Discover the world of sake at the Hakushika Brewery in Nishinomiya. Learn how it's made, sample various sake types, and enjoy a guided museum tour with your host—a former sushi chef and certified sommelier.
After the tour, if you're up for it, I can show you a great spot for food that pairs beautifully with sake. And if you're available the next day, I’d love to have you in my sushi-making class.
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.
Hi there! We’ll meet at Hanshin Nishinomiya Station — Ebisu (South) Exit. Take the Hanshin Line from Umeda Station (front car) and get off at Nishinomiya. Exit the gates, walk south, go down the stairs at the far end, and you’ll see McDonald’s on your left — that’s our meeting spot.
From there, it’s about 15 min on foot, 5 min by taxi (~1,000 yen / $6–7), or 10 min by bus (250 yen). Fares are at your own expense.
Your admission and first sake tasting at Hakushika Sake Museum are included. Additional tastings are available for purchase. You’ll explore the museum, learn about sake culture, and enjoy guided tastings of several Hakushika varieties.
I’m your guide — a former sushi chef and certified wine sommelier — so expect stories, tips, and a fun, personal experience. After the tour, I can introduce local restaurants and izakayas for free, and for those who want more, there’s an optional One-Day Sushi Experience (limited spots).
The tour takes about 2.5 hours, and you can start anytime between 10:00 and 13:00.
Please note: The brewery is closed on Tuesdays.
Hi there! Hope you’re doing great. We’ll meet at Hanshin Nishinomiya Station — South (Ebisu) Exit. After the ticket gates, walk straight south and go down the far-end stairs. You’ll see McDonald’s on your left — that’s our meeting spot. From there, it’s easy to reach the Hakushika Sake Museum: • 15-minute walk • 5-minute taxi or 10-minute bus (both at your own expense; taxi ~¥1,000 / $6–7 USD, bus ¥250 per person)
We had a blast chatting along the way—it was the perfect icebreaker! Now, the fun part begins: exploring the world of sake. Dive into the authentic exhibits and soak in the unique atmosphere of the brewery—you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to another world.
Wander through the museum and check out everything from life-sized figures to centuries-old brewing tools. Feel free to snap photos as you go—it’s all part of the fun.
Time for your first tasting session (included with the 500 JPY admission). If you want to try more, extra pours are available—40 ml for just 100 JPY, and premium daiginjo for 500 JPY. Bigger 100 ml glasses are also an option. Just pace yourself—we don’t want you wobbling out of the museum!
Before we wrap up, let’s swing by the shop to check out some sake bottles, local treats, and unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else.
Once we get back to Hanshin Nishinomiya Station, the tour wraps up. But if you’re feeling hungry, I’d be happy to show you a cozy izakaya with awesome sake pairings or share some of my favorite dinner spots in Umeda.
If you’re free the next day, come join me at Sushi sKool K for a hands-on sushi-making class. You’ll pick up the tricks to shaping perfect nigiri and get insider tips from a pro. Thanks so much for being part of this sake adventure—I can’t wait to welcome you back soon!
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
How to get to the station?
From JR Ashiya station: 15mins
Free pick up service
This host can pick up you for free from the closest station!
Exact location provided after booking.
Please go to Hankyu Shukugawa which takes 15 mins from JR Ashiya station. Then Keitaro (host) will pick you up there!
It costs 14250 per person.
Up to 6 people can join Keitaro's cooking class.
Duration of this cooking class is 2.5 hours.
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.
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