Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour in Nagano

The Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour in Nagano offers an immersive experience for those eager to explore Japan’s rich culinary heritage. Participants can indulge in over five sake tastings, accompanied by traditional Japanese pickles and green tea, all while strolling through the scenic streets of Matsumoto. The tour, conveniently starting and ending at the Starbucks in Matsumoto station, also includes a delicious lunch, ensuring a well-rounded cultural adventure. With age restrictions in place, this tour promises a memorable outing for those seeking to delve deeper into the flavors and traditions of Nagano.

Good To Know

• The Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour in Nagano, Japan, offers more than five sake tastings, green tea, and Japanese pickles.
• The tour begins and ends at the Starbucks cafe in Matsumoto station, making it convenient for guests to find the meeting location.
• The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness and is not recommended for those with certain health conditions or limited mobility.
• The tour adheres to Japan’s legal drinking age, with guests under 20 receiving non-alcoholic drinks while those 20 and above can enjoy sake tastings.
• The tour price starts from $67.54 per person, with a maximum group size of 8 travelers and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.

Tour Overview

The Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour in Nagano offers visitors the opportunity to explore the world of Japanese sake.

Participants can look forward to more than five sake tastings, as well as green tea and Japanese pickles served by the owner. A delicious lunch is also provided, and extra food and drinks are available for purchase.

The tour starts and ends at the Starbucks cafe in Matsumoto station, with a guide meeting travelers in front of the cafe.

This tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness and isn’t recommended for those with certain health conditions.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers meet their guide in front of the Starbucks coffee shop located at Matsumoto station.

The guide leads the group on the Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour, which begins and ends at this meeting point.

After the tour, guests return to the starting location.

The meeting point is convenient, as it’s located right at Matsumoto station, making it easy for participants to find.

The tour ends where it began, ensuring a smooth start and finish to the sake tasting experience.

Health and Safety Requirements

Although not recommended for those with back problems, heart conditions, or who are pregnant, the Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

Infants must sit on laps, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Participants should be prepared to stand and walk for the duration of the experience.

The tour isn’t suitable for travelers with limited mobility. Meeting these health and safety requirements will ensure visitors can fully enjoy the sake tastings, green tea, and Japanese pickles provided during the walking tour in Nagano.

Age Restrictions

Since the legal drinking age in Japan is 20, customers under 20 will receive non-alcoholic drinks on the Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour. The tour operator ensures responsible drinking by enforcing this policy. Minors can still enjoy the tour and experience the Japanese sake culture, just without the actual alcohol tastings.

Age	Drink Served
20+	Sake
<20	Non-alcoholic
All	Green tea

This policy is in place to comply with local laws and prioritize the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour is priced from $67.54 per person.

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and there’s a Reserve Now and Pay Later option available.

The tour provider ensures a smooth booking process and flexible cancellation terms, allowing travelers to plan their sake-tasting adventure with confidence.

Sake Tasting Highlights

The Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the rich sake culture of the region. Participants can look forward to more than five sake tastings, where they’ll learn about the local brewing process and sample a variety of flavors.

To cleanse the palate, green tea is served after the tastings. The tour also includes Japanese pickles made by the owner, providing a tasty complement to the sake.

Lunch is provided, and additional food and drinks are available for purchase, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the local culinary experience.

Exploring Matsumoto’s Food Culture

While the sake tasting is the main focus of the Matsumoto tour, visitors also get a chance to explore the local food culture.

They’ll sample authentic Japanese pickles made by the owner, a specialty of the region. After the sake tastings, green tea is served, providing a refreshing palate cleanser.

Lunch is also included, allowing travelers to further enjoy Matsumoto’s culinary delights. For those interested in additional bites and beverages, extra food and drinks are available for purchase.

This tour offers a well-rounded experience that celebrates the flavors and traditions of the local area.

Experiencing Japanese Hospitality

Although the sake tasting is the primary focus of this tour, visitors also get to experience the renowned Japanese hospitality. The owner of the sake brewery personally greets and guides the group, sharing insights into the local culture and history. Guests are served traditional Japanese pickles and green tea, complementing the sake tastings. The intimate group size allows for personalized attention and ample opportunity to engage with the host. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the warm and welcoming nature of Japanese hospitality, making the tour a truly memorable cultural adventure.

Hospitality Feature	Description
Greeting	Personal greeting from the owner
Guidance	Insights into local culture and history
Refreshments	Traditional Japanese pickles and green tea
Intimate Setting	Small group size (max 8 travelers)
Engagement	Personalized attention and interaction

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Sake to the Tasting?

No, participants can’t bring their own sake to the tasting. The tour includes more than 5 sake tastings, so bringing outside sake wouldn’t be permitted. The tastings are provided as part of the overall tour experience.

Are There Any Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options Available?

The tour offers vegetarian and gluten-free options upon request. Travelers with dietary restrictions should notify the guide in advance to ensure their needs are accommodated during the tastings and lunch.

How Long Does the Walking Tour Last?

The walking tour typically lasts around 3 hours. During this time, guests will enjoy over 5 sake tastings, a green tea service, Japanese pickles, and a provided lunch. The exact duration may vary depending on the pace and activities.

Can I Purchase Sake to Take Home?

Customers can purchase sake to take home during the tour. The tour includes multiple sake tastings, and extra bottles of sake can be bought for an additional cost at the end of the experience.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no specific dress code for this tour. Visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes, as the tour involves walking around. The guide recommends avoiding very formal attire or excessive jewelry.

The Sum Up

The Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour offers a unique opportunity to take in Japan’s renowned sake culture while exploring the scenic surroundings of Matsumoto. With over five sake tastings, traditional Japanese cuisine, and a guided exploration of the city, this tour provides an unforgettable cultural experience for those 20 and older. Whether you’re a sake enthusiast or simply curious about Japanese traditions, this tour is a must-do in Nagano.