Explore Plum Wine Sake Museum and Japanese Alcohol Tasting

This tour promises a behind-the-scenes look at Japan’s beloved alcoholic beverages, led by an expert from Meiri Shurui, a historic producer established in 1950. While I haven’t personally taken this exact experience, reviews and the detailed itinerary suggest it offers a well-balanced mix of history, cultural insights, and tasting opportunities.

What we love about this experience: Firstly, the chance to visit Besshunkan, a museum where you’ll see 70 tanks used in plum wine production, is quite special. Secondly, the guide is a basic English-speaking expert from Meiri Shurui, making complex topics accessible. Lastly, the tastings of sake, shochu, plum wine, and spirits at the end provide a genuine taste of Japanese alcohol culture.

A potential consideration is that the tour is quite short—about an hour to an hour and a half—which might feel rushed to those wanting a more in-depth or leisurely exploration. Also, transportation to the meeting spot is not included, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.

This tour is best suited for adults interested in Japanese culture, food and drink lovers, and those curious about traditional alcohol production. It’s practical and authentic, making it worthwhile for anyone wanting a focused, informative taste of Japan’s beverage heritage.

Key Points

• Authentic Access: Visit the historic Besshunkan museum with real tools and tanks used in sake and plum wine production.
• Expert Guidance: The tour is led by a knowledgeable director from Meiri Shurui, providing authentic insights.
• Tasting Experience: Sample multiple Japanese beverages, including sake, shochu, plum wine, and spirits.
• Short & Concise: At just 1 to 1.5 hours, it’s a quick but rich cultural experience.
• Adult-Only Tasting: Alcohol tasting is limited to those 20 years and older.
• Convenient Location: Starts at a central spot in Mito, near public transportation options.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

Visiting Besshunkan: A Window into Japanese Alcohol Making

Your journey begins at Besshunkan, a historic facility with a fascinating collection. The first floor houses 70 tanks used for making plum wine, giving you a visual sense of traditional fermentation techniques. It’s quite remarkable to stand among tanks that have been part of Japan’s beverage scene for decades, if not longer. The tanks, made of wood or metal, symbolize a craftsmanship that’s been passed down through generations.

On the second floor, you’ll see tools and equipment used in sake production. These relics offer a tangible connection to Japan’s brewing past. Visitors have noted that seeing actual tools used long ago adds depth to the experience—it’s not just about tasting but understanding the process.

Guided Tour with a Historic Perspective

The guide, from Meiri Shurui, introduces you to the history of the company, which traces its roots back to the late Edo period through its predecessor, Kato Shuzoten. The fact that the company has been in operation since 1950 lends credibility to their expertise.

While the tour is in basic English, the guide’s explanations are straightforward and engaging, making complex production methods accessible. Several reviews mention the guide’s passion for the craft, which makes the experience more engaging.

Tasting Japanese Alcohols: A Flavorful Finale

The highlight for many is the sampling session at the end. You’ll have the opportunity to taste refined sake, shochu, plum wine (“Umeshu”), and other spirits. The tasting is casual but informative, with the guide explaining the differences and nuances of each beverage.

Visitors have said that the quality of the sake is notable—it’s clear that Meiri Shurui takes pride in their production. The plum wine, in particular, offers a sweet and fragrant experience, ideal for those new to Japanese alcohol.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour costs $42.29 per person, which, considering the access to a historic museum, expert guidance, and multiple tastings, offers good value. Remember, the tasting is only for those over 20 years old, so it’s not suitable for children or teenagers.

The tour duration is fairly short—around an hour to an hour and a half—making it perfect for a quick cultural interlude or a morning activity. It’s not overly strenuous, and most travelers will find it easy to fit into a broader itinerary.

Transportation to the meeting point isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan your route. The starting address is in Mito city, which is accessible via public transit, making it convenient for travelers staying nearby.

What’s Not Included

The price does not cover transportation fees, so consider this when budgeting. Also, since the tasting is limited to adults, it’s not suitable for younger travelers or those avoiding alcohol.

Group Size & Booking

With a maximum of 20 travelers, the experience feels intimate enough for questions and interactions. Many bookings are made about 18 days in advance, so planning ahead ensures you secure a spot.

Who Should Do This Tour?

If you’re curious about Japanese alcohol culture, enjoy tasting local beverages, or want to understand the craftsmanship behind sake and plum wine, this tour hits the mark. It’s suitable for adults of all backgrounds, especially those who appreciate history and tradition in a compact, engaging format.

It may not satisfy those craving a long, in-depth workshop or a visit to a larger brewery, but for a quick, authentic introduction, this experience offers a well-rounded snapshot of Japan’s beverage heritage.

The Sum Up

This Plum Wine and Sake Museum tour provides a practical and authentic glimpse into Japan’s longstanding alcohol traditions. The combination of real tools, tanks, and expert storytelling makes it more than just a tasting—it’s a cultural snapshot that connects you to Japanese craftsmanship.

Best suited for those wanting a short but informative experience, it allows for a taste of history alongside flavors that are integral to Japanese culture. While the duration is brief, the quality of the insight and tastings makes it a memorable addition to any trip to Ibaraki.

If you’re after a focused, educational, and enjoyable alcohol experience, this tour offers solid value and genuine insights into Japan’s revered brewing arts.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
No, since alcohol tasting is part of the experience and only adults (20+) can participate in tasting.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a quick cultural activity.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, transportation fees are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own travel to the starting location in Mito.

What will I see at Besshunkan?
You’ll see 70 tanks used in plum wine production on the first floor and traditional sake-making tools on the second floor.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 18 days ahead, as spots fill up relatively quickly.

Is the guide fluent in English?
The guide from Meiri Shurui offers basic English explanations, making it accessible for most travelers.

Are children allowed?
No, the tasting is restricted to those 20 years and older.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours before the experience, with no penalty for early cancellation.

This experience offers an engaging way to understand Japan’s alcohol traditions, combining history, craftsmanship, and tasting in a concise package. Perfect for curious travelers looking to add a cultural and flavorful dimension to their Japan trip.