Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 60 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo worth booking?
Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo is a 2-hour experience in Ginza, Japan, from $229 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 60 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 52 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (60)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $229 per person
In this 2-hour Japanese Whisky Tasting tour, you'll visit a local whisky bar with an English-speaking guide, taste different types of Japanese whiskies, and learn more about what makes Japanese whisky different from other whiskey in the world. Availability: Every day from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM except holidays (tours may start at 8:30 PM on some occasions)
What you get
About this experience
In this 2-hour Japanese Whisky Tasting tour, you'll visit a local whisky bar with an English-speaking guide, taste different types of Japanese whiskies, and learn more about what makes Japanese whisky different from other whiskey in the world. Availability: Every day from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM except holidays (tours may start at 8:30 PM on some occasions)
What's included
Included
- Service fees
- English speaking tour guide
- Photo opportunities
- Beverages/Whisky tasting: 4– 5 short glasses, depending on availability
Not included
- Add-on Food Tour (if selected)
- Gratuities (Optional)
- Rare Japanese aged whisky (Maybe available for purchase)
- Transportation to/from meeting point
What you'll see and do
Ginza
Tokyo's most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district, featuring numerous department stores, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, night clubs and cafes.
Pass by without stopping
Yurakucho
Add-on Yurakucho Food Tour
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Ginza
The exact direction to the meeting point will be provided after booking. Please check your message through Viator.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The exact direction to the meeting point will be provided after booking. Please check your message through Viator.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- zh-TW, ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Japan Awaits
Know before you go
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age is 20 years (drinking age in Japan)
- A current valid passport or identification card is required on the day of travel (proof of age may be required at bars)
- Dress code is smart casual
- Smoking: Please be aware that many establishments, especially bars, will allow smoking in Japan
- What is Japanese whisky?
- Whisky may not be originally from Japan, but recent years saw the world taking notice of whisky bottles coming out of the country. Japanese whisky brands Suntory and Nikka, etc., have now joined the ranks of its Scottish counterparts in terms of quality ratings and popularity.
- What kinds of Japanese whisky will I be tasting?
- Some examples are: Chita, Yamazaki 18, Hakushu, Hibiki Blender’s Choice, Yamazaki 1982, and other whisky.
- In this 2 hour small group Japanese whisky tasting tour, visit a local bar with your tour guide to taste various types of Japanese whisky (4 – 5 short glasses, depending on availability) and learn about the subtleties and differences of these different brands, how the whiskies are aged and what sets the Japanese whisky apart from others around the world. You will also be able to experience what a local bar in Tokyo feels like, as you enjoy the atmosphere, talk to the bartender (with the help of your English-speaking tour guide) and sip on your chilled whisky (spelled “whisky” not “whiskey” in Japan). Some rare Japanese aged whisky may be available for purchase (not included) at the bar for guests interested
- This tour operates daily from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (except for some holidays)
- Please note that this tour will be at a local bar only, and does NOT include a distillery tour
- Standard Cancellation Policy
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 7 days or less before event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 14 days or less before event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 25% if booking is cancelled 20 days or less before event
- Q&A
- What if I'm late?
- Although this is a private tour, the guide will wait up to 30 minutes after the scheduled start time. If you do not arrive within this time, the tour will be considered cancelled.
- Japan Awaits is a licensed tour operator in Japan, with hundreds of registered and vetted tour guides nationwide. We offer tours in any location in Japan and manage all details, including transportation and tickets. Visit Japan Awaits to learn more about our tours or inquire about a custom experience today.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 60 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
60 verified traveler reviews for Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Japanese Whiskey Tasting Experience
Gifted my husband the Japanese Whiskey tasting experience and we had an amazing time. Our guide to Japanese whisky was Shunsuke Moriyama-San, showed us great hospitality, taught us the history of whisky making in Japan and took us through a great line up of tastings. I must experience for whisky lovers. Hibiya Whisky-S Bar was a brilliant establishment, vast selections of whisky’s and the staff was attentive and incredible.
via Tripadvisor
Japanese whisky tasting with food
My wife and I love whisky, and this tour was perfect. The tour guide was incredibly pleasant and knowledgeable about the area, although I can’t remember his name. He took us to two local restaurants, and we thoroughly enjoyed the food. We were so full after the first restaurant that at the second one, we only ordered some delicious fried anglerfish. After our dining experiences, we visited a nice, quiet bar that had an impressive selection of whiskies. I lost count, but I would estimate that we tasted around six or seven different whiskies. The education we received during the tour was outstanding. I highly recommend this tour, and be sure to include the food tasting beforehand!
via Viator
Overpriced and crooks!!!!
Crooks they sell you telling you they will match the prices. When I came back telling them each bottle of whisky I bought is 12k yen difference. They refused to match or refund. Horrible customer services. The Chinese guys working there lie and the Japanese guys don’t understand customer service to even apologize. Avoid this place
via Tripadvisor
Great bar! Great guide!
We took the tour with Shun! It was great! We took 6 drinks and chocolate. He explained Japan history and we even talked about our country! So much fun!
via Tripadvisor
Great Time!
Incredible time, incredible whisky, excellent company - Duke was wonderful and gave us some great history. Duke was an excellent resource and incredibly thoughtful in his explanations Japanese whisky tradition. His enthusiasm has left us wanting for more. We can’t recommend him highly enough!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $229 to $70,200
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 21
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Japan Awaits, who run 41 experiences we rank across 12 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.9.
See everything Japan Awaits runsWhy this scores 52
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ginza.
How much does Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo cost?
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Prices start at $229 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Ginza usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Ginza is not rushed.
Is Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 60 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable food & drink in Ginza, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo?
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Around 21 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Ginza can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Ginza and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Ginza within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Ginza?
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On Outty we rank every Ginza experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 1-Day Tokyo Bus Tour, Mt Fuji and Hakone 1-Day Bus Tour Return by Bullet Train, Nikko, Kegon Waterfall & Chuzenji Lake from Tokyo. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Ginza?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Ginza?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo?
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Included: Service fees; English speaking tour guide; Photo opportunities; and Beverages/Whisky tasting: 4– 5 short glasses, depending on availability. Not included: Add-on Food Tour (if selected); Gratuities (Optional); Rare Japanese aged whisky (Maybe available for purchase); and Transportation to/from meeting point. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo?
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The exact direction to the meeting point will be provided after booking. Please check your message through Viator. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo offered in?
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It is offered in Chinese, Japanese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Ginza. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Japanese Whisky Tasting Experience at Local Bar in Tokyo?
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Across 60 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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