Experience Hiresake and Compare Sake at Sushibar in Roppongi

Set out on a sake-tasting adventure in the heart of Tokyo’s vibrant Roppongi district. At a cozy sushi bar near the iconic Tokyo Tower, you’ll explore the diverse flavors of ten distinct sake varieties. But the real highlight? Experiencing the captivating ritual of hirezake, a flaming sake that ignites the senses with its nutty aroma and subtle sweetness. Elevate your appreciation for this iconic Japanese beverage through an immersive cultural experience like no other.

Key Points

• Enjoy a 1.5-hour guided sake tasting experience in Roppongi, near Tokyo Tower, with a group of up to 10 participants.
• Taste 10 different sake varieties, including the unique flaming hirezake style, served in traditional Japanese cups and bottles.
• Learn to differentiate the aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel of various sake types, from traditional junmai to premium daiginjo.
• Savor a platter of three Japanese delicacies that complement the flavors of the sake samples, along with a fruit liquor tasting.
• Immerse in the cultural traditions of sake while exploring how Japanese dishes enhance the complexities of this traditional beverage.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience Overview

The sake experience in Roppongi near Tokyo Tower lasts for 1.5 hours and is limited to a group size of 10 participants.

Offered in English, it costs $77.69 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later.

During the experience, they’ll compare ten types of sake, including the unique flaming hirezake style.

They’ll also enjoy sake served in traditional Japanese cups and bottles, with a gold leaf option available.

The experience also includes tasting a platter of Japanese delicacies and a fruit liquor.

Sake Tasting

During the sake tasting, you will have the opportunity to compare different types of sake produced using various methods.

They’ll sample ten varieties, exploring the nuances between them. The experience also includes tasting hirezake, a unique flaming sake style often served in sushi restaurants.

Sake will be served in traditional Japanese cups and bottles, with an option to enjoy sake infused with gold leaf.

This guided tasting allows guests to discover the diverse flavors and styles of Japan’s national beverage while appreciating the craftsmanship and cultural traditions behind each pour.

Sake Tasting: Ten Types

As participants embark on the sake tasting experience, they’ll have the opportunity to compare ten distinct types of sake, each crafted using diverse production methods.

From traditional junmai to premium daiginjo, the range showcases sake’s versatility. Participants will learn to differentiate the nuances in aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel that set these sakes apart.

They’ll also experience the unique hirezake, a flaming sake ritual from sushi restaurants. Served in authentic Japanese cups and bottles, the tasting provides an immersive cultural encounter that elevates the appreciation of this revered Japanese beverage.

Sake Tasting: Hirezake

Among the diverse sake offerings, you will encounter the captivating ritual of hirezake – a unique flaming sake preparation originating from sushi restaurants. Guests will witness the dramatic display as the sake is ignited, creating a captivating blue flame. This traditional method enhances the sake’s aroma and imparts a subtle caramelized flavor. Participants will have the opportunity to experience this special sake serving:

Sake Type	Aroma	Flavor	Temperature
Hirezake	Nutty, Caramelized	Smooth, Subtle Sweetness	Warm
Chilled Sake	Fresh, Crisp	Clean, Refreshing	Chilled
Warm Sake	Earthy, Toasted	Rich, Comforting	Warm
Junmai Daiginjo	Floral, Fruity	Elegant, Complex	Chilled
Honjozo	Herbaceous, Spicy	Dry, Balanced	Room Temperature

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Sake Tasting: Cups and Bottles

Participants are treated to sake served in traditional Japanese-style cups and bottles, allowing them to fully enjoy the cultural experience.

They’ll compare and contrast the taste and aroma of the sake across different serving vessels. The sake cups, known as ochoko, provide a more intimate and refined tasting experience.

The traditional sake bottles, with their distinctive shapes and labels, offer a visually striking presentation.

This tasting allows participants to appreciate the nuances of sake and how the serving vessel can influence the overall drinking experience.

Sake Tasting: Gold Leaf Option

What about the gold leaf option for sake? On this sake tasting experience, participants can sample sake adorned with edible gold leaf.

This unique presentation adds an elegant touch to the traditional Japanese drink. The gold flakes float gracefully on the surface, reflecting light and creating a visually stunning effect.

Drinking sake with gold leaf isn’t just about the taste – it’s also an opportunity to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating this special sake.

Participants can savor the intricate flavors while marveling at the shimmering golden display.

Food Pairing

Along With the sake tasting, the experience includes a platter of three Japanese delicacies that pair excellently with the various sake samples.

Participants will compare and taste the three types of Japanese snacks, which complement the flavors of the sake. The food pairing also includes a tasting of a fruit liquor.

While not a full meal, the Japanese snacks provide the perfect accompaniment to elevate the sake-tasting experience.

This food pairing component allows visitors to explore how certain Japanese dishes enhance the complexities and nuances of the sake they’re sampling.

Japanese Cultural Experience

Beyond the sake tasting and food pairing, the Sake Experience in Roppongi offers participants a unique cultural component.

Guests can enjoy Japanese traditions by:

1. Dressing up in authentic Japanese costumes, such as yukatas or kimonos, to fully embody the cultural experience.
2. Receiving a Japanese souvenir as a memento of the event, providing a tangible connection to the cultural aspects explored.
3. Engaging with the host and fellow participants to learn about the significance and customs surrounding sake and Japanese cuisine.

This cultural element adds depth and authenticity to the overall Sake Experience in Roppongi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Age Requirement to Participate in the Sake Tasting?

There’s no specified age requirement to participate in the sake tasting experience. However, attendees must be of legal drinking age in Japan, which is 20 years old. The experience is suitable for adults who enjoy exploring Japanese sake and culture.

Can I Request Specific Sake Brands to Be Included in the Tasting?

Yes, participants can request specific sake brands to be included in the tasting. The tour allows customization, so guests can inform the host of their preferences in advance to ensure a tailored experience.

Is There a Vegetarian or Non-Alcoholic Option for the Food Pairing?

Yes, there is a vegetarian or non-alcoholic option for the food pairing. Participants can request a vegetarian platter or non-alcoholic beverages when booking the experience to accommodate dietary preferences.

Can I Arrive Late and Still Participate in the Experience?

Yes, participants can arrive late, but they may miss the beginning of the sake tasting experience. The organizers recommend arriving on time to fully enjoy the complete 1.5-hour experience.

How Long Will the Japanese Costume-Wearing Portion of the Experience Last?

The costume-wearing portion of the experience typically lasts around 15-20 minutes. Participants can try on various traditional Japanese outfits and take photos before moving on to the other activities during the 1.5-hour sake tasting and food pairing event.

The Sum Up

You’ll savor the dramatic flavors of hirezake, a flaming sake, and sample a diverse selection of ten sake varieties. The guided tasting immerses you in the rich cultural traditions of sake, elevating your appreciation for this iconic Japanese beverage. Enjoy the experience alongside traditional Japanese cups and expertly paired delicacies in a cozy sushibar in Roppongi, near Tokyo Tower.

You can check availability for your dates here: