Kochi Sake
Discovery Tour 2026

HotelArrival and Check-in
@Richmond Hotel Kochi

Upon arrival in Kochi, please make your own way to the hotel.

ActivityMeet and Greet

The tour begins with a late afternoon get-together at the hotel.
Before we set off, there will be a relaxed gathering where all participants can introduce themselves and get an introduction to the journey ahead. It’s a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers, the tour host, and your local guide.

DinnerSakeTosa Sake Event

You will take part in a special sake event that brings together all 19 sake breweries from across Kochi Prefecture. For dinner, you will enjoy Sawachi-style cuisine, a local specialty. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience Kochi's unique sake culture.

ActivityRice Farm Visit

Under the guidance of Tosa Brewery’s owner, Mr. Matsumoto, you will visit the terraced rice fields cultivated by contracted local farmers. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, the stunning scenery of the rice paddies is truly captivating. Here, Mr. Matsumoto will share stories about the sake rice used by the brewery and the natural environment of the region.

SakeTosa Brewery (Keigetsu) Visit

Located in the mountainous northern region of Kochi Prefecture, this brewery has been dedicated to crafting high-quality sake for 147 years. On this tour, brewery owner, Mr. Matsumoto, will personally guide us through the production facilities. After the tour, you will have the chance to sample a variety of Keigetsu sake.

LunchSakeItalian Restaurant Ombelico

Mr. Matsumoto will join you for lunch and will select and discuss the sake pairings for the meal. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience how well Tosazuru sake complements Western cuisine.

DinnerSakeIzakaya "TOTOKI"

Mr. Takemura, the chairman of Kochi Sake Breweries Association, will give an introduction to Tosa Sake. Enjoy sake from Tsukasabotan Brewery paired with local dishes.

ActivityMorning at Leisure (Sightseeing Option Available)

If you wish to join the local tour, you will visit Kochi Castle and the Sunday Market with a local guide.
*No additional fee required.

Lunch“Nabeyaki Ramen”

Enjoy one of the local specialties, Nabeyaki Ramen - a delicious ramen served in a chicken and soy sauce-based broth, served straight from an earthenware hotpot.

DinnerSakeTosa no Okyaku Event

Okyaku is a quintessential Tosa-style way of enjoying life and sharing happiness with everyone. The "Tosa no Okyaku" event brings Tosa’s unique culture to the public. Immerse yourself in the lively, festive atmosphere, whilst enjoying Kochi’s sake, culture and cuisine.

SakeTsukasa Botan Brewery Visit

Established in 1603, Tsukasa Botan is a sake brewery with a long and rich history. On this tour, brewery owner, Mr. Takemura, will guide you through the facilities, sharing stories about the brewing process, and his sake line-up - including the sake that was served at your dinner on Day 2. After the tour, you will have the chance to sample a variety of sake.

LunchActivityNakatsu Gorge Visit

Nakatsu Gorge, located along a tributary of the Niyodo River, offers a peaceful walk through lush forest and beside crystal-clear streams. This pure water is the same source used by two renowned local breweries, Tsukasa Botan Brewery and Kameizumi Brewery. Enjoy a locally inspired lunch at the gorge.

BeerBlue Brew Visit

Mukai Craft Brewing was founded by Ken Mukai, a Japanese American, and his wife, Masako. The brewery uses water from a tributary that flows into the Niyodo River. While enjoying Ken's delicious craft beers, you will hear the story behind why he moved from California to start a brewery here, along with details about the unique beers he creates.

DinnerSakeSuigei-tei

At Suigei-tei, a restaurant operated by the Suigei Brewery, you can enjoy a variety of Suigei's signature sake - characterised by a rich, dry taste, subtle aroma, crisp finish, and a deep umami flavour - paired with dishes made using fresh, seasonal seafood and vegetables from the local area.

