Indulge in the ultimate pairing of sake and Kobe beef with this program. Paul Fouyer, a culinary specialist guide, as he shares in-depth insights into the world of sake and helps you select the perfect bottle tailored to your taste. Visit Harima’s renowned rice fields to learn about cultivation from local farmers, discover the deep connection between sake and Shinto rituals at a historic shrine in Kobe, and delve into the fascinating history of sake before selecting a bottle of your own. Enjoy this intimate, small-group tour where culture and flavour come together for an unforgettable experience.The experience concludes with a luxurious pairing dinner at a Kobe beef-certified restaurant, featuring the sake you chose. This exclusive tour also includes visits to Nunobiki Falls and the Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewery Museum, offering a unique glimpse into the natural and cultural heritage of Kobe.

 

Overview

  • In-depth sake explanations by a French-born culinary specialist guide
  • Visit a farm with the brewer to learn about the Japanese culture behind sake
  • Select your ideal sake with guidance and personalised drinking tips from the brewer
  • Pairing dinner featuring Kobe beef and the sake you chose at a certified Kobe beef restaurant

 

Itinerary

  • 12:00 Meet the guide (Paul) at Shin-Kobe Station
    • A hired car (taxi) will be waiting at the station’s taxi stand
    • Visit Harima’s rice-growing region (Kasai City, approximately 45 minutes one way), a key source of Nada sake ingredients
  • 13:30 Farm Visit
    • Learn from farmers about sake rice cultivation and soil preparation for paddy fields
    • Stop by a shrine in Kobe City to understand the connection between Shinto rituals, agriculture, and sake. Discover the significance of sake vessels in home shrines and the deep ties between Japanese people, rice farming, and sake
  • 16:00 Sake Insights
    • Visit the Kikumasamune Sake Museum for an explanation of sake’s history and production process
    • Choose and purchase your favourite sake with the guide’s assistance after the explanation
    • Transfer by car to the restaurant (with optional stops along the way to explore points of interest such as a water mill on the slopes of Mikage, highlighting the relationship between geography and industry)
  • 18:00 Kobe Beef Dinner
    • Enjoy an aperitif followed by the pairing of your chosen sake with Kobe beef
    • The guide and car service conclude their duties after dropping you at the restaurant

 

Guide : Paul Foyer

French born Paul began his love affair with sake when he took an internship at well-known brewery in Kyotango, which then led him to pursue a culinary career in Paris and Kobe. He now uses his expertise to lead food specialist tours aroud Hyogo and Osaka prefecture. He is absolutely passionate about bringing people into his world of sake, sharing his understanding of traditional sake brewing techniques and insight into life at a brewery. He has carefully cureted a tour to showcase Nada and its significance as a centre of sake production.

 

 

Minimum / Maximum Number of Participants

  • Minimum 2 people / Maximum 6 people (For 7 or more participants, a separate quotation is required)

 

Cost Management Table

Number of Participants Total Cost (Excl. VAT) Cost per Person (Excl. VAT)
2 ¥154,000 ¥77,000
3 ¥189,000 ¥63,000
4 ¥224,000 ¥56,000
5 ¥259,000 ¥51,800
6 ¥294,000 ¥49,000
7 or more people Upon request –

 

Included in the Cost

  • Guide fee
  • Private hire car/taxi (Alphard class)
  • Kobe beef official restaurant dinner
    Example: Plaisir “Teppanyaki Kobe Beef Course (Fillet 160g or Sirloin 180g) ¥19,580 + service charge”
  • Corkage fee at the restaurant (for BYOB)

 

Not Included in the Cost

  • Transport to Shin-Kobe Station and onward transport after dinner
  • Sake purchase costs
  • Drinks at the restaurant

 

Meeting Point

  • Shin-Kobe Station (JR/Subway)

 

Drop-off Point

  • Plaisir restaurant (2-11-5 Shimoyamatedori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City)

 

Event Period

  • Year-round, excluding the New Year holiday period

 

Languages Available

  • English
  • French

 

Meal Provision

  • Not available

 

Optional Extras

  • Kobe beef dinner / Sushi restaurant reservation (£22,000 per person)
  • Guide participation in dinner (£20,000 + guide’s meal cost per person)

 

Participation Conditions

  • Age: No restrictions (alcohol tasting, etc., requires participants to be over 20 years old)
  • Health and Physical Conditions: No restrictions

 

Other Information

  • Cancellation policy as per the organiser’s terms

 

Organiser

  • Mitate Co., Ltd.

 

 

For more information or to book this private experience, please email Paul directly at paul.fouyer@mitate.kyoto