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With sake

Nama sake (also known as “raw sake” or “fresh sake”) is a type of Japanese nihonshu (known just as “sake” in the West) that continues to ferment after bottling, as it is not pasteurized. Usually, Japanese sake is pasteurized twice, once after the sake has been filtered and again after it has been diluted. But raw sake is either pasteurized only one time or is not pasteurized at all (the latter ultra-raw type is known as “nama-nama” or “hon-nama”). Therefore, the taste is full of umami flavor, with a fresher and livelier feeling than twice-pasteurized sake. Raw sake must be consumed quickly after opening, so this Raw Sake Tasting is perfect for people who want to try many different types without committing to finishing off the bottles in a single evening.

During this raw sake tasting, you’ll try 3 types of delicious Japanese nama sake from different prefectures of Japan, learn about the qualities of different types of sake, and find out just what makes raw sake so special. You’ll also get to enjoy some delicious homemade dishes in your host’s home as she serves you sake and dishes that’ll make your tastebuds sing!

Join this Raw Sake Tasting to learn about Japanese sake! Try delicious homemade dishes to match some high-quality Japanese "namazake," also known as "fresh sake."

Raw Sake Tasting with Japanese Home Cooked Dishes | byFood

Home to the futuristic capital of Japan, the Tokyo Metropolitan Area is the most populous metropolis in the world and the largest in the country. The bustling central city area of Tokyo consists of 23 wards, while the Greater Tokyo Area spills out onto its prefectural neighbors of Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa. Needless to say, Tokyo is simply enormous, separated into pockets of unique communities that bring the city together as a whole. Step out of the train at a different station and step into a new world, be dazzled by the vibrant city rush of Shinjuku, or wander the open park spaces and galleries of Ueno. From the top of Tokyo Tower, buildings stretch as far as the eye can see, as if the city goes on forever. Yet, every corner is interconnected by Tokyo’s impressive network of subways and train lines, a futuristic marvel that somehow moves millions of people every day. That’s 9 million, to be exact, totaling to 30% of Japan’s entire population living within the Tokyo Metropolis. 

Divided by waterways like the eastern Edogawa River and the Tama River to the south, unique districts with their own subcultures bubble beneath the city’s surface. Whether it's shopping in Shibuya or partying in Roppongi, neon lights and towering skyscrapers are deeply integral to Tokyo’s identity. With a number of big company headquarters producing the latest high-tech toys and creative designs, Tokyo represents a symbol of the future. Science meets outlet shopping on the manmade island of Odaiba, with a view overlooking the sparkling waters of Tokyo Bay. Have the happiest day on earth in Disneyland, or immerse yourself in one of the city’s major museum institutions. All things kawaii in Harajuku contrast the humility of traditional Asakusa, while salarymen help the economy go round, crunching numbers in offices throughout the city. 

Fueled by long nights of drinking sake and eating every type of food your heart could ask for, Tokyo’s fast-paced energy is undeniably infectious. However, the Greater Tokyo Area offers moments of bliss on beaches and mountains amidst the chaos of urban life. As exciting as it is overwhelming, with access to both high and low culture Tokyo offers the best in traditional sights, nightlife, and shopping. And of course, with mouthwatering Japanese food and world cuisine at every turn, it would take multiple lifetimes to explore Tokyo’s thousands of bars and restaurants.

Browse cooking classes, tastings, dining experiences & food tours in Tokyo, the city with the most Michelin stars in the world and tasty Japanese food at every turn!

Best Food Experiences in Tokyo | byFood

Tokyo

Spreading as far as Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama, the mega-metropolis of the Greater Tokyo Area functions as the country’s futuristic capital, featuring the latest in art, technologies, food, and pockets of every subculture imaginable. 

Raw Sake Tasting with Japanese Home Cooked Dishes

Wheelchair accessible

Nomihoudai

Keen to become a Japanese sake expert? Then, this Tokyo sake tasting is your gateway to get there! Learn all about Japanese sake (known as nihonshu), a drink made from fermented rice. Try four different types of Japanese sake and learn all about the process of making it, starting from the foundations of high-quality rice, water, and koji. 

