Museum · Odaiba / Shiodome / Shinbashi
Japan Sake and Shochu Information Center
Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
The Japan Sake and Shochu Information Center is a museum and tasting room located near Shimbashi Station in Minato, Tokyo. Operated by the National Tax Agency, it provides an in-depth look at the production, history, and varieties of sake and shochu. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring brewing tools, regional maps of distilleries, and interactive displays. The highlight is the tasting corner, where for a small fee you can sample dozens of different sakes and shochus from across Japan. Knowledgeable staff offer recommendations and explanations. The center also sells a curated selection of bottles, making it a great place to learn before buying. It's a compact but informative stop for anyone interested in Japanese culture.
Don't miss
- Taste a wide variety of sake and shochu from different regions
- Learn about the brewing process through exhibits and videos
- Browse and purchase bottles from the on-site shop
- Get personalized recommendations from sake experts
- Free admission with optional paid tastings
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Japan Sake and Shochu Information Center
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Japan Sake and Shochu Information Center with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inTokyo: Meiji Shrine and Shinto Culture Walking Tour5★ · 450 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$20 per personSee dates →
Most bookedTokyo: Imperial Palace and Shogun Historical Walking Tour4.9★ · 2,958 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$22 per personSee dates →
Private & flexiblePrivate Tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and Riverside Walk5★ · 29 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$249 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Bring ID if you look under 20; legal drinking age in Japan is 20.
- Cash recommended for tasting fees and purchases; some cards accepted.
- English pamphlets and some English signage are available.
- No food is served; eat before or after your visit.
A bit of history
Established in 1963 by the Japanese government to promote sake and shochu both domestically and internationally. The center moved to its current location in the Nihon Shuzo Toranomon Building in 2015.
Common questions
Do I need to make a reservation?
No, walk-ins are welcome. Groups of 10+ may want to call ahead.
Can I buy sake here?
Yes, there is a shop selling a curated selection of bottles.
Is there an age limit?
You must be 20 or older to taste alcoholic beverages.
How many samples can I try?
Tasting sets typically include 3–5 samples; you can purchase multiple sets.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, but no flash near exhibits.
Are there guided tours?
Self-guided only, but staff are happy to answer questions.
More attractions in Minato