Tokyo Onigiri Tastings

Ryo and Akiko were fantastic hosts! We learnt a lot about the Golden Gai area, from the Hanazono Shrine to the bars in the area. They were very knowledgeable and friendly in our conversations and whisky tastings. The whiskys were diverse and high quality, and we learnt a lot about the history of whisky in Japan. The food provided was also tasty and accompanied the whiskys very well. We appreciated the planning that went into our tour, including the frequent communication and directions leading up to the day, and asking about our preferred music. We highly recommend this tour to whisky lovers! It was the perfect surprise for my husband’s 50th birthday! Thank you Ryo and Akiko!

Rio, the lady bartender, and her assistant on food pairings—all lovely—were exceptional and fun. The bartender was a true Ice Master and she prepared the best miso soup I ever had. I would say not to miss this fun and intimate drinking experience in Tokyo!

What a great time. Momo and Ryo were so accommodating and knowledgeable. The whisky was exceptional and the combination with snacks was perfect. Ryo and Momo were so nice and engaging it made the whole experience like being at a familiar local spot you have been going to your whole life. I couldn't recommend this experience more. I can't wait to come back. (Say yes to the food and anything that is suggested).

All I can say is WOW. I took this tour with Ryo and Momo with a colleague and fellow whiskey lover. To say we were impressed is an understatement. The tour of first the shire and then the Golden Gai area was informative and just the right level of detail before diving into the tasting. The tasting was superb, with an amazing selection of superb Japanese Whiskeys complemented by snacks and a light meal. The conversation, knowledge sharing and food and drink all exceeded all our expectations! Thank you Ryo and Momo for the unforgettable memories. Can’t wait to come back on my next trip. I’ll certainly book this tour again!

5/5 amazing tour! From the moment we arrived at the meeting point, to the time we were seen off to the station, we felt so welcomed and cared for. We began with a visit to the local shrine, then were introduced to the world of Golden Gai, with its hundreds of bars packed into winding alleys. After learning the history of the area, we were taken to Ryo’s bar and tried some of the best Japanese whiskies we’ve ever had! The drinks were served with very tasty snacks, as well as details about each pour. Through every step, Ryo and her friends took pictures and chatted with us, giving us a view into life here in Golden Gai. We left feeling like we had made new friends, and would absolutely book again next time we’re in Japan. Thank you, Ryo!

Highly recommend this whisky tour for anyone interested in checking out the golden gai area and looking for a non touristy unique tasting. Our expectations were exceeded. Ryo & Takako went above and beyond to make the tasting enjoyable. This was one of our favorite and unique experiences during our week in Tokyo. 10/10

I spent nearly two weeks in Tokyo, with so many amazing experiences, but the very best one came on my final full day, when I had my private whiskey tasting with Ryo. Along with her assistants Momo and Madoka, Ryo met me at the train station, first taking me on a lovely tour of the nearby Hanazono Shrine on our way to the bar. Tucked away on the second floor of a building in the iconic Golden Gai district, Ryo’s bar has a wonderful elegant, simple design. And she pulled out all the stops, even going so far as to ask for a list of my favorite music, days in advance. (Which is how I found myself enjoying some of the very best Japanese whiskeys while listening to Velvet Underground, Charles Mingus, Talking Heads and more.) The flight she’d curated was, in a word, perfect. I won’t say what the whiskeys are, as I’m guessing the flights will evolve over time, but suffice it to say, the progression of whiskeys were exceptionally well planned — treating me to a wonderful display, chiseling a round ice sphere from a cube along the way. The flights were served with the perfect bites, including cheese, nuts, fruit and chocolates, each complimenting the flight in their own way. Included in the menu were a wonderful savory soup and maybe the best onigiri I had on my trip. (Altogether, quite filling.) If you truly appreciate both whiskey and unparalleled service, this is for you. And I can tell you without question, I will never forget this experience.