reserve their spot without commitment.

Plus, the tour utilizes a "reserve now, pay later" approach, enabling travelers to:

• Secure their preferred tour date and time
• Maintain financial flexibility until closer to the tour
• Avoid upfront charges that could impact immediate budgets

This combination of cancellation and payment options provides a convenient and stress-free booking experience for Sake Lovers Private Tour participants.

Sake Tasting Experience

Moving on to the Sake Tasting Experience, this portion of the Sake Lovers Private Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to sample a variety of premium sake.

Guests will visit a local sake shop, where an expert guide leads them through a tasting of several different types of sake. Participants can expect to learn about the history, production methods, and flavor profiles of these traditional Japanese rice wines.

The guide provides detailed explanations and answers any questions, ensuring a memorable and educational experience for all. This sake tasting is a highlight of the tour for many visitors.

Visiting the Liquor Store

After the sake tasting experience, the tour proceeds to a local liquor store specializing in premium sake.

The knowledgeable staff guides the group through an intimate exploration of the store’s extensive collection, highlighting:

• Rare and limited-edition sake varieties
• The nuanced flavors and aromas of different rice polishing ratios
• Thoughtful pairings between sake and traditional Japanese cuisine

Guests have the opportunity to browse the shelves, ask questions, and handpick a bottle or two to enjoy later.

The liquor store visit provides a deeper appreciation for the art and tradition of sake.

Dining at the Izakaya

From the liquor store, the group heads to a nearby Izakaya, a traditional Japanese pub, for a delightful dining experience. At the Izakaya, they are seated in a cozy, intimate setting and presented with a diverse menu of Japanese small plates and drinks. The group eagerly explores the menu, selecting an array of tempting options.

Dish	Description
Yakitori	Grilled chicken skewers
Edamame	Boiled and salted soy beans
Gyoza	Pan-fried pork dumplings
Karaage	Crispy fried chicken
Sashimi	Fresh, thinly sliced raw fish

The lively atmosphere and delectable flavors create an immersive cultural experience, allowing the group to fully embrace the Izakaya tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Sake to the Tasting?

No, you can’t bring your own sake to the tasting. The tour includes a sake tasting experience fee, so the sake samples are provided as part of the tour package.

How Long Does the Entire Tour Typically Last?

The entire tour typically lasts around 3-4 hours. It includes a visit to a sake liquor store, a sake tasting experience, and a meal at an Izakaya restaurant, providing a comprehensive introduction to Japanese sake culture.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Izakaya Meal?

The tour doesn’t specify any dietary restrictions for the Izakaya meal. It’s a private tour, so the organizers can likely accommodate any dietary needs with advance notice. Participants should inform the tour company of any special dietary requirements when booking.

Can I Purchase Sake From the Liquor Store to Take Home?

Yes, the tour includes visiting a liquor store where participants can purchase sake to take home. The liquor store visit is part of the overall sake tasting experience offered on the private tour.

Is There a Dress Code for the Izakaya Experience?

There’s no strict dress code for the izakaya experience. Casual, comfortable attire is recommended, as the focus is on enjoying the sake tasting and local food in a relaxed, informal setting.

The Sum Up

The Sake Lovers Private Tour in Sapporo offers an exclusive and immersive experience for sake enthusiasts. Guests can explore the local liquor store, learn about premium sake, and savor an authentic Japanese meal at an Izakaya. With private transportation and an English interpreter, this personalized journey promises an unforgettable culinary adventure for those seeking to explore Sapporo’s rich sake culture.