Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour in Nagano

Nestled in the heart of Nagano, the Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich sake heritage. Participants can expect an immersive experience, exploring a historic brewery, savoring local delicacies, and wandering through the charming streets of Matsumoto. With a focus on authenticity and culture, this tour promises to deliver a memorable encounter. However, the true allure of this experience lies in the opportunity to uncover the stories and traditions that have shaped the local community over generations.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Walking Tours In Matsumoto.

Key Points

1. A 2-hour walking tour in Matsumoto, Nagano, offering a sake tasting experience at a historic brewery and an exploration of the city’s cultural heritage.
2. The tour is limited to 8 participants and is conducted in English, with a cancellation policy allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
3. The itinerary includes a visit to a hidden gem, a stroll through Nawate Street, and opportunities to taste Japanese pickles and explore local food stalls and shops.
4. Highlights of the tour include a sake tasting session, savoring Japanese pickles and hot green tea, and receiving high-quality photographs of the experience.
5. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, and people over 80, 95, or 70 years old, and additional expenses for extra drinks and food are not included.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Details

The tour lasts for a duration of 2 hours and is limited to a group size of 8 participants. It’s offered in English, and the cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour starts and ends at the Starbucks Coffee – MIDORI Matsumoto, with visits to Nakamachi Shopping Street, a hidden gem, and Nawate Street. Highlights include sake tasting at a historic brewery, tasting Japanese pickles and hot green tea, exploring local food stalls and shops, and receiving high-quality photographs of the experience.

The tour includes sake tasting, Japanese pickles, and an introduction to favorite eateries and cafes, but excludes extra drinks, food, transportation fees, and isn’t suitable for certain individuals.

Itinerary Overview

As the tour begins at the Starbucks Coffee – MIDORI Matsumoto, you will first explore the charming Nakamachi Shopping Street for around 15 minutes.

They’ll then visit a hidden gem, spending 45 minutes discovering the local culture and history.

Next, the group will head to Nawate Street for 15 minutes, taking in the sights and sounds of this unique area.

Finally, the tour concludes back at the starting point, the Starbucks Coffee – MIDORI Matsumoto.

Throughout the itinerary, you will have the opportunity to taste sake, try Japanese pickles, and explore local food stalls and shops, seeing Matsumoto’s rich heritage.

Highlights of the Tour

Highlighted throughout the tour, participants can look forward to a sake tasting session at a historic brewery, providing an intimate glimpse into the region’s renowned sake culture.

Other tour highlights include:

1. Savoring Japanese pickles and hot green tea, offering a delightful taste of traditional local flavors.
2. Exploring local food stalls and shops, discovering unique culinary delights and artisanal treasures.
3. Taking in Matsumoto’s rich history and culture, gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s heritage.
4. Receiving high-quality photographs to capture the memorable moments, allowing participants to relive the experience long after the tour.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour includes a sake tasting session, Japanese pickles, and an introduction to the tour guide’s favorite eateries and cafes. Plus, you will receive high-quality photographs of their experience to share with friends and family.

However, the tour excludes extra drinks and food, bullet train tickets and other transportation fees, and a meal for an infant. It’s also not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, and people over 80, 95, or 70 years old. Participants should keep these exclusions in mind when booking the tour to ensure it’s the right fit for their needs and abilities.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Exploring Nakamachi Street

Participants begin their Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour with a visit to the vibrant Nakamachi Shopping Street. This historic district is lined with traditional kominka houses, some dating back to the 17th century.

Visitors can:

1. Browse the many shops selling local crafts, artwork, and souvenirs.
2. Admire the unique architecture, including the iconic Nakamachi Street Bridge.
3. Savor a cup of hot green tea or sample Japanese pickles at a cozy cafe.
4. Soak in the lively atmosphere and get a glimpse into Matsumoto’s rich cultural heritage.

After 15 minutes of exploration, the group moves on to the next destination, eager to uncover more of the city’s hidden gems.

Discovering a Hidden Gem

After soaking in the lively atmosphere of Nakamachi Street, the group ventures into a hidden gem – a historic sake brewery that has been operating for generations.

The guide leads them through the traditional wooden structures, sharing stories of the brewery’s rich history and the meticulous craftsmanship behind each bottle. Participants are invited to sample the premium sake, savoring its refined flavors and learning about the unique brewing process.

They also get a chance to explore the brewery’s quaint workshop, where they witness the skilled artisans at work. This intimate experience offers a rare glimpse into the heart of Matsumoto’s cultural heritage and the enduring traditions that define the local community.

Strolling Through Nawate Street

Bidding farewell to the historic sake brewery, the group now turns its attention to Nawate Street, a captivating pedestrian thoroughfare that has long been a hub of Matsumoto’s cultural vibrancy. This charming street is lined with an array of quaint shops, traditional eateries, and centuries-old architecture, offering a delightful glimpse into the city’s rich heritage.

As the tour participants stroll along the cobblestone path, they encounter:

1. Artisanal shops selling handcrafted ceramics, woodwork, and other local crafts.
2. Nostalgic candy stores and confectionaries serving up sweet treats and delights.
3. Historic temples and shrines that stand as testaments to Matsumoto’s enduring spiritual traditions.
4. Lively food stalls serving up hot, freshly-prepared Japanese street food.

Practical Information

As the tour concludes at the Starbucks Coffee – MIDORI Matsumoto, participants can conveniently depart the experience. The tour lasts 2 hours and is limited to 8 people, ensuring an intimate group setting. It’s conducted in English, making it accessible to international visitors. Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes sake tasting, Japanese pickles, and photographs, but excludes additional food, drinks, and transportation. It’s not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, and those over 80, 95, or 70 years old. With its immersive cultural elements and practical considerations, the Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour offers an enriching glimpse into Nagano’s traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Take This Tour?

The best time to take this tour is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and pleasant. The tour can be enjoyed year-round, but the spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for a walking tour.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour operator’s policy prohibits bringing pets due to the group size and schedule. Guests should leave their pets at home or make other arrangements for their care during the tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?

The tour is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, as it includes a tasting of Japanese pickles and an introduction to favorite eateries and cafes that likely offer plant-based options.

Can I Take the Tour if I Have a Food Allergy?

Those with food allergies can check with the tour operator about accommodations. They may be able to make alternative arrangements, but it’s best to disclose any dietary restrictions or allergies when booking to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Camera or Will One Be Provided?

A camera is provided as part of the tour, so participants don’t need to bring their own. High-quality photographs of the experience will be shared with them after the tour.

Recap

The Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of Nagano’s rich heritage. Participants can savor the region’s renowned sake, indulge in local delicacies, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of historic streets. With its small group size and flexible cancellation policy, the tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the cultural tapestry of this picturesque Japanese destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: