14 Most Highly Rated Tours In Honshu

Honshu, Japan’s largest island, offers a stunning array of tours that showcase its natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights. Unlike some destinations that rely solely on famous landmarks, Honshu delivers authentic experiences that take you into the heart of local life and landscapes. We’re particularly fond of tours like the Aomori: Oirase Stream and Lake Towada Private Tour for its tranquil landscapes and immersive natural scenery, or the Fukui: Kitazen Shoten Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting for a taste of Japan’s world-famous sake tradition. Whether you’re into scenic hikes, culinary adventures, or cultural insights, Honshu has something compelling for every traveler.

Quick Overview

This list features a diverse selection of Honshu tours, including private nature excursions, guided hikes, and specialized brewery visits. You’ll find options like the peaceful Aomori Oirase Stream, which focuses on Japan’s stunning waterfalls and lakes, as well as unique sake brewery tours such as the Kinmon Akita Sake Brewery. For those looking for a combination of nature and local flavor, the Toyama Private Custom Tour offers a personalized exploration of the coast and seafood markets. Read on to find detailed insights into each experience.

1. Aomori: Oirase Stream and Lake Towada Private Tour

Discover Aomori’s natural splendor with a private trip to Oirase Stream and Lake Towada. This tour offers a close-up view of some of Japan’s most picturesque scenery, from lush forests to cascading waterfalls. You’ll enjoy eye-level views of charming streams and waterfalls that create a sense of serenity hard to match elsewhere. The highlight is Lake Towada, a double caldera lake, which offers reflective waters surrounded by forested slopes—perfect for photos or just soaking in the peaceful environment. This tour is ideal for lovers of nature photography or anyone who seeks a tranquil escape from city life. The private format ensures a personalized experience, with flexible stops for taking in views or snapping photos.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for outdoor lovers and first-time visitors wanting an intimate natural experience in Honshu.

2. Nishiusuzuka: Fuji Forest Hiking Tour with Guide & Transfer

At number 2, the Fuji Forest Hiking Tour takes you into the cool shade of Nishiusuzuka’s ancient woods. For around $285 per person, this guided walk immerses you in the serenity of towering 300-year-old trees and allows exploration of a volcanic crater, all with the comfort of included transfer. Your guide, a marine biologist, enriches the experience with insights about the local flora, fauna, and volcanic activity—the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and educational content. The changing seasons mean you’ll enjoy lush greenery in spring and summer, or fiery autumn foliage. This tour suits nature enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone eager to connect with Japan’s volcanic landscape.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, nature-focused hike with expert insights, perfect for active travelers wanting to experience Japan’s forests in depth.

3. Toyama Private Custom Tour with Local Guide

For a flexible, personalized exploration of Toyama, this Private Custom Tour hits the mark. With a local guide, you can visit Kaiwomaru Park, savor the fresh seafood at Kitokito Market, and enjoy magnificent views from the Shinminato Bridge. This tour offers a tailored experience, letting you prioritize sights or activities that matter most—be it waterfront strolls or sampling local delicacies. The guide’s knowledge of Toyama’s hidden gems and culinary traditions ensures a richer understanding of this lesser-visited region. If you love exploring at your own pace and want an insider’s perspective, this tour provides excellent value at $674 per person.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who prefer customizing their day and diving into regional specialties, especially seafood lovers.

4. Akita: Kinmon Akita Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting

Sake lovers should not miss the Kinmon Akita Brewery Tour. This 1.5-hour experience features a standing-bar session where you can compare koji-driven and barrel-aged sakes, beyond typical brewery visits. It offers an immersive look into Japan’s iconic rice wine, with the brewery’s staff explaining the brewing philosophy emphasizing umami. The tasting includes some of their most innovative sakes, making it a rewarding experience for those interested in craftsmanship and flavor profiles. The tour is highly rated, and the intimate setting means personal attention from the staff. This is perfect for culinary travelers wanting to deepen their understanding of sake’s versatility.
Bottom Line: A focused, engaging sake experience that balances education and tasting in a cozy setting.

5. Fukui: Kitazen Shoten Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting

At number 5, the Kitazen Shoten Brewery offers a genuine dive into Fukui’s sake tradition. This 1.5-hour tour explores the art of sake brewing at a local brewery, with a guide explaining the process from fermentation to aging. The highlight is the curated tasting, where you’ll sample a variety of sake, guided by staff who share insights into each flavor profile. The brewery’s location in Minamiechizen Town provides an authentic glimpse into regional brewing styles. This experience appeals to sake aficionados interested in regional variations or travelers eager to combine culture, history, and tasting in one session.
Bottom Line: A genuine, hands-on brewery tour perfect for those keen on sake’s cultural roots and traditional methods.

6. Fukushima: Toyokuni Sake Brewery Sake Tour and Tasting

This Toyokuni Sake Brewery offers a truly seasonal tasting experience. Over 1.5 hours, you’ll see how the brewers adapt their techniques based on seasonal factors, with the opportunity to sample sake carefully selected by the brewery based on current conditions. The guided tour covers the art of sake brewing and offers insight into pairing sake with food, making it ideal for culinary enthusiasts. The particular charm of this tour is the seasonal variation, ensuring every visit is unique. If you appreciate craftsmanship that adapts to nature, this is a must-do.
Bottom Line: An engaging, ever-changing taste of sake that highlights Japan’s seasonal approach to brewing.

7. Koga: Aoki Shuzo Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting

In Koga, the Aoki Shuzo Brewery offers a 1.5-hour tour filled with history and craftsmanship. Discover how sake is crafted in Ibaraki Prefecture through a guided walk, followed by a tasting session featuring their handcrafted sakes. The tour is a great deep dive into the local sake scene, with insights into traditional brewing techniques passed down through generations. You’ll gain a new appreciation for sake’s subtle differences and regional traits. If you enjoy learning about craftsmanship and regional traditions, this tour provides excellent value for sake connoisseurs.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for those wanting a comprehensive, local sake experience in a relaxed setting.