ActivityKure Taisho Town Market Visit

Here, you will meet Mr. Tanaka, the owner of Tanaka Fish Shop and a true katsuo (bonito) enthusiast. He will demonstrate how to skillfully fillet a bonito and prepare “katsuo no tataki” by searing it over a traditional straw fire.

LunchSakeTanaka Fish Shop

Enjoy freshly prepared bonito sashimi and straw-seared tataki, made right in front of you. The meal will be paired with local sake from Nishioka Brewery, offering a perfect match with the rich flavour of the katsuo.

SakeNishioka Brewery Visit

You will pay a short visit to Nishioka Brewery. With a history of over 230 years and blessed with a rich natural environment, this brewery specialises in sake that pairs perfectly with bonito. During our visit, you will get to enjoy tasting several of their sake and experience the flavour of the "Land of Bonito."

ShochuMutemuka Brewery Visit

Located in a region famous for its chestnuts, Mutemuka Brewery produces "Dabada Hiburi," a shochu using locally grown chestnuts. You will have an opportunity to taste their chestnut shochu as well as a variety of their sake, which is made with locally grown rice.

SakeFumimoto Brewery Visit

Founded in 1903 in Shimanto Town, a region renowned for its rice production, this brewery uses high-quality local rice to craft their sake. You will be guided through the brewery by their English-speaking Kurabito, Jonathan. Afterwards, you can experience a variety of sake tastings and simple food pairings with unique snacks at the on-site bar, "Osakeyasan."

ActivityHirome Market

Hirome Market is a great place to try a wide range of Kochi specialties, as you can buy food and drinks from different stalls and enjoy them at one of the many communal tables set up around the market. The guide will instruct you what kind of food is available and how you can purchase it.*You will have free time after the market tour.
*Please note food and drinks for dinner are not included. You are free to dine at the market or elsewhere, and your hosts will happily offer recommendations for the evening. Please also note that some venues are strictly cash only.

ActivityTsuno Town Tea Farm Tour

Tsuno Town, with its forested mountains and cool highland climate, is ideal for growing high-quality tea. You will visit local tea farmers with tea advisor Ms. Kakitani, explore their fields, learn about tea production, and enjoy a guided tasting of Tsunoyama-cha - known for its balance of umami, sweetness, and gentle bitterness.

ActivityHoujicha Roasting Workshop

Take part in a hands-on workshop where you can roast green tea leaves to make your own hōjicha (roasted green tea).

LunchSeiran no Sato

Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring locally harvested ingredients. Tsunoyama Tea Beer is also available.

ActivityWashi Paper Workshop

Create your own unique piece of washi using age-old Tosa washi methods and organic materials at Washi Studio Kamikoya.

ActivityKumo-no-ue-no Library/Gallery Visit

After the workshop, we will go on a tour of buildings designed by the world-renowned architect, Kengo Kuma, including Kumo-no-ue-no Library, which is known for its beautiful wooden interior and bookshelves that resemble a series of terraced rice fields.

DinnerSakeRestaurant Kogetsu

A local Izakaya serving a variety of homemade dishes with a great selection of Japanese sake.

ActivitySakeMorita Ceramic Art Laboratory Visit

You will enjoy a sake tasting using five distinct sake cups crafted by Mr. Morita, who will explain how the different shapes of the vessels influence the flavour and mouthfeel of the sake.

LunchSakeJapanese Restaurant Gyokuhai

The restaurant's specialty is their famous seared bonito. A variety of other dishes are also offered.

SakeKameizumi Brewery Visit

Kameizumi Brewery is a leading producer of sake made with the yeast “CEL-24” and has earned a strong reputation both in Japan and overseas. After the brewery tour, you will get to taste a wide variety of their sake, including those brewed with CEL-24 and other unique yeasts, as well as locally crafted liqueurs made with ginger, citrus fruits, and other local ingredients.

DinnerFarewell Dinner

Our farewell dinner on the final evening will be held at Hamacho - a traditional restaurant. We will make the most of our last night together by enjoying this rare opportunity to drink and play traditional games with Tosa Geisha!