You’ll be astounded by the variety of sake flavors. Using the same basic ingredients, different techniques and brewing conditions can change the sweetness and crispness of the final product. Different degrees of polishing the rice also have a huge impact on the flavor (and the price tag). Today, there is even a Japanese sake boom, with inventive forms of this beloved beverage popping up all the time, like sparkling sake! With so many varieties of sake, it may seem intimidating to learn about Japanese sake, but this Tokyo Sake Tasting will make discovering the flavors of Japanese nihonshu fun and easy to understand!

Become a sake connoisseur! Join a Tokyo Sake Tasting Experience to learn about the history of sake, its production process, and drinking etiquette. Bottoms up!

Tokyo Sake Tasting Experience | byFood

Tokyo Sake Tasting Experience

Shopping time

With dessert

With lunch

Different regions of Japan produce sake (known as nihonshu in Japanese) with unique characteristics, reflecting the terroir of the local area. Hiroshima sake is renowned for its mellow taste and gentle sweetness, which is attributed to the region’s soft water, excellent quality rice, and the special Hiroshima Ginjo yeast, for which Umeda Shuzo-jo Brewery won an award. In particular, Saijo, Hiroshima’s “Sake Town” is famous nationwide as one of the top three sake brewing locations in Japan, with eight breweries located in close proximity to one another. Their business flourishes from the abundance of shikomi mizu, water which is well-suited for sake brewing. So, going on this Hiroshima Sake Town Tour of Saijo is the perfect way to brush up on your sake knowledge, in one of the best sake regions of Japan! Our local tour guide will show you around various historic breweries in Saijo, giving you insights into the local culture and traditions of sake brewing. You’ll hop from one brewery to another to taste samples and witness the production, exploring the surrounding town in between. 

Starting off at Kamotsuru, a sake brewery which carries a line of 12 unique bottles of sake, you’ll learn about the brewing process. But you’ll soon find out that sake is not just for drinking when you stop off at a nearby restaurant to enjoy Bishu Nabe, a local style of hot pot made with sake! You’ll learn all about the history of this yummy dish, and enjoy other local specialties at the restaurant. Then, you’ll enjoy brewery hopping in Saijo, your palate encountering new flavors during the Hiroshima sake tastings at each location. If one, in particular, tickles your fancy, feel free to purchase a bottle to take home! Finally, you’ll wind down the adventure with a few sweets and snacks inspired by Japanese nihonshu.

The Hiroshima Sake Town Tour takes you to explore historic sake breweries in Saijo, learning about local Japanese sakes. Includes tastings with specialty foods!

Hiroshima Sake Town Tour in Saijo | byFood

The capital of Hiroshima Prefecture, Hiroshima City, was completely destroyed by the tragic bombing of 1945, but has since grown out of devastation into a modern city, with only the memory of the Peace Memorial Park remaining. Backing onto the Chugoku Mountains, Hiroshima is now a modern city with six rivers flowing through its heart, sometimes called the “City of Water.” Across from the island of Shikoku, Hiroshima Prefecture and the beautiful Hiroshima Bay opens out onto the Seto Inland Sea with a smattering of smaller islands in-between. The iconic UNESCO World Heritage site of Miyajima Island, formally known as Itsukushima, is home to the huge red torii gate rising from its glorious waters. 

Shelter from Shikoku and gentle wind from the inland sea makes the climate in Hiroshima Prefecture mild all year round, with great weather for producing the country’s highest quality lemons. Hiroshima Bay also grows Hiroshima’s famous oysters, enormous and succulent; they’re delicious served inside a slab of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (a savory Japanese pancake with layered ingredients). With over 50 breweries, the city of Hiroshima proudly owns the Saijo sake brewing district, protecting a fierce reputation as one of the top three sake-producing areas in Japan. Hiroshima Prefecture is also known for its delicious salt water eel, anago, drenched with a sweet soy glaze. There are also a number of local specialties within Hiroshima Prefecture. Onomichi is famous for its namesake ramen, and for being a picturesque filming location for a number of popular Japanese period films, while the ship-building port city of Kure is famous for its kaiji-kare, a special Japanese curry eaten every Friday by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force stationed along the inland sea. With access to mountains and sea, Hiroshima Prefecture is a less-traveled destination featuring a bounty of fine local foods.

