Nadagogo is one of Japan’s premier sake areas. Located just a short trip from Kobe Sannomiya or Osaka city, Nadagogo is a must-visit destination for sake lovers.
You may join a sake brewery tour, enjoy tastings, and immerse yourself in unique sake-related experiences. Start your day with a tour of the breweries, and then spend the afternoon exploring Kobe’s sightseeing spots. This one-day model course will guide you through a perfect day of discovery and indulgence.

First of all, let’s head to Uozaki Station by Hanshin Railway!

From Hanshin Main Line Kobe-Sannomiya Station to Uozaki Station, it only takes 8 minutes by limited express train.
From Hanshin Main Line Osaka-Umeda Station, it takes 22 minutes by limited express train.

Sakuraen is a memorial museum operated by the renowned sake maker Sakuramasamune, It is a complex having a dining area, bar, café, and a store where you can enjoy sake tasting.
One of the highlights here is the hands-on experience of designing your own sake label (not for free). Creating your original bottle with a personalized label should be a perfect way to commemorate your visit to Nadagogo, namely Japan’s premier sake region.

↓Walk for about 7 minutes

Taru sake is a celebratory sake stored in cedar or cypress barrels, allowing the sake to absorb the fragrant wood aromas as it ages. These barrels are all handmade by skilled craftsmen, and at the Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewery Museum’s Taru Sake Meister Factory, visitors can watch the making process of barrels. (Reservations are required via the website at least two days before your visit.)

Despite the absence of nails or adhesives, the taru barrels never leak sake. It’s a rare opportunity to see the skilled craftsmanship of the artisans up close while surrounded by the delightful aroma of the wood.

↓Walk for about 9 minutes

Housed in a brewery built in the early Taisho period, Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum offers an easy-to-understand introduction to the traditional sake-making process, with life-sized mannequins depicting each step. You can sample three different types of sake at the free tasting corner, or even dress up in a brewery worker’s uniform for a memorable photo. This hands-on experience provides a deeper understanding of Japan’s sake culture.

↓Walk for about 18 minutes

When it comes to lunch time, we recommend a Japanese restaurant called Sakabayashi inside Kobe Shushinkan which is run by the world-famous brewing company of Japanese sake “Fukuju”.

At Sakabayashi, you can enjoy the view of a Japanese garden decorated with seasonal flowers while having Kaiseki cuisine. Enjoy them with a glass of Nama-zake, which can only be tasted at the brewery, and taste the seasonal flavor.

Right beside Kobe Shushinkan exhibited a huge sake barrel which is a perfect spot for a commemorative photo!

↓Walk for about 11 minutes

Hanshin Main Line Ishiyagawa Station

↓11 minutes by train

Hanshin Main Line Motomachi Station

↓Walk for about 10 minutes

Meriken Park is one of Kobe’s must-see sightseeing spots. It is home to the city’s iconic landmark, Kobe Port Tower, which was newly renovated in spring 2024.

From the rooftop deck, you can enjoy the stunning view of both the sea and mountains. The tower also features a light museum, gallery, and plenty of photo-worthy attractions. A standout experience is the unique rotating café and bar, where the floor slowly rotates 360 degrees. As you taste Kobe Port Tower-themed sweets and drinks, you can take in the panoramic views from every angle.

Additionally, on the second floor, which is free to enter, there is a local specialty shop featuring Nadagogo’s finest sake and other regional products!

The shop offers a wide selection of mini bottles and cup sake, perfect as souvenirs from your Kobe trip. You can also enjoy a kakuuchi experience, where you can drink the sake you’ve purchased right on the spot!

The “BE KOBE” monument in Meriken Park is another symbolic photo spot.

↓Right beside

After exploring Meriken Park, let’s hop on a Kobe Port cruise! This 45-minute cruise trip around Kobe Port offers not only views of the mountains and bay area, but also a glimpse of Japan’s largest shipyard with its floating docks, and even submarines being repaired or built. On clear days, you can also catch sight of Awaji Island and the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge!

The best time to board is from sunset into the evening. Watch the sun dip below the horizon and enjoy the sparkling night views. Besides, no reservations are needed and you can even get the cruise ticket on the same day!

↓Walk for about 14 minutes

For dinner, there’s no better choice than a Kobe beef steak! At the Kobe beef specialty restaurant “Kisshokichi,” you can enjoy top-quality Kobe beef at a reasonable price. Taste the rich sweetness and aroma that unfold with every bite of the beautifully marbled steak. Indulge in the full experience of this world-renowned delicacy.

Kisshokichi has several stores in Kobe-Sannomiya area. You can also choose to make a reservation in English or Chinese which is convenient for overseas customers.

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This 1-day model course packs Kobe’s top attractions into a single day. If you want to dive deeper into Nadagogo, discover more of Kobe’s hidden gems, or customize the course to your own, be sure to check out the articles below for more inspiration. Wishing you a wonderful trip to Kobe!

▼Sightseeing and Gourmet Food info of Kobe▼

What is Nadagogo? History, features, and access to the best SAKE BREWERIES in Japan

First Time in Kobe. 21 Best Things to Do! Sightseeing, Spots, Dining, Model Course

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