Experience the world of Japanese sake at the historic Hakushika Brewery in Nishinomiya! Learn the secrets of how sake is made, sample a variety of carefully selected sake types, and enjoy a private, guided museum tour with your host—a professional former sushi chef and certified sommelier.
Meeting Point:
The meeting point is the south exit of Hanshin Nishinomiya Station (See the neon sign in the photo gallery)
Head all the way to the southernmost exit, and once you reach the stairs, go down – you'll see a McDonald's right there. That's where we’ll meet!
2 Tanaka-cho Nishinomiya Hyogo, 6620973 Japan
Don’t worry, I’ll guide you from the station to the destination – just follow the laughs!
After the tour, I can show you a hidden gem for delicious food that pairs perfectly with sake.
If your schedule allows, I’d be delighted to welcome you to my sushi-making class the following day, where you can try your hand at crafting your own nigiri with expert guidance, depending on availability.
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.
Your Private Sake Brewery Experience:
•Begin your journey with a short train ride from Hanshin Osaka Umeda Station to Nishinomiya, the heart of the famous Nada Gogo sake region.
•Arrive at the historic Hakushika Brewery Museum and step into centuries of Japanese sake tradition. Your host—a professional former sushi chef and certified sommelier—will guide you through the exhibits, explaining the secrets of sake brewing, from rice selection to fermentation.
•Enjoy a curated tasting of both standard and premium sake. Learn to appreciate the subtle aromas, flavors, and textures of each type, while your host shares pairing tips and stories behind the brews. The first tasting is included in your tour fee; additional tastings are available on-site for those who want to explore further.
•Take your time capturing photos of the beautiful brewery, and browse the gift shop for unique sake-related souvenirs to bring a piece of Japan home.
•After the tour, if you wish, your host can guide you to a local hidden gem where you can enjoy dishes that pair perfectly with sake, giving you a full sensory experience of Japanese culinary culture.
Important Notes:
•The sake brewery is closed on Tuesdays.
•The full experience typically lasts 2–3 hours, depending on your pace and interest.
•Transportation between locations is easy by taxi or public transport; your host will provide guidance.
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, getting to the Hakushika Sake Museum is easy: 15-minute walk 5-minute taxi (~¥1,000 / $6–7 USD) or 10-minute bus (¥250 per person) — both at your own expense
We had a blast chatting on the way—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.
Wander through the museum and check out everything—from life-sized figures to centuries-old brewing tools. Go ahead and snap photos as you go—it’s all part of the fun!
Time for your first tasting session—it’s included with the 500 JPY admission. Want more? Extra pours are available: 40 ml for 100 JPY, premium daiginjo for 500 JPY, and even bigger 100 ml glasses if you’re feeling adventurous. Just pace yourself—we don’t want you wobbling out of the museum!
Before we wrap up, let’s swing by the shop and 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. Feeling hungry? I’d be happy to point you to 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 learn the tricks to shaping perfect nigiri and pick up insider tips straight 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 Station
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.
It costs 14250 per person.
Up to 6 people can join Keitaro's cooking class.
Please go to Hankyu Shukugawa Station which takes 15 mins from JR Ashiya Station. Then Keitaro (host) will pick you up there!
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.