Browse cooking classes, tastings, dining experiences, and food tours in Hiroshima. Try Hiroshima’s famous oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and specialty sake!

Best Food Experiences in Hiroshima | byFood

Hiroshima

Tucked to the south of Honshu between the Chugoku Mountains and the Seto Inland Sea, the humble Hiroshima Prefecture is known for its oysters and freshwater eel, as well as local okonomiyaki and sake produced in the revitalized capital of Hiroshima. 

Hiroshima Sake Town Tour in Saijo

Stroller accessible

Family-friendly

With 1 drink

Gain a deeper understanding of Japanese cuisine by enjoying a Japanese food tasting during this food tour. You’ll visit 8 food stops which showcase regional and seasonal Japanese foods, sample delicious dishes, learn about the basic ingredients of Japanese cuisine, and even watch a wagashi (Japanese sweets) master at work as he handcrafts a masterpiece! This food tour is perfect for people who want to gain a better understanding of Japanese cuisine by experiencing it firsthand, with insights from a local food tour guide.

In addition to the Japanese food tasting, you’ll enjoy a lunch meal of your choice (grilled fish, chicken sukiyaki, or sushi and tempura soba) at a traditional Japanese restaurant. Afterward, get a close-up look as wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) are made. Along with the authentic wagashi experience, you can try high-quality Japanese matcha tea, and also visit a tea shop to have a taste of several regional varieties of Japanese tea.

This food tour is perfect for those who would like to learn and understand more about the diverse food culture of Japan, as well as the staple ingredients of Japanese food like dashi (Japanese soup stock), kamaboko (fish cake), katsuoboshi (fish flakes) and more. Taste the flavors of Japan, without even leaving Tokyo!

Gain a deep understanding of the building blocks of Japanese cuisine. Discover regional, seasonal, and sweet dishes during this Japanese food tasting tour in Tokyo.

Flavors of Japan Food Tour with Tea Tasting | byFood

Flavors of Japan Food Tour with Tea Tasting and Wagashi

With green tea

Shizuoka, a prefecture known for high-quality green tea leaves, fresh wasabi, and the sweetest mikan (mandarin oranges) in Japan, has abundant natural resources that contribute to the local food culture. The local cuisine of Fujinomiya, in particular, benefits from the crisp and clear spring water of Mt. Fuji, which is one of the most important ingredients in making superior sake and soba noodles, as well as delicious Japanese tea! On the Flavors of Mt. Fuji Tour, you’ll enjoy a green tea tasting experience with wagashi, try high-quality soba made with mountain spring water, enjoy a local style of oden, and more!

While it’s an easy day trip (or an extended overnight trip!) away from Tokyo, Fujinomiya is not your average tourist attraction. The Flavors of Mt. Fuji Tour will introduce you to local Shizuoka specialties, family-run shops, and stunning seasonal wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). Get inspired by Furusato (the local Japanese hometown spirit) in Fujimomiya during the Flavors of Mt. Fuji Tour, and taste the flavors of Fujinomiya!

Join this foodie adventure to discover local specialty dishes, Japanese wagashi sweets, and world-renowned Shizuoka tea during the Flavors of Mt. Fuji Tour!

Flavors of Mt. Fuji Tour with Tea Tasting | byFood

With stunning views of snow-capped Mount Fuji, gorgeous beaches, and hot spring resorts, coastal Shizuoka is one of Japan’s most beautiful prefectures. Home to some of the earliest blooming cherry blossoms in Japan, springtime in Shizuoka is stunning, especially in the onsen hot spring resort town of Kawazu, which is known for cherry blossoms. Another city on Shizuoka’s Izu Peninsula that deserves a stop is Atami, a popular onsen resort spot with several wacky museums and attractions, including the Hihokan (“Atami Adult Museum”) and the Kabocha (Pumpkin) Museum which centers on the avant-garde works of Yayoi Kusama. Surfers will revel in the waves at Shirahama Beach, while beach bums languish in the sun. And, right on Shirahama Beach, you’ll be awestruck by the sight of the 2400-year-old Shirahama Jinja Shrine’s red torii gate standing against the crashing waves. Or, you can test your endurance by climbing Mt. Fuji in the late summer months. 

