Tucked away in the heart of Tokyo, Ginza Hassen offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich world of Japanese sake. Boasting an impressive collection of over 30 award-winning varieties, this immersive pairing experience promises to captivate the senses. Guided by an English-speaking expert, guests can expect to embark on a culinary journey that will elevate their understanding of sake’s nuances. With convenient accessibility and flexible booking options, this tour invites sake enthusiasts to discover the depth and complexity of Japan’s quintessential beverage.
Good To Know
- Exclusive sake pairing experience at Ginza Hassen in Tokyo, featuring over 6 award-winning sakes from Hachinohe Shuzos’ collection.
- Guided by an English-speaking expert, focusing on the nuances of Japan’s revered sake tradition.
- Accessible via Tokyo Metro’s Ginza, Marunouchi, or Hibiya line, with meeting point at Ginza Hassen’s B1 floor.
- Suitable for adults 20 and older, with a maximum of 8 travelers per tour.
- Flexible booking options, including "Reserve now and pay later" and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
Experience Overview
Travelers will enjoy a Japanese sake pairing experience at Ginza Hassen, a renowned restaurant in Tokyo, Japan.
They’ll sample over 6 exquisite, award-winning sakes from Hachinohe Shuzos’ collection of more than 30 varieties.
The experience includes 5 appetizer dishes and additional food and drinks.
An English-speaking guide and translator will provide expertise throughout the tasting.
Find more activities and experiences we've covered in Ginza.
Meeting and Transportation
The meeting point for this experience is Ginza Hassen, located in the Boss Building’s B1 floor at 8-chōme-5-24, Chuo City, Tokyo, 104-0061.
Travelers can access the meeting point via the Tokyo Metro‘s Ginza, Marunouchi, or Hibiya line, getting off at Ginza Station and walking about 6 minutes from the C3 exit.
Alternatively, they can take the Ginza line to Shimbashi Station, exit 3, and walk 3 minutes, or take the JR line to Ginza-guchi exit, a 5-minute walk.
The activity ends back at the original meeting point.
Participation Guidelines
This experience has a maximum of 8 travelers per tour. Unfortunately, it’s not wheelchair accessible, so those with mobility issues may have difficulty. Pregnant travelers are also not recommended for this activity. Underage individuals won’t be allowed to participate, as the legal drinking age in Japan is 20. However, most other travelers should be able to comfortably join.
Accessibility | Pregnant Travelers | Legal Drinking Age |
---|---|---|
Not wheelchair accessible | Not recommended | 20 years old |
Most travelers can participate | – | Underage not accepted |
Booking Information
When can travelers expect to receive their booking confirmation? According to the information provided, confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
The booking experience for this Japanese sake pairing offers several convenient options:
-
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).
-
A "Reserve now and pay later" option is offered.
-
A Lowest Price Guarantee is provided.
This flexible and transparent booking policy makes it easy for travelers to plan and commit to this unique sake tasting experience at Ginza Hassen in Tokyo.
Pricing
A single experience price of $234.69 per person is offered for the Japanese sake pairing at Ginza Hassen in Tokyo. This low price comes with the Lowest Price Guarantee, ensuring customers get the best deal. Plus, a "Reserve now and pay later" option is available for added convenience.
Pricing Details | ||
---|---|---|
Experiences | Price per Person | Payment Options |
Japanese Sake Pairing | $234.69 | Reserve & Pay Later |
Lowest Price Guarantee | Offered | Free Cancellation |
The price covers the selection of over 30 award-winning sakes, 5 appetizer dishes, an English-speaking guide, and transportation to and from the meeting point.
Sake Varieties and Tasting Notes
Guests can expect to sample more than six kinds of sake from Hachinohe Shuzos’ expansive collection of over 30 award-winning varieties.
The tasting guide will provide insight into the diverse flavors and characteristics of each selection.
Highlights include:
- A crisp, refreshing junmai with notes of green apple and white rice.
- A robust, full-bodied junmai ginjo with a subtle sweetness and hints of melon.
- A delicate, floral daiginjo showcasing the complex aromas and flavors of the region’s renowned rice.