8. Nagano: Kurosawa Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting

The Kurosawa Brewery in Nagano offers a personal look at sake-making, with owner Mr. Kurosawa himself leading the 1-hour tour. You’ll see traditional brewing tools, explore the brewery environment, and finish with a curated tasting. What sets this tour apart is the direct interaction with the brewery’s founder, offering insights into philosophy and methods rarely found in larger breweries. It’s ideal for those who want to connect with Japan’s sake craftsmanship on a personal level. The tasting includes some of the brewery’s best seasonal sakes, making it a memorable stop.
Bottom Line: Perfect for sake enthusiasts who appreciate authentic stories behind each bottle.

9. Saitama: Matsuoka Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting

In Saitama, the Matsuoka Brewery offers a 1.5-hour tour focused on the entire brewing process—from rice polishing to fermentation. It’s an excellent choice for beer and sake fans alike, with the chance to taste a variety of carefully crafted sakes. The guide provides in-depth explanations about cultural significance and pairing ideas. This tour works well for travelers interested in Japanese rice crafts and regional variation. Its value comes from the detailed process overview and exclusive tastings.
Bottom Line: An educational, flavorful experience that deepens understanding of sake’s production.

10. Saitama: Seiun Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting

Seiun Brewery in Saitama offers an experience rooted in nature and tradition. Their 1-hour tour focuses on the brewery’s philosophy, including tasting spring water from “Tama no Ido” and enjoying seasonal sakes via modern tasting machines. You’ll learn how local water quality influences flavor and how the brewery maintains ecological balance. The guided tasting highlights their commitment to purity and craftsmanship. This tour suits those interested in the natural aspects of sake brewing and modern Japanese brewing techniques.
Bottom Line: A concise, insightful tour ideal for those curious about water’s role in sake quality.

11. Tatenokawa Sake Brewery with Sake Tasting

In Sakata, the Tatenokawa Sake Brewery offers a 1.5-hour guided experience focused on premium sake production. The brewery’s commitment to quality and sustainability is evident as you tour their state-of-the-art facilities and sample their finest sakes. The tour emphasizes craftsmanship and the art of fermentation, giving insight into how they maintain consistency while innovating. Reviewers praise it for its professional presentation and in-depth tasting. It’s perfect for serious sake enthusiasts or those interested in sustainable brewing practices.
Bottom Line: A must-visit for connoisseurs seeking top-tier sake and in-depth information.

12. Tendo City: Dewazakura Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting

Limited to just 10 people, the Dewazakura Brewery offers an intimate look at one of Japan’s most celebrated breweries. Over 2 hours, you’ll explore traditional brewing methods and enjoy a tasting of exclusive, globally acclaimed sake. The tour is particularly praised for showcasing craftsmanship and innovation, blending old techniques with modern flair. Reviewers mention the “special sense of craftsmanship” and the chance to try limited-edition sakes. It’s best suited for those who want a premium, behind-the-scenes experience.
Bottom Line: An exclusive, high-quality tour for sake fans wanting to see top-level craftsmanship firsthand.

13. Tokoname: Miso Brewery Tour with Tasting

Foodies should look at the Miso Brewery Tour in Tokoname. This 1-hour tour explores the fermentation of miso, a key ingredient in Japanese cuisine. You’ll learn about the fermentation process and sample various miso types, along with Japanese sake. The tour also includes a visit to the Morita Flavor Museum, providing cultural context. It’s a delightful experience for culinary explorers interested in Japan’s fermentation arts. The aromatic environment and hands-on tasting make it both educational and flavorful.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want to explore Japanese fermentation traditions beyond just sake.

14. Yamagata: Rokkasen Brewery with Sake Tasting

Finally, the Rokkasen Brewery offers a special limited-time tour from April to September. It features exclusive areas and limited-edition sakes, with a focus on the art and philosophy behind sake making. The curated tasting includes rare sakes that you won’t find elsewhere, making this experience ideal for sake collectors or enthusiasts eager to try seasonal releases. The tour provides deep insights into the brewing process and the history of Rokkasen.
Bottom Line: A unique, premium tour suited for dedicated sake aficionados seeking special editions.

How to Choose

When selecting a tour in Honshu, consider your interests, budget, and time availability. If you love natural scenery and outdoor activities, the Aomori private tour or the Fuji Forest hike are excellent choices. For culinary and beverage enthusiasts, the sake brewery tours—like Kinmon Akita or Dewazakura—offer immersive tastings and insights. Travelers interested in personalized experiences may prefer the Toyama Private Custom Tour, while those seeking authentic local flavor will find the miso tour in Tokoname appealing.

Remember to check the seasonality—some tours, like Rokkasen in Yamagata, are limited-time only. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular brewery visits or private excursions, ensuring you secure your spot in these sought-after experiences.

Final Thoughts

Honshu’s tours provide a rich palette of options, from peaceful nature walks to intimate sake brewery visits. For those who want a nature-focused escape, the Aomori Oirase and Lake Towada tour offers stunning scenery. Sake aficionados will appreciate the variety of brewery experiences, such as the Tatenokawa or Kinmon Akita, each providing a deeper understanding of Japan’s iconic drink. For travelers seeking flexibility, the Toyama private tour allows you to shape your day.

Whatever your interests, Honshu offers memorable experiences that go beyond sightseeing—these tours bring you into the heart of Japan’s landscapes, flavors, and craftsmanship. Book early, pick what excites you most, and enjoy your journey into Honshu’s authentic culture.