The natural beauty of Shizuoka extends to fantastic natural resources and agriculture as well, with Shizuoka producing the highest quantity and quality green tea of any region in Japan. The climate is also uniquely suited to growing wasabi, which thrives in cool, shady streams, and Shizuoka also makes some of the juiciest mikan (mandarin oranges) that money can buy. The western side of Shizuoka is famous for unagi (eel), a luxury dish in Japan. Shizuoka also has the most ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) of any prefecture in Japan. Paired with a long soak in the onsen and an elaborate kaiseki cuisine meal featuring fresh seasonal produce, a trip to Shizuoka is the pinnacle of relaxation.

Browse cooking classes, tastings, dining experiences, and food tours in Shizuoka, a gorgeous prefecture in Japan known for hot springs, lush tea fields, and beaches.

Best Food Experiences in Shizuoka | byFood

Shizuoka

A coastal prefecture located in central Japan between Tokyo and Osaka, Shizuoka is home to Mount Fuji (the highest mountain in Japan), beaches and hot spring resort towns, and a thriving agriculture industry producing some of the most delicious and highly coveted produce in Japan.

Flavors of Mt. Fuji Tour with Tea Tasting 

For over 400 years, the tradition of brewing sake has flourished in the charming Fushimi Sake District of Kyoto. With nearly 40 sake breweries benefiting from the exceptionally soft and pure water in the area, Fushimi Sake District is a must-visit for Japanese sake lovers from around the world. As Kyoto’s natural spring water contains less magnesium and calcium, the subtle flavors made by the sake fermentation process can really shine through, a testament to the high-quality of sake here. During the Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour in Fushimi Sake District, you’ll learn to discern these flavors during a sake tasting. You’ll also get to stroll around the area, admiring the traditional Japanese architecture, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. 

First, you’ll visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, home to a sake brewery established in 1637, where you can learn all about the history of sake with a local tour guide. You will find out about the sake brewing process, and the essential components of water, malt, yeast, and rice. Slight variation in these components, like using a different type of rice, can have a big impact on the sweetness, flavor, and clarity of the sake. You’ll also sample many different kinds of sake after the tour. Equipped with the knowledge you’ve learned, you’ll become a Japanese sake connoisseur within the day! And, as a souvenir, you can even purchase a bottle of one of the 80 different types of sake that they offer, if you choose. Then, take a walk around the Fushimi Sake District and explore traditional shops at a local shopping arcade.

Bordered by Osaka and Nara, Kyoto Prefecture shares a close friendship with its prefectural neighbors but represents a more sophisticated side of the Kansai region. Rich in history and traditional culture, Kyoto City served as the capital of Japan for over a thousand years before the switch to the eastern capital of Edo, now Tokyo as we know it today. Featuring a slow-paced atmosphere, Kyoto Prefecture stretches up across Kansai to gaze out upon the Sea of Japan. Scenic villages of kayabuki (thatched roof) farmhouses, bamboo groves, and funaya (boat houses) weave across the prefecture along with countless historical and religious monuments.

Surrounded by glorious mountains, Kyoto City is the long-serving cultural capital of Japan, filled with thousands of temples and shrines, alongside hundreds of gardens, museums, and galleries. Masters of the tea ceremony and ikebana flower arranging, Kyoto’s creative art scene goes back to the days of the traditional artisan, where local craftspeople still run tiny storefronts in narrow alleyways, specializing in all things handmade and custom-designed. This extends to the wonderful food of Kyoto, too, where gorgeous Kyo Ryori or Kyoto cuisine pops with color and flavor, healthy dishes made from locally-grown vegetables and produce, arranged beautifully every time. Multi-course kaiseki cuisine is best when dining alfresco on a kawadoko, a deck by the bank of a river, where tea houses and restaurants selling Kyoto cuisine thrive during summertime. Stunning in every season, Kiyomizudera Temple offers amazing views of the city and tastes of traditional Kyoto sweets, Kyo-gashi. Kyoto was also a pioneer of the humble plant-based Buddhist cuisine, Shojin Ryori.

