What to Bring

Travel Items for Sake Tours in General

This is general information which applies to all who travel with us.

Important items

  • CASH - You need to carry about 10,000 JPY or more in cash. There are many “cash only” places.

  • Comfortable and easily removable waterproof walking shoes. You will be taking your shoes on and off several times a day to enter most of the places we visit during the tour.

  • Clothing: We recommend packing layered clothing to help you adjust to changing conditions.

Recommended Travel Items for Sake Tours

  • Straps- to strap your glasses, phone, and camera. We ask people to strap everything to themselves so that you do not drop anything into a fermentation tank. If you drop any items to the tank, we are liable for the whole tank of sake

  • Inside sandals - If you wear shoes size 11 or larger (US men’s), please bring a new pair of cheap sandals with you. These sandals must be dedicated to “inside” the brewery or house and never touch the ground or any outside area.

  • 1 Suitcase with rollers and 1 small bag for an overnight stay on Thursday. Please limit to one suitcase of standard 26-inch size or smaller & a total weight of 25kg or less per person.

  • Reading light at night. Usually at Japanese style-inns, they do not have reading lights. Please pack a light reading light if you need one.

  • AC power splitter and electric adapter for Japan for charging all your gadgets. At hotels, you sometimes find only one power outlet. If you are not sure about the type of eclectic adapter, please check here. https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/plug-and-electricity/

  • Handkerchiefs or ‘do-rags’ are also a good idea. Paper towels are not found in public bathrooms.

  • Motion sickness medication if you need it.

  • Please bring small amounts of any over-the-counter medication you use often. Many OTC medicines available in the US/Europe/Singapore are only available by prescription in Japan. Sudafed is not sold here. Bufferin is available. You may want to pack cold medicine, motion sickness medicine and stomach medicine you know. We will sometimes be in a tour bus for nearly two hours.

  • You will find a mini kettle and refrigerator in the room. Please pack your favorite tea or instant coffee of your choice from home! Or, you can buy individually packaged coffee at convenience stores in Japan.

  • You will be meeting the local hosts for some activities. Our hosts are often our friends, and they often open their doors to Sake Tours guests out of their generosity. If you have some space in your luggage, please pack small gifts from your hometown, such as chocolates or candy.

Items NOT Recommended for Japan

  • Anything large in size, heavy, or bulky.

  • Huge, bulky backpacks – i.e., backpacks that do not fit in overhead storage or coin lockers.

  • Impractical footwear (i.e., lace-up boots, high heels).

  • Electrical appliances – voltage in Japan is 100V (hair dryers are available at hotels and inns).

To Prepare for Snow Weather

For those who travels with us from December to early March to Niigata, Hokkaido or Toyama, please be prepared for the snowy weather in addition of the items shown above! Although we will not be walking in the snow often, please expect snow. Depending on the temperature, streets can become quite slushy.

To prepare for the snow:

  • Snow boots or waterproof shoes you can change in and out of easily to visit breweries. You are asked to take off your shoes about 3 times a day.

  • Big, warm long coat

  • Warm gloves/mittens

  • Warm hat, hooded jacket, or headband

  • If you have time to shop in Japan, check out UNIQLO for HEATECH underwear products

For Toyama Tour

  • You will be asked to bring a Day backpack for Thursday and Friday. Your large suitcase will be sent to your future accommodation on Wednesday.

  • Toyama winter is cold and often rainy or snowy. Please be prepared for the snow.

For Niigata Tour

  • You will be asked to bring a Day backpack for Thursday and Friday. Your large suitcase will be sent to your accommodation on Wednesday.

  • Niigata winter is a bit milder compared to the other areas of more Northern areas of Japan, but please be prepared for the snow.

For Nagano Tour

Guests will enjoy the beauty of autumn season on Sake Tours Nagano Tour. November in Nagano is the peak of the autumn leaves. At the beginning of November, the typical temperature is about 8 - 14 °C/47 -58 °F during the day. It may be warm during the day, but the temperature drops at night.

  • So, it is best to bring many layers and a warm jacket.

  • You do not need to worry about snow. The southern part of Nagano does not start to snow until December or January.

  • We all hope the typhoon season is over by November, but it is a good idea to bring some rain gear.

Travel Tips