Discover Japanese whisky in a local Ginza bar
Japanese whisky has earned international recognition while many sought-after aged bottles have become increasingly difficult to find. This guided tasting offers a more accessible way to experience a selection of Japanese whiskies without purchasing full bottles.
Spend the evening at a local whisky bar with your English-speaking guide, learning about different labels, aging styles, and the characteristics that distinguish Japanese whisky while experiencing the atmosphere of a Tokyo bar.
Experience Highlights
Taste Japanese Whisky
Sample approximately 4–5 Japanese whiskies, depending on what is available at the bar.
Discover Whisky Styles
Learn about whisky labels, aging styles, and the characteristics of Japanese whisky with your English-speaking guide.
Enjoy a Local Ginza Bar
Experience the atmosphere of a local whisky bar in Ginza, Tokyo, during a two-hour evening tasting.
Personalize Your Evening
Enjoy the tasting on its own or select an available food tour or Tokyo sightseeing experience beforehand.
Tour Schedule & Add-ons
Enjoy the Japanese Whisky Tasting on its own, or begin earlier with an optional food or sightseeing experience before continuing to the 7:30 PM whisky tasting.
Japanese Whisky Tasting
Spend two hours at a local whisky bar in Ginza with your English-speaking guide and taste approximately 4–5 Japanese whiskies, depending on availability.
From ¥23,900. Exact pricing is shown in the booking calendar according to the number of participants.
Adventurous Japanese Food Tour
Begin the evening with a private food tour through Yurakucho and Ginza, combining familiar Japanese favorites with more adventurous local delicacies such as fugu and horse meat.
Yurakucho Food Tour
Explore Yurakucho’s local food alleys with your guide and enjoy multiple tastings at local restaurants and pubs before continuing to the whisky tasting.
Additional drinks, admission fees, and optional costs are not included.
Tokyo Custom Day Tour
Spend part of the day exploring Tokyo with a private English-speaking guide before continuing to the whisky tasting in Ginza. Choose from the available tour durations and enjoy a customizable sightseeing experience based on your interests and preferred areas of the city.
Private & Customizable · 4-Hour (Half Day) or 6-Hour · Public Transport or Private Vehicle
Included & Not Included
Included
- Japanese whisky tasting — approximately 4–5 glasses, depending on availability
- English-speaking guide
- Service fees and taxes
- Photo opportunities
- Local whisky bar experience
Not Included
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
- Rare aged whisky or additional pours purchased separately at the bar
- Gratuities, optional
- Optional pre-whisky experiences unless selected
If a food tour or Tokyo Custom Day Tour is selected, the inclusions and exclusions for that selected booking option apply in addition to the whisky tasting.
Good to Know
Age Requirement
Guests must be 20 years or older to participate in the whisky tasting. A passport or identification card may be required as proof of age at the bar.
Location
The experience takes place in Ginza, Tokyo. Detailed meet-up information will be provided after booking.
Availability
Available every day except holidays. The whisky tasting is scheduled from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Local Bar Experience
This experience takes place at a local whisky bar only and does not include a distillery tour.
Smoking
The bar or other establishments used for the experience may allow smoking. This tour is not recommended for guests who are sensitive to smoke in an enclosed environment.
Whisky Selection
The whisky selection varies according to availability. Specific brands, labels, vintages, and rare aged whiskies cannot be guaranteed.
Arrival & Late Entry
The guide will wait up to 30 minutes after the scheduled start time. If you do not arrive within this time, the tour will be considered cancelled.
Booking & Cancellation
- 15–20 days before the tour: 25% cancellation fee
- 8–14 days before the tour: 50% cancellation fee
- 0–7 days before the tour: 100% cancellation fee
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Japanese whisky?
Whisky did not originate in Japan, but Japanese producers have developed an internationally recognized whisky tradition. Brands such as Suntory and Nikka have become widely known for the quality and popularity of their whiskies.
What kinds of Japanese whisky will I be tasting?
The whisky selection changes depending on availability at the bar. The experience generally includes approximately 4–5 short glasses. Specific brands, labels, vintages, and aged whiskies cannot be guaranteed.
Can I combine the whisky tasting with another Tokyo experience?
Yes. Optional experiences before the whisky tasting may include the Adventurous Japanese Food Tour, Yurakucho Food Tour, or a 4-hour or 6-hour Tokyo Custom Day Tour.
Available add-on options can be selected when booking.
What if I’m late?
The guide will wait up to 30 minutes after the scheduled start time. If you do not arrive within this time, the tour will be considered cancelled.
Looking for a different Japan travel service?
Japan Awaits also offers other custom travel services depending on your destination, itinerary, and transportation needs.
Custom Single-Day Tours Across Japan: Private and customizable day tours are available in cities and destinations across Japan, with itineraries tailored to your interests and schedule. Explore Custom Single-Day Tours →
Custom Multi-Day Tours Across Japan: For travel across multiple days or destinations, our Custom Multi-Day Tour service provides one coordinated itinerary tailored to your overall trip. Multi-Day Tour requests follow a separate planning process and include a consultation fee of JPY 2,500 per request. Explore Custom Multi-Day Tours →
Private Vehicle Service: Explore Japan with a private vehicle and professional driver, following a customizable itinerary tailored to your destinations, preferences, and schedule. This service does not include a tour guide. Explore Private Vehicle Service →
Cruise Shore Excursions in Japan: Private shore excursion services are available for cruise ports and destinations across Japan, with itineraries planned around your ship schedule and time in port. Explore Cruise Shore Excursions →