Sake flows through the veins of Fushimi, famous for its thousand red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, but better known by locals as one of the top three sake-producing districts in the country. With over 40 sake breweries in Fushimi, it’s the second largest brewery district in Japan with a legacy of making top-quality sake. Kyoto Prefecture is also home to the city of Uji, known for its high-quality matcha green tea production and the World Heritage Site, Byodoin Temple (whose picture is featured on the 10 yen coin). With glowing red leaves in the fall and cherry blossoms emerging in spring, Kyoto Prefecture is a pocket of tradition and serenity where mountains and forests meet the sea. Nature and art are ingrained in every aspect of life in Kyoto, from its architecture and gardens down to artisanal products and finely crafted food.

Browse cooking classes, tastings, dining experiences, and food tours in Kyoto, famous for Kyoto cuisine, traditional kaiseki banquets, and Japanese tea ceremony.

Best Food Experiences in Kyoto | byFood

Kyoto

Featuring beautiful landscapes from mountain to sea, Kyoto Prefecture conveys traditional Japanese culture through its architecture and gardens, art and artisanal crafts, and delicious local cuisine made from regional produce. 

 Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour in Fushimi Sake District 

“Kagai,” or “Flower Town,” is made of five little districts in Kyoto, including Gion and Pontocho, where geisha entertain their elite patrons at Ocha-ya, traditional Japanese teahouses. During this Kyoto Whisky and Sake Tasting Tour, you will visit one of these more hidden areas, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a Maiko or Geiko en route to a teahouse. 

First, you’ll visit an award-winning cocktail bar where the mixologists will make you a signature dish, just for you, or stir up a drink based on your “mood.” Enjoy local Kyoto bar snacks along with your cocktail, as you chat with fellow travelers and the local tour guide, and hear more about the Kyoto nightlife scene and traditional culture of the ancient capital. Then, wind through Kyoto’s little side streets for the most stunning night view of Kyoto (you’re definitely going to want to immortalize it in a photo). 

Afterward, enjoy a Kyoto sake tasting and learn all about Japanese rice wine. The water in Kyoto is known as some of the purest and softest in Japan, so it makes for some of the most delicious, aromatic sake. Enjoy the chef’s creative twist on mochi and Peking duck appetizers. Lastly, the pursuit of whisky will take you to an upscale bar in Pontocho, where you can enjoy a variety of Japanese whiskies (or another beverage, if you’re not too keen on whisky) paired with chocolate or local Kyoto snacks. End the tour with a last stroll through the city’s backstreets to wrap up your Kyoto nightlife experience. 

The Kyoto Sake Tasting and Whisky Tasting Tour will show you the best drinks in town! Maybe you'll even spot a geisha or maiko as you explore Kyoto's geisha district

Kyoto Whisky and Sake Tasting Tour | byFood

Kyoto Whisky and Sake Tasting Tour

Free drinks

Learn etiquette

Nightlife has always been one of those things that one must experience once when visiting Tokyo. In this Tokyo Bar and Mixology tour, ready yourselves as you embark on an adventure to some of the best hole-in-the-wall food and drink places in Tokyo. The tour starts with exploring the streets of Shinbashi and Ginza where one can find some of the most interesting spots for eating and drinking. Known as the salarymen capital of Tokyo, Shinbashi evokes two things – streets congested with people (especially during rush hours), and the buzz of pubs and izakayas all across the city. It’s the favorite hangout spot of working-class people who just clocked out and want a relaxing time sharing stories and conversations over beers and grilled skewers.