The guided tasting allows travelers to explore the nuances of Japan’s revered sake tradition.
Appetizer Pairings
The tasting experience at Ginza Hassen features a carefully curated selection of five appetizer dishes to complement the diverse lineup of premium sakes.
Guests can expect a harmonious pairing of savory bites and fragrant sips, each enhancing the other. The dishes may include seasonal delicacies like house-cured salmon, umami-rich miso-glazed eggplant, and lightly fried vegetable tempura.
The knowledgeable staff guides visitors through the pairings, sharing insights on how the flavors and textures interplay.
This thoughtful attention to detail ensures an immersive and memorable sake tasting experience at Ginza Hassen.
Highlights and Recommendations
Beyond the thoughtful appetizer pairings, the sake tasting experience at Ginza Hassen offers a wealth of highlights that make it a must-try for sake enthusiasts.
The expert-curated selection of over 30 award-winning sakes from Hachinohe Shuzos is a standout feature.
Plus, the English-speaking guide provides invaluable insights, ensuring a seamless and educational journey.
Finally, the intimate setting with a maximum of 8 travelers creates an exclusive and personalized atmosphere, perfect for sake connoisseurs and newcomers alike.
Common Questions
Can I Take Home the Sake Bottles?
The experience does not include taking home sake bottles. Participants are expected to enjoy the sake on-site during the pairing event. There’s no provision for purchasing or transporting bottles from the venue.
How Long Is the Entire Experience?
The entire experience lasts approximately 1.5-2 hours. It includes a selection of over 6 sake varieties, 5 appetizer dishes, and food and drinks, with an English-speaking guide/translator provided throughout the event.
Is the Menu Customizable for Dietary Restrictions?
The menu can be customized for dietary restrictions, though flexibility may be limited. Travelers should communicate any needs when booking to ensure the experience meets their dietary requirements.
Do I Need to Know Anything About Sake Before the Experience?
No prior sake knowledge is required. The English-speaking guide will provide an overview and explain the different sake varieties during the tasting. Just come with an open mind to learn and enjoy the flavors.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tasting?
Photography is generally allowed during the sake tasting experience. However, participants should be mindful of others and avoid disrupting the event. It’s best to check with the guide upon arrival to confirm the photography policy.
The Sum Up
The Ginza Hassen experience offers an immersive introduction to Japan’s renowned sake tradition. Participants can sample over 30 award-winning sakes paired with delectable appetizers, guided by an English-speaking expert. Conveniently located near Tokyo Metro stations, the tour accommodates up to eight people and provides flexible booking options. This memorable culinary journey in the heart of Tokyo is a must-try for sake enthusiasts.
More Tour Reviews in Ginza
- All Inclusive・Private Tour Make Your Own Tokyo Adventure
- All Inclusive・Private Tour Make Your Own Adventure in Hakone
- All Inclusive・Private Tour Wine Tasting and Hot Springs
- All Inclusive・Private Tour Tokyo Night Drive on a Luxury Car
- All Inclusive・Private Tour Make Your Own Adventure in Mt. Fuji
- All Inclusive・Private Tour Kamakura Tour on a Luxury Car
Looking for something different? Other Ginza activities we've written about
- All Inclusive・Private Tour Make Your Own Tokyo Adventure
- All Inclusive・Private Tour Make Your Own Adventure in Hakone
- All Inclusive・Private Tour Wine Tasting and Hot Springs
- All Inclusive・Private Tour Tokyo Night Drive on a Luxury Car
- All Inclusive・Private Tour Make Your Own Adventure in Mt. Fuji
- All Inclusive・Private Tour Kamakura Tour on a Luxury Car
- All Inclusive・Private Tour Dinner With Mukojima Geisha
- Japanese Sake Pairing at Ginza Hassen
- Private All Inclusive Neo Tokyo Tour on a Luxury Car
- Private 1 Day Round Trip Tour From Tokyo to Mount Fuji
- Best of Tokyo Affordable Budget 3 Days Private Tour With Guide
- Full Tokyo: Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace, Akihabara and Senso-ji