Experience the Art of Sake and Sushi near Osaka
Join a private culinary journey combining sake tasting and hands-on sushi making with a certified sommelier and former sushi chef.
Meet your host:
Gather at Hanshin Osaka Umeda Station at 2:00 PM (see the neon sign in the photo gallery). I’ll be easy to spot — wearing a cap and a big smile!
From there, we’ll take a short train ride to Hanshin Nishinomiya Station, then head to the Hakushika Sake Brewery Museum.
It’s about a 15-minute walk from the station, or you can take a quick taxi for around ¥1,000 (guests pay).
At the Sake Brewery:
Explore the history and traditions of sake brewing in the famous Nada Gogo region. Start with a guided tasting, sampling both classic and premium sake varieties — from standard 40ml selections to 100ml Daiginjo servings.
The first tasting is included; additional drinks are optional and self-pay. Enjoy the delicate aromas, snap photos, and browse the gift shop for unique souvenirs.
Unlike free sake breweries, Hakushika offers a curated cultural experience with historical exhibits and insights into traditional brewing techniques.
Important Info:
・The sake brewery is closed on Tuesdays. If you’d like to enjoy only the sushi experience on those days, it’s available with a separate booking.
・After the brewery tour, guests take a taxi to the sushi studio in Ashiya (approx. US$15–25, depending on traffic; guests pay).
Japanese popular alcoholic drink must be Sake, or called Nihonshu, made from fermented rice. The foundation of good sake is quality rice, clean water, koji mold and yeast. Premium sake differentiates itself in quality of ingredients and production process, so that flavors ranges light and crisp to richer, fruity notes.
“A Piece of Sushi, A Peace”
After the brewery, move to a quiet, private sushi studio in Ashiya, surrounded by nature and calm. Here, a professional chef with over 40 years of experience guides you through making sushi — from preparing rice to shaping perfect nigiri.
This is a fully private experience for up to 6 guests. Whether traveling as a couple, with family, or solo, slow down, breathe, and connect with Japan through two iconic symbols of craftsmanship: sake and sushi.
Duration: About 5–6 hours (including brewery and sushi class)
Start time: Usually 2:00 PM
The host holds multiple national and international certifications:
• National Culinary License
• Fugu Handling Registration
• Certified Food Coordinator
• Wine Sommelier
• Whisky Certification Level 2
• Japanese Whisky Certification Level 2-dan
Join this peaceful culinary journey — where a piece of sushi and a sip of sake bring a moment of peace to your heart.
We'll meet at the East Exit of Hanshin Umeda Station, right in the heart of downtown Osaka – it’s super easy to find. From there, a quick 15-minute ride on the Hanshin Line will take us to Nishinomiya (a taxi works too), followed by a short stroll to the Hakushika Sake Brewery Museum. It’s the perfect way to kick off your foodie adventure!
Arrive at the Hakushika Sake Brewery Museum and take your time exploring the exhibits. Enjoy tasting some sake, snap plenty of photos, and don’t forget to visit the gift shop for unique souvenirs. Dive into the fascinating world of Japanese sake culture and uncover the secrets behind each bottle—cheers to the start of your adventure!
Next, we’ll head to Sushi sKool K in Ashiya. Typically, we take a taxi, with guests covering the transportation cost. If you prefer public transport, feel free to take the train—fares are paid individually. It might take a little longer, but it’s a great way to enjoy a short, scenic trip. No worries, your host will guide you along the way to make sure everything goes smoothly!
First, you’ll begin by shaping sushi with a handmade rice model, getting the feel for the process before diving into the steps of making nigiri sushi. This usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. And when that vinegar meets the warm rice… the aroma is simply irresistible!
Now it’s your turn to get hands-on with sushi! Slip on your hygiene gloves, dive into that perfect sushi rice, and start shaping your own nigiri. Once you’ve crafted a few pieces, take your first bite of your homemade creation… and let the sushi bliss take over!
Your host will give you a few tips—then it’s your turn to make it look pretty on the plate. Grab your camera and show off your sushi art to the world!
Here it is—your sushi feast, finally ready to enjoy. After a day of exploring, learning, and creating, take a seat and treat yourself to every bite of what you’ve made. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, this is the perfect way to round off your experience. When you’re ready to head out, you can take a relaxed 15-minute stroll back to the station, or hop in a taxi for a quick 5-minute ride. Thank you for being part of this little adventure. Until next time—safe travels and bon voyage.
Hi, I’m Keitaro!
I’m a former sushi chef with experience both in Japan and the US, and now I’m here to share the real Japanese sushi experience with people from all over the world.
My kitchen is just a quick 20-minute train ride from Osaka’s Umeda Station. It’s clean, cozy, and the perfect spot to roll up your sleeves and make sushi in a safe, fun setting.
I love experimenting with ingredients, pairing sushi with local sake, and swapping travel stories. But here’s the serious part—sushi isn’t just food. It’s tradition, technique, and a way to connect people. That’s the part I want you to experience most.
Beginners? Totally welcome. I’ll guide you step by step, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can make beautiful nigiri.
So come hungry, bring your curiosity, and let’s create some delicious sushi and unforgettable memories together!
And hey, just so you know—I’m officially licensed too:
I hold a National Chef License (Japan’s official government certification for chefs),
Fugu Handling Registration Certificate,
Japan Sommelier Association–certified Wine Sommelier,
and I also hold certifications in Japanese whisky.
Nothing you need to worry about, but it’s nice to know your sushi is in safe hands!
Thank you all!
The closest station
Hankyu Shukugawa Station
How to get to the station?
From JR Ashiya Station: 15mins
Exact location provided after booking.
Yes, Sake Brewery & Hands-On Sushi Experience: with a Sommelier, Professional Sushi Chef – Near Osaka, Kobe & Kyoto has a vegan option.
Up to 6 people can join Keitaro's cooking class.
Duration of this cooking class is 6 hours.
It costs 29500 per person.
Yes, Sake Brewery & Hands-On Sushi Experience: with a Sommelier, Professional Sushi Chef – Near Osaka, Kobe & Kyoto has a vegetarian option.
You will receive the confirmation within 24 hours.
We accepts these cards on airKitchen.
Cancellations up to 48 hours prior to the class begins will be fully refunded by the airKitchen cancellation policy.
