Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Sake is a Japanese alcoholic beverage made from rice grain. In Japan, it dates back to the 3rd century B.C., when the particular method of rice planting used for sake was introduced. This sipping libation has been enjoyed and savored ever since.

Board your comfortable motorcoach for a delightful drive through the city of Kobe, en route to the Sake Brewery and Museum. The southeastern section of Kobe is renowned for producing fine quality sake. The production of the wine has evolved over the centuries, influenced by the cultural climate, while always maintaining and preserving sake's ancient traditions. The sake you will sample today is made from the pure waters that run through the Rokko Mountains.

Upon arrival at the Sake Brewery Museum, you'll notice the scent of wood and straw. This is because the museum is housed in an authentic sake "kura" (brewery). The large two-story structure is populated by life-size dioramas depicting the various steps involved in sake production. See exhibits that demonstrate the inspection of the mash, stirring of the yeast, and other steps in the sake-making process. As you walk through the museum, enjoy the musical selections that play through the speakers; they are traditional work songs that help to establish a lively mood. A screening of an old promotional short film as well as a variety of industrial videos explain the entire sake-making process, helps to explain sake's origins as well as provide instruction on how to better enjoy your sake tasting.

No tour of a sake factory would be complete without a visit to the brewery's tasting room. The sake is even more sublime after you understand the labor that goes into producing this traditional Japanese beverage.

Before returning to port, your excursion includes a photo stop at beautiful Mt. Rokko. Located in southern Hyogo and on the northern coast of the Osaka Bay, Mt. Rokko is the highest peak in the Rokko mountain range. It towers at 3,000 feet and is equipped with a variety of leisure and sporting activities. The mountaintop temperatures are five to 10 degrees cooler than in Kobe, so it is a good idea to bring a jacket in addition to your camera.

Upon arrival, drive to the top of the mountain for a stop at the Mt. Rokko Observatory. Here you'll enjoy spectacular panoramic vistas of Kobe's Osaka Bay and, on clear days, the Inland Sea. Be sure to have your camera ready to snap the spectacular panoramas (weather permitting).

Re-board the motorcoach and enjoy a picturesque ride back to Kobe Port.