At a luxurious Tokyo bar in Ginza, you’ll have a taste of Japanese sake (rice wine), cocktails, and Japanese whisky made special by bartenders who incorporate traditional Japanese ingredients and give it their own twist. Belly up as you get to pair these drinks with mouth-watering local dishes and bar snacks, and discover different beers made at micro-breweries across Japan. Not only do you get to relax and be at ease with fellow tourists, but you'll also see Tokyo in a different light as you swap stories and tales with local people at a number of Tokyo bars. This Tokyo mixology tour is all about having fun, creating new friendships, and enjoying one of the best nights of your life.

Spend an awesome evening exploring the cool Tokyo bars of Shinbashi and Ginza, pairing luxurious drinks with delicious food in this exciting mixology tour! Book now.

Tokyo Bars and Mixology with Whisky, Sake, and Food | byFood

Tokyo Bars and Mixology with Whisky, Sake, and Food Pairings

Japanese sake (rice wine), also known as nihonshu, is an aspect of Japan food culture that gets a lot of attention, with sake brewers taking immense pride in the work that they do. If you have ever been curious about how Japanese people make this delicious drink, then the Toshimaya Shuzo Sake Brewery Tour is perfect for you. During this sake brewery tour, you will visit Toshimaya Shuzo, a brewery that was established in 1596, and even uses spring water from Mt. Fuji to make some varieties of sake. It is one of the oldest sake breweries in Tokyo, the perfect place to learn about the long history of Japanese sake. As you tour the brewery, your local guide will help you understand the process of making sake, from start to finish. 

After that, ready yourself to partake in an all-you-can-drink sake tasting. Compare their flavors, learning about how the various factors (like type of rice used, rice polishing ratios, filtration techniques, terroir and regional characteristics) influence the final product. Taste different types of sake, like junmai sake, origarami sake, and mirin. You can also always ask the local guide if you have questions. 

Witness the magic and beauty of Japanese sake and see how this popular drink is made at one of Tokyo’s oldest breweries with a Toshimaya Shuzo Sake Brewery Tour.

Toshimaya Shuzo Sake Brewery Tour | byFood

Toshimaya Shuzo Sake Brewery Tour

The national alcohol of Japan, sake is traditional Japanese rice wine (referred to as “nihonshu” in Japanese). A significant part of Japanese culture, sake arguably has its own special place as the lifeblood of Japanese people, fermented and brewed to be consumed as a delicious daily alcoholic drink. Flowing through homes, izakayas, restaurants, and bars, sake is everywhere, with all sorts of regional flavors and styles from over 2000 breweries in Japan today. But because Japanese sake is so diverse, where should we begin learning about it? Come on the Sake Degustation in Tokyo to learn everything you need to know about sake, while tasting along the way!

Experience a whole new world of Japanese sake during a Sake Degustation in Tokyo, an immersive tasting experience where you’ll taste and learn about 9 different types of sake. This Japanese sake degustation tasting experience offers knowledge about the production process of ingredients used, where you’ll also learn about what kinds of brewing methods are used to create this staple drink in Japan. Become a sake expert during an hour-long sake degustation session, and discover your new favorite sake from tasting a range of delicious tasting samples. Learn about Japanese sake while sipping on sake servings from this sake degustation, with a scrumptious Japanese appetizer to go along with your tasting experience.

Become a sake expert and taste 9 different types of Japanese sake during this delicious sake degustation, an intensive sake tasting experience in Tokyo. Book now!

Sake Degustation in Tokyo | byFood

Sake Degustation in Tokyo

Has a gift

For whisky aficionados and newbies alike, this Kagoshima Whisky Tasting and Distillery Tour is a chance to see the whisky making process in action and get a glimpse at a special type of Japanese whisky. Visit the Kanosuke Whisky Distillery in Kagoshima and discover how whisky is made, particularly the much-awaited 2018 “new pot” whisky which is scheduled for release in 2021. You will also be able to taste Kagoshima whisky at Kanosuke’s new tasting room and bar. From the bar counter, you even have a scenic view of the undulating blue ocean!

Komasa Jyozo Co., Ltd., established in 1883, is known both locally and overseas for their shochu, a traditional Japanese distilled liquor. They have expanded into whisky making and are implementing a plan to use their shochu barrels for whisky maturation. Given their long history of making shochu, in this Kagoshima Whisky Tasting and Distillery Tour at Kanosuke, you’ll also get a chance to try Japanese shochu in addition to Japanese whisky.

Learn about the Kagoshima whisky making process while touring Kanosuke Distillery, then enjoy a delicious whisky tasting at a bar counter overlooking the ocean!

Kagoshima Whisky Tasting and Distillery Tour | byFood

Boasting a balmy climate and relaxed coastal vibes, the seaside prefecture of Kagoshima sits to the southwest of Japan’s Kyushu region, the southernmost prefecture of mainland Japan. Famous for its lush landscape featuring several volcanic mountain ranges, Kagoshima curves around the Satsuma and Osumi Peninsulas (named after the ancient provinces), surrounding the beautiful waters of Kagoshima Bay with the East China Sea to the west. The neighboring Kirishima National Park area hosts a glorious hiking trails through volcanic landscapes, while Ibusuki close by is also iconic for its hot spring towns (richly steaming with volcanic minerals) and baths with views overlooking the ocean. Kagoshima Prefecture also stretches to some of Japan’s Osumi Islands off the southwest coast. There, Yakushima lies, famous for its World Heritage forests, towering with majestic 1000-year-old yakusugi cedar trees. Its wild subtropical environment inspired scenery for the Studio Ghibli animated film, Princess Mononoke, and grows gorgeous local oranges named tankan and ponkan.

The Japanese-style garden of Senganen and the Shiroyama Park Observatory offer panoramic views of Sakurajima, the resident active volcano that overlooks the wider area’s prefectural capital, Kagoshima City. Giant daikon radishes are grown in the ultra-fertile soils of Sakurajima, just one example of local foods from this rich regional landscape. Kagoshima cuisine is named Satsuma Ryori after its ancient days as the Satsuma Province, including the region’s namesake sweet potato satsuma-imo products, like chips and popular sweet potato shochu liquor. Another regional specialty is kurobuta (Japanese black pig pork), a popular dish that also contributes to the rich pork broth of local Kagoshima Ramen, while in Kagoshima’s humid summers, a treat of kakigori (shaved ice) is perfect to cool off. This volcanic seaside region of Kagoshima Prefecture is Japan’s almost-tropical paradise, perfect for hiking, beaches, and relaxing all year round.

Browse cooking classes, tastings, dining experiences, and food tours in Kagoshima! Try local citrus, sweet potato shochu, famous kurobuta pork, and Kagoshima ramen!

Best Food Experiences in Kagoshima | byFood

Kagoshima

With a signature laid-back atmosphere to the south of Japan, Kagoshima Prefecture is surrounded by the ocean and lush scenery woven with stunning hiking trails and steaming hot springs, featuring local cuisine whose ingredients are grown from the rich soils of the surrounding volcanic landscape region.

Kagoshima Whisky Tasting and Distillery Tour

A fishing town in the Tohoku region, Shiogama serves as a major fishing harbor in Japan with superior access to some of the largest tuna catches. Specializing in fresh maguro (tuna), there are many high-end seafood restaurants in the city serving delicious, freshly-cut sushi, making this coastal city in Miyagi Prefecture a local and delicious foodie heaven! The town also has a long culture of sake brewing, namely with 3 major sake breweries that are linked to the sacred Shiogama Shrine in the center of the city. Join this Shiogama Sake Tasting with Sushi Pairing to learn about locally-made sake and how to appreciate its finer qualities. Also, enjoy Japanese sake with a fresh sushi lunch. 

This Shiogama Sake Tasting with Sushi Pairing starts off with a walking tour, exploring the ancient grounds of Shiogama Shrine overlooking the city. Learn about the history of this Shinto shrine (established over 1200 years ago) and the city of Shiogama from a local guide. Next, you’ll listen to an in-depth lecture on sake appreciation in English, learning about the history and culture of local sake, including its deep connection to the local shrine (40 minutes). Once you’ve become a sake expert, you’ll head to a local sake brewery for some sake tasting and souvenir shopping for some delicious sake. Finally, you’ll enjoy a sushi lunch, pairing delicious Shiogama sake with different types of sushi.

