Kamakura Small Group Onigiri Making and Sake Tasting in Sake Bar

Tucked away in the charming town of Kamakura, a unique experience awaits visitors. At a cozy sake salon, small groups can craft their own onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, while sampling an array of carefully selected sakes. With personalized guidance from an expert instructor, this hands-on activity immerses participants in the vibrant sake culture of the region. But the real delight lies in savoring the flavors – both of the onigiri and the sake – as the afternoon unfolds.

Key Points

• A 1.5-hour small group experience to learn onigiri making and sample three types of sake at a Japanese Sake Salon in Kamakura.
• Limited to 5 travelers for personalized attention and hands-on instruction on shaping and filling techniques for onigiri.
• Includes snacks to complement the sake tasting, with all materials for onigiri creation provided.
• Located on the second floor of a restaurant complex, not wheelchair accessible but near public transportation.
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the start time, and no alcohol served to individuals under 20 years old.

Overview of the Activity

This Kamakura Small Group Onigiri making and Sake Tasting activity allows participants to craft their own traditional Japanese rice balls and sample a variety of sake.

The 1.5-hour experience takes place at the Japanese Sake Salon, with a maximum of 5 travelers. Guests will receive three small glasses of sake, snacks, and the opportunity to make their own onigiri.

The activity is available Monday through Sunday, with additional timeslots on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Confirmation is subject to availability, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the start time.

Location and Accessibility

The Japanese Sake Salon, where the Onigiri Making and Sake Tasting activity takes place, is located at 6−7 Sasamemachi in Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan.

The salon is on the second floor of a restaurant complex. The activity isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s near public transportation, making it convenient for travelers.

The meeting point and end point are both at the Japanese Sake Salon, ensuring a seamless experience.

Participants should be aware that no alcohol will be served to those under the age of 20, as per local laws.

Duration and Participant Capacity

The activity lasts for 1.5 hours and has a maximum capacity of 5 travelers.

This allows for an intimate and personalized experience where participants can fully engage in the onigiri making and sake tasting. The small group size ensures ample attention from the instructor and opportunities for hands-on learning.

With the limited number of spots available, travelers are encouraged to book their spot in advance to secure their place.

The duration of 1.5 hours provides enough time to create rice balls, sample various sakes, and learn about the rich cultural traditions behind these Japanese delicacies.

Inclusion Details

As part of the onigiri making and sake tasting experience, guests are provided with three small glasses of sake to sample. This allows participants to explore the diverse flavors and aromas of Japanese rice wine.

Along With the sake, the experience includes:

• Snacks to complement the sake tasting
• All the necessary materials for guests to create their own onigiri (rice balls)
• Guidance from a knowledgeable instructor on the proper techniques for shaping and filling the onigiri
• The opportunity to customize and personalize each onigiri to individual preferences
• The satisfaction of enjoying the self-made onigiri as part of the overall experience.

Meeting and Transportation Arrangements

Travelers meet at the Japanese Sake Salon, located on the second floor of the left wing of the restaurant complex, to begin the onigiri making and sake tasting experience.

Private transportation is provided, with the group returning to the meeting point at the end of the activity.

The experience starts at a confirmed time, with operating hours from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM on Monday through Sunday, and an additional session from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Thursday session runs from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.

Travelers should note that the activity isn’t wheelchair accessible but is located near public transportation.

Operating Hours and Schedule

The activity operates Monday through Sunday from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, with additional sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

The experience is offered on the following schedule:

• Monday – Sunday: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
• Tuesday – Wednesday: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
• Thursday: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

The experience runs from 9/5/2024 to 2/23/2026.

Participants must confirm the start time with the local provider.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Customers receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

The activity isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation.

Alcohol won’t be served to anyone under 20, as per local laws.

Participants can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start time.

The tour operator also offers a reserve now, pay later option.

The activity has an overall 5-star rating based on 1 verified review across Viator and Tripadvisor.

Customers can easily book and modify their reservations for this authentic Kamakura onigiri and sake tasting experience.

Traveler Reviews

What do the existing reviews say about this onigiri making and sake tasting experience in Kamakura?

With a perfect 5-star rating from a single verified review, this activity seems to be a hit with travelers.

Reviewers praise the:

• Knowledgeable instructor who guides the group through the onigiri-making process
• High-quality sake and snacks served during the tasting
• Intimate and relaxed atmosphere of the sake salon
• Opportunity to learn a traditional Japanese culinary skill
• Overall value and memorable experience.

Based on the glowing review, this appears to be a unique and enjoyable cultural activity for small groups visiting Kamakura.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Participants Choose Their Own Sake Flavors?

While the activity provides a selection of three sake samples, participants likely cannot choose their own specific sake flavors. The experience is pre-designed by the provider to offer a curated tasting.

Is There a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Onigiri Option Available?

The activity doesn’t mention any vegetarian or gluten-free onigiri options. However, guests can likely discuss any dietary requirements with the provider prior to the event to see if accommodations can be made.

Are Participants Required to Have Prior Onigiri Making Experience?

No prior onigiri making experience is required. The activity is designed for beginners, and the instructor will provide step-by-step guidance to ensure participants can successfully make their own onigiri during the session.

Can Participants Take Home Their Self-Made Onigiri?

Participants can take home their self-made onigiri. The activity includes the opportunity for guests to create their own rice balls, which they can then enjoy during the experience or bring home as a souvenir.

Are There Any Discounts for Group Bookings?

There are no discounts mentioned for group bookings. The activity price is listed as a per person rate, without any special pricing for groups. The maximum group size is 5 travelers.

The Sum Up

The Kamakura Small Group Onigiri Making and Sake Tasting is a delightful cultural experience. Visitors can craft their own rice balls while savoring carefully selected sake, all within an intimate setting. With personalized guidance and a cozy atmosphere, it’s an immersive way to dive into Kamakura’s vibrant sake culture. Whether a foodie or sake enthusiast, this activity offers a unique and memorable encounter.