Insider Sake Tours Japan
Presented by the Australian Sake Festival, Insider Sake Tours Japan invites you to journey deep into the world of Japanese sake, food, and culture on our fully escorted tours led by Sake Samurai, Simone Maynard..
From intimate brewery visits and guided tastings to local culinary experiences and cultural encounters, our exclusive tours offer rare insider access to the people, places, and traditions that shape Japan’s sake world. Whether you’re a devoted sake enthusiast or simply curious, we provide a unique opportunity to discover sake at its source.
Nara Sake Tour 2026
November 2026
Coming Soon
Nara, one of Japan’s oldest cultural centres, is also the birthplace of sake brewing. With its ancient temples, serene landscapes, and centuries-old brewing traditions, Nara offers a unique opportunity to explore the roots of Japanese sake and other foundations of Japan's rich culture.
Tour Host
Simone Maynard
Sake Samurai
Simone Maynard is one of Australia’s most recognised sake professionals. She has been working in the sake industry as an educator, advocate and consultant for over ten years and in 2022 was awarded the honorary title of Sake Samurai.
Simone has travelled and lived in Japan where she developed her love of Japanese culture, cuisine and craftsmanship along with her deep passion and respect for sake and the people who brew it.
Her friendly, engaging personality and unwavering enthusiasm for all things sake make Simone the ideal host for these delightful 'sake-focused' cultural tours. Her personal connections to local brewers and artisans allow guests to enjoy unique experiences and gain valuable insight into the sake world.