Discover Shiogama City through its exceptional sake, learning all about it during this informative and delicious Shiogama Sake Tasting with Sushi Pairing experience!

Shiogama Sake Tasting with Sushi Pairing | byFood

In the Tohoku region, Miyagi Prefecture occupies a large part of the eastern side of Japan on the Pacific Coast. Cradled between scenic coastlines and mountainous landscapes, Miyagi is famous for its seafood. A luxurious harakomeshi is a classic Miyagi dish of rice with the belly meat of fatty salmon, sprinkled with salmon roe marinated in soy sauce. Miyagi Prefecture also offers fantastic skiing in the winter and stunning coastal scenery, namely the celebrated Matsushima Bay. Considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful views, Matsushima sees pine trees clustered over more than 200 rocky islets, starkly mingling across clear ocean waters. Nourish the body soaking in the healing waters of Naruko Onsen, while the flaming fall foliage around Naruko Gorge proves unbelievably beautiful. Meanwhile, the mountains and forests of the Zao region in southwest Miyagi are symbolized by the Okama Crater beside the summit of Mount Zao. 

The Hirose River wiggles its way through the city of Sendai, Miyagi’s capital that’s best explored by bike. Richly flavored and soft in texture, Sendai is lovingly associated with its quality gyutan (beef tongue), the representative dish of Miyagi Prefecture. Aged and thinly sliced before hitting the grill, beef tongue is succulent and soft, typically served with a side of beef tail soup. Built in 1600, Aoba Castle (Aoba-jo) overlooks the city and resides by the colorful mausoleum, Zuihoden, enshrining the powerful daimyo Masamune Date. Each year in the fall, family and friends enjoy stewing Sendai imoni hot pots around riverbanks alfresco-style, a long-lived tradition flavored with miso, root vegetables, konnyaku, and pork. Bright green zundamochi is a Miyagi Prefecture signature sweet, while the local fish cake in the shape of a bamboo grass leaf is known as sasa kamaboko. Miyagi is abundant with glorious mountainscapes and natural parks, featuring tasty local cuisine and quality seafood.

Browse cooking classes, tastings, dining experiences, and food tours in Miyagi, a prefecture of Japan that’s famous for seafood, beef tongue, hot pot, and fish cakes

Best Food Experiences in Miyagi | byFood

Miyagi

Seafood and beef tongue are regional specialties of the Miyagi Prefecture, whose diverse natural landscape offers scenic views across glorious mountains and coastlines.

Shiogama Sake Tasting with Sushi Pairing

This local sake brewery is famous for their “sotenden” sake, which is made using the local water and rice from Kesennuma. You’ll enjoy a tasting of a variety of fine sake products, and receive a small bottle of sake to take home with you as a Kesennuma souvenir! Following the sake brewery tour, you will visit a local sushi restaurant where you can enjoy a tasting with a sake and sushi pairing, matching various types of sake with seasonal sushi dishes. 

During this sake tasting and sushi pairing session, you’ll learn all about how sake is made, but also how this brewery in Kesennuma got back on its feet in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Since the disaster, this Kesennuma sake brewery has pulled it together to continue its delicious legacy of over 100 years of sake-brewing. Since then, it’s become a multi-award-winning brewery, and has continued to be shaped by the local community and sake makers. 

This sake brewery has long been dedicated to the craftsmanship and technical skills involved in sake brewing, and also represents the resilience found in the fighting spirit of the people who make this delicious Japanese sake. With a long tradition of sake brewing with local and high-quality ingredients, their brewing expertise has been bottled in their 3 main sake specialty styles. Enjoyed at home, at local restaurants, or during special occasions, this sake from Miyagi Prefecture is absolutely top shelf!

Tour a local sake brewery and discover the amazing sake and seafood of Kesennuma! Enjoy tasting locally-made Japanese sake with a fresh sushi pairing session.

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