- Duration
- About 1.5 hours
- Group size
- 6–60 pax
- Cities
- Tokyo
- Indicative budget
- From ¥15,000 per person
The tasting follows a progression: a sparkling or light sake to start, then junmai, ginjo and daiginjo styles, an unfiltered nigori and, depending on the season, an aged sake. For each one, the sommelier explains what makes the difference: rice polishing, water, yeast, region and serving temperature. Some sakes are served both chilled and warm for comparison.
Each glass comes with a bite chosen for the pairing: pickled vegetables, dried fish, cheese, sashimi or a small grilled item. Participants note their impressions on a simple sheet and vote for their favorite sake at the end. An interpreter translates the explanations, and the sommelier answers questions on buying bottles and taking them home.
For a corporate group, the tasting is a flexible format. It can open a dinner, close a working day or run during a cocktail reception. It also gives participants useful pointers for business dinners in Japan, where sake plays an important role: how to pour it, how to toast and how to talk about it with your hosts.
Objectives
- Give participants practical pointers for business dinners in Japan
- Create a relaxed yet structured moment early in the evening
- Discover a signature product of Japanese craftsmanship
How it works
- 1Setting up in a private room, at a restaurant or the hotel, with an interpreter.
- 2Sommelier's introduction: rice, water, yeast, polishing and the main sake styles.
- 3Guided tasting of six or seven sakes, some served at two temperatures.
- 4Pairings with Japanese bites and a personal tasting sheet.
- 5Vote for the favorite sake, questions and buying tips.
Good to know
- The legal drinking age in Japan is 20.
- Servings are small sips; water is provided throughout the tasting.
- Non-alcoholic alternatives available (koji amazake, Japanese teas) for participants who do not drink.
- Above 20 people, several tables are set up, each with a sommelier or assistant. Venues available in Ginza, Marunouchi, Roppongi or at your hotel.
- Allergies and dietary needs should reach us in advance so the bites can be adapted.
Indicative budget
From ¥15,000 per person (private tasting with bites, small-group basis). Tiered group rates on request depending on headcount; venue hire, interpreter and transfers optional.
Frequently asked questions
Can the tasting take place just before the group dinner?
Yes, it is the most requested format. The tasting is held in a private room at the restaurant or hotel, then the group moves to the table. The sommelier can stay on to recommend sakes during dinner.
What is the maximum group size?
Up to 60 people, split into tables of 8 to 12, each with a host. The lead sommelier gives the explanations to the whole room, with a microphone if needed.
Can participants buy the sakes they tasted?
Yes. We share the list of sakes and can arrange a group order delivered to the hotel. A bottle can also be given to each participant as an end-of-trip gift.
What about participants who do not drink alcohol?
They follow the explanations with a non-alcoholic selection: koji amazake, Japanese teas served at different temperatures, sometimes a yuzu drink. The bites stay the same, so they take full part in the discussion and the final vote.
