Sake Tasting With Sommelier and Vegan Chinese Lunch in Tokyo

Sake enthusiasts and curious foodies alike will relish the chance to embark on a unique culinary journey in Tokyo. This intimate sake tasting, led by a knowledgeable sommelier, promises to enlighten participants on the intricacies of Japan’s national drink. Coupled with a delectable vegan Chinese lunch, the experience offers a harmonious blend of flavors and educational insights, sure to delight the senses. Those seeking to expand their sake appreciation won’t want to miss this exclusive opportunity.

Key Points

• A 1-hour sake tasting experience in Tokyo led by a sommelier, accompanied by a 5-course vegan Chinese lunch.
• The experience is limited to 6 participants and offered in English and Chinese.
• Participants learn about the sake brewing process and discover their personal sake preferences during the tasting.
• The starting point is Myogadani station, Exit 2, with easy accessibility from major transit hubs.
• Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the event.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience Overview

The activity is a 1-hour sake tasting experience in Tokyo, led by a sommelier and accompanied by a vegan Chinese lunch.

Limited to 6 participants, it takes place at Myogadani station. Offered in English and Chinese, the experience costs from Kč 2,383 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours.

It starts at the station’s Exit 2 and includes a 1-hour lunch. Guests will learn about sake brewing and taste 5 different varieties, served in a traditional masu cup.

The vegan meal features Peking duck-style soy meat, dumplings, mapo tofu, and more.

Itinerary Details

Starting at Myogadani station’s Exit 2, the experience guides participants to a cozy restaurant for the sake tasting and lunch, which lasts for 1 hour. The itinerary includes:

Starting Point	Myogadani station, Exit 2
Lunch Duration	1 hour
Main Stop	Cozy restaurant for Sake tasting and lunch
Activities	Learn about Sake brewing, enjoy a vegan meal, and taste 5 different types of Sake

Participants will discover the complexities of sake through an educational session led by a nationally certified interpreter-guide and sake professional, covering the brewing process, label reading, and personal flavor preferences.

Culinary Experience

Participants can expect a 5-course vegan lunch menu during the experience. The menu features assorted appetizers, soy meat Peking duck style, dumplings, mapo tofu, and tan-tan ramen.

For dessert, they’ll enjoy soy milk with seasonal fruits. Along with the meal, you will sample five different types of sake and receive a traditional masu sake cup made of Japanese cypress.

The culinary experience is complemented by an educational component led by a nationally certified interpreter-guide and sake professional, who’ll share insights into the sake brewing process and guide participants in discovering their personal sake preferences.

Educational Component

A nationally certified interpreter-guide and sake professional leads the educational component of this experience.

Participants will learn about the intricacies of sake brewing, from the steaming of rice to the fermentation of moromi.

Key topics covered include:

• The sake brewing process
• The importance of rice steaming and koji making
• The fermentation of the moromi mash
• Reading sake labels to understand different styles and flavors

This educational component allows guests to develop a deeper appreciation for the centuries-old traditions and nuances of Japan’s national drink, as they discover their personal sake preferences during the tasting.

More Great Tours Nearby

Minimum Drinking Age and Meeting Point

The minimum drinking age in Japan is 20 years old, which participants must adhere to in addition to the legal drinking age in their own country.

The meeting point for the experience is at the ground level of Exit 2 at Myogadani station. This station is conveniently located, just 5 minutes from Ikebukuro station, 11 minutes from Tokyo station, and 14 minutes from Ginza station.

Participants should plan to arrive at the designated meeting point on time to ensure a smooth start to the sake tasting and vegan Chinese lunch experience.

Accessibility

Myogadani station, where the experience begins, is easily accessible from major transit hubs.

The station is located just 5 minutes from Ikebukuro station, 11 minutes from Tokyo station, and 14 minutes from Ginza station. This makes it convenient for participants to arrive and start the tasting experience.

The accessibility of the starting point is a key consideration, as it allows for a seamless and stress-free start to the day’s activities.

Key access points include:

• 5 minutes from Ikebukuro station
• 11 minutes from Tokyo station
• 14 minutes from Ginza station
• Myogadani station, Exit 2

Sake Brewing Process

Sake brewing is a time-honored and meticulous process that transforms simple ingredients into the beloved Japanese rice wine.

First, the rice is steamed and then cooled. Next, koji – a filamentous fungus – is introduced to the rice, kickstarting the fermentation.

The moromi, or fermenting mash, is carefully monitored as it develops complex flavors and aromas over several weeks.

Finally, the moromi is pressed, separating the clear, flavorful sake from the solid lees.

The tasting allows participants to discover the diverse textures and profiles of premium sake, guided by the expertise of the sommelier.

Discovering Personal Sake Preferences

How does one discover their personal sake preferences during the tasting? The guided sake tasting allows participants to explore a variety of sake styles and flavors.

By sampling five distinct sake types, attendees can assess their individual palates and preferences. Some key factors to consider include:

• Dryness – from dry and crisp to rich and creamy
• Fragrance – from delicate floral to bold umami
• Body – from light and refreshing to full-bodied
• Acidity – from soft and smooth to bright and tangy

This immersive experience empowers participants to identify the sake profiles they most enjoy, setting the stage for future sake exploration and appreciation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Non-Alcoholic Beverages for the Sake Tasting?

While non-alcoholic options may be available, the core focus of this experience is sake tasting. Participants should expect to sample 5 different types of sake as part of the curated program. Substitutions may impact the overall experience.

Is the Sake Tasting Experience Suitable for Children?

The sake tasting experience is not suitable for children, as the minimum drinking age in Japan is 20 years old. This activity is designed for adult participants to enjoy the educational and culinary aspects of sake appreciation.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Sake Cup?

No, you don’t need to bring your own sake cup. The experience includes a Masu sake cup made of Japanese cypress as part of the tasting. The guide will provide all the necessary cups and utensils for the sake tasting.

Can the Vegan Menu Accommodate Food Allergies or Intolerances?

The vegan menu can accommodate food allergies or intolerances. Guests should notify the organizers in advance of any dietary restrictions so they can make the necessary adjustments to ensure an enjoyable culinary experience.

Is Photography Allowed During the Sake Tasting and Lunch?

Yes, photography is generally allowed during the sake tasting and lunch. However, participants should be considerate of others and avoid disrupting the experience. It’s best to check with the guide at the start of the activity.

The Sum Up

This sake tasting and vegan Chinese lunch in Tokyo offers an intimate, educational experience. Participants will explore the nuances of five distinct sake varieties, guided by a knowledgeable sommelier. The five-course meal features creative vegan dishes that complement the sake pairings. With limited spots available, this is an opportunity to discover personal sake preferences in a cozy restaurant setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: