Cocktail and Distillery tour of Japan

I’m very excited to debut a project a couple of years in the making.

I’ve partnered with the highly experience cultural tour experts Intentionally Different Travel and their local Japanese team to present this unique program that we think is a world first.

Travelling to Japan for over a week to experience some of the world’s finest distilleries, cocktail bars and cultural highlights in a small group at a gentle pace.

We’ll visit Tokyo and Kyoto and a range of other places in between.

The trip is planned for early 2020, so if you want to add on a snow trip whilst you there, then it’s a great opportunity to extend your stay before or after this tour.

The tour will be limited to 12 guests for a bespoke experience.

I’ve created the program to showcase some of the most influential cocktail and spirit experiences that have seen Japan become a mecca for afficiandos and professionals alike.

The Bars

With the dedication and precision that Japanese culture is renowned for, we’ll experience a curated range of top quality bars during the trip. Some are very hard to find and small, but each will provide a memorable experience.  The first cocktail of the evening is included in the tour and then you’ll be given a guide to other local places I recommend in each area to enjoy as you feel.

Watch legendary bar person, Takao Mori craft a perfect dry Martini in this short clip

Cultural Experiences

The pace will be such that we won’t rush about each day. There will be free time to find your own adventures, and will also include masterclasses, talks and the opportunity to shop!

Along the way we’ll see iconic Tokyo attractions including the Edo museum, Asakusa Kannon temple and the Imperial grounds, plus a sushi making class. Additionally, we visit specialist glass, liquor and bar implement stores for some must have kit to take home!

Accomodation

Accommodation is in 4-star hotels with western bathrooms and larger rooms than a ‘Japanese Business style’ hotel. All breakfasts are included along with two lunches and a dinner. This allows you a greater choice of dining style. 

Our local Guide, who has accompanied all our programs to Japan, is extremely efficient and pleasant, adding another great experience to your journey. 

View of Mt. Fuji and Tokyo skyline at dusk.

The Distilleries

Japanese whisky has achieved a reputation around the world for their finesse, but the new wave of Japanese Gins are not far behind. So we’ll visit Suntory, Yamakazi and other distilleries, some not open to the public for tours to see how they craft their spirits and taste them naturally. We’ll also have talks from sake makers and spirits experts during the trip.

Get the Vibe

You can a sense of some of the fabulous bars and experiences we’ll have, enjoy this short clip from Monocle Magazine on the Tokyo bar scene.

More Information / Register your Interest Now

To find out more and express your interest, please email me.

Inclusions

Price includes: Services of Phillip Jones as your Tour Host and cocktail Master, local Guide, departure transfer in Osaka, all local transport, 10 nights’ accommodation in hotels and ryokan, meals and sightseeing as indicated, selected cocktails and Master Class, entrance and tour fees. 

Accommodation: Throughout we use comfortable hotels, well-located to restaurants and activities. Our ryokan stay uses ‘futons on the floor’ with western and Japanese bathrooms and great meals. A western bed can be arranged. Rooms are twin share with a single supplement for sole use. 

Food and drink: Breakfast is included every day at our accommodation. Also, two lunches and one dinner are included. First cocktail of the evening.

Not Included: Air fares, Visa fees, travel insurance (compulsory on all trips), arrival transfer in Tokyo, additional meals and drinks, optional tours, spending of a personal nature, laundry, tips for guides.