Nara’s drinking tours give you an authentic taste of Japan’s ancient capital. The standout experiences include the Craft Beer, Sake & Food Walking Tour, which smartly combines street eats with local brews. I love the Private Walking Tour – it lets you hit Nara’s big sights while sampling sake and fresh mochi at your own pace. For sake enthusiasts, the Sake Tasting and Hopping Experience is a winner, offering expert guidance and generous pours at traditional breweries. The evening Barhopping Tour and unique Sake and Grass Pot Night Out are perfect for experiencing local nightlife like a resident. Let’s explore these top drinking tours in detail.
Key Points
- The Nara Craft Beer, Sake & Food Walking Tour offers a 2.5-hour experience sampling local food and drinks with bilingual guides.
- The Private Walking Tour with Sake & Mochi provides a 4.5-hour customizable experience exploring iconic sites and sampling premium sake and handmade mochi.
- The Sake Tasting and Hopping Experience offers a 7.5-hour tour with a sampling of 5 types of sake and private transportation.
- The Nara Barhopping Tour is a 3-hour experience focusing on the vibrant nightlife, regional cuisine, and cultural insights.
- The Sake and Grass Pot Night Out is a unique private tour combining local sake culture and an interactive grass pot creation activity.
Nara – Craft Beer, Sake & Food Walking Tour
On a leisurely afternoon in Nara, visitors can embark on the “Nara – Craft Beer, Sake & Food Walking Tour.”
This 2.5-hour experience takes participants on a delectable journey through the city’s vibrant food and beverage scene. With a maximum of 10 travelers and a minimum of 2 guests required, the tour departs at 2:30 PM from the Fountain near Kintetsu Nara Station.
Guests can expect a food and drink set at each stop, including a mochi at a local shop and an appetizer with Kaki no Ha Zushi. Bilingual guides provide insights, and all fees and taxes are included.
While most reviews praise the unique experiences and knowledgeable guides, some guests note a lack of historical context and inconsistent food availability.
Read our full review: Nara – Craft Beer, Sake & Food Walking Tour Review
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Nara: Private Walking Tour With Famous Spots & Sake & Mochi
Visitors can embark on a private walking tour through Nara’s famous landmarks, local sake breweries, and traditional mochi shops.
This 4.5-hour experience allows guests to skip the lines and explore the city at their own pace with an English-speaking guide. They’ll visit iconic sites like Todaiji Temple and Nara Park, home to the famous friendly deer.
Along the way, they’ll sample premium sake and handmade mochi, learning about the region’s rich culinary traditions.
With pickup available, this private tour offers a customizable and immersive way to experience the best of Nara’s history, culture, and flavors.
Read our full review: Nara: Private Walking Tour With Famous Spots & Sake & Mochi Review
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Nara: Sake Tasting and Hopping Experience
For a unique culture in Nara, travelers can embark on a sake tasting and hopping experience.
The 7.5-hour activity includes sampling 5 types of sake, an original sake handbook, a guide, private transportation, and post-tasting food and sake.
Held Monday to Sunday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the tour costs from $136.33 per person.
Participants meet at the Kintetsu-Nara Station tourist information center and are guided by a signboard with their name.
The tour accommodates up to 6 travelers, isn’t wheelchair accessible, and isn’t recommended for pregnant or medically unfit individuals.
Flexible booking options include free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later policy.
Read our full review: Nara: Sake Tasting and Hopping Experience Review
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Nara: Nara Barhopping Tour, 3 Hours, Customized Bars
Embarking on a 3-hour Nara Barhopping Tour allows travelers to explore the vibrant nightlife of this historic city, blending traditional and contemporary culture.
For $76.68 per person, participants can visit local eateries and stylish hidden bars, seeing regional cuisine and local atmosphere.
The tour includes wine and whiskey tastings, with a focus on regional food. Travelers can interact with store owners and regulars to feel the pulse of local culture, while capturing the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage site with insights from a friendly guide.
With the option to reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a flexible and enjoyable barhopping experience in Nara.
Read our full review: Nara: Nara Barhopping Tour, 3 Hours, Customized Bars Review
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Sake and Grass Pot Night Out in Nara With Anime Model
Although set in the historic city of Nara, this private tour offers a unique and contemporary experience, allowing participants to enjoy the local sake culture and interact with an anime model.
The tour starts at the Monk Gyoki Fountain near Kintetsu Nara Station, where attendees can enjoy sake as they learn about the region’s traditions.
The group will then visit a temple and create their own grass pots, adding a hands-on element to the experience.
Lunch is included, making this a well-rounded outing that showcases both the traditional and modern aspects of Nara.
With accessibility via public transportation, this tour caters to travelers seeking a memorable cultural adventure.
Read our full review: Sake and Grass Pot Night Out in Nara With Anime Model Review
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Nara – Craft Beer, Sake, and Food Walking Tour
This Nara – Craft Beer, Sake, and Food Walking Tour provides participants with a comprehensive exploration of the city’s vibrant culinary and beverage scene.
Over 3.5 hours, guests will experience mochi pounding, sample local sushi and snacks, visit a sake brewery for tastings, and enjoy craft beer at a microbrewery.
The tour also includes a 1-hour dinner at Shikamaru restaurant.
With knowledgeable guides, flexible accessibility, and the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a practical and unique way to discover Nara’s food and drink offerings off the main tourist path.
The tour covers approximately 4-5 km of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Read our full review: Nara – Craft Beer, Sake, and Food Walking Tour Review
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Recap
Nara offers a delightful array of drinking tours, from craft beer and sake tastings to bar hopping experiences. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just looking to explore the local drinking scene, these tours provide a fantastic way to discover Nara’s vibrant culinary and beverage culture. With knowledgeable guides and customizable options, visitors can craft the perfect drinking adventure to suit their interests and preferences.