Learn about craft spirits in the country that defines craft

See a different side of Japan with me this May

You can learn a lot about a place from its drinks, and nowhere is that truer than in Japan.

This trip will introduce you to the drinks that tell Japan’s history in a whole new way, and will lead you off the beaten path to cities you wouldn’t discover on your own.

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May 13 - 25, 2026
9 Days, 3 Cities
An unforgettable way to explore Japan

Where We're Going

Go off the beaten path to learn more about Japan while drinking some of its best beverages

I recommend flying into Osaka, which has an international airport.

If you’ve never been to Japan before, Osaka is a great place to anchor yourself while exploring the Kansai region. (Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe are all a short train ride away!)

Alternatively, you can fly into Tokyo and take the bullet train to Kobe. 

Kobe

Home to the best sake

Japan’s finest sake comes from the city of Kobe, thanks to its mountain water and world-famous rice. We’ll dive into the centuries-old traditions that made sake what it is, sip premium varieties straight from the source, and learn what makes sake more than just “rice wine.”

Bonus: You’ll have easy access (and a free day) to explore nearby Osaka, Kyoto, or Nara.

Fukuoka

An island dedicated to shochu

Get ready to explore Fukuoka, the gateway to Iki Island—one of Japan’s hidden gems. This charming island is famous for its traditional shochu craftsmanship, where centuries-old distilling techniques blend with coastal vibes. Sip authentic, handcrafted shochu made with unique local ingredients while enjoying the stunning scenery.

Bonus: Fukuoka is widely recognized as the home of ramen and is known for its world-famous tonkotsu style made with pork.

Kagoshima

The next generation of Japanese whisky

We couldn’t go to Japan without enjoying some of their famous whisky! Travel to Kagoshima, the south-easternmost point of Japan, where the pace of life is slower and you’ll be one of the only tourists around. We’ll venture outside the city to try small-batch, meticulously crafted whiskeys that showcase Kagoshima’s unique climate and spirit, giving you a fresh perspective on Japan’s whiskey scene.

Bonus: There’s lots of natural beauty to explore here, from an ancient garden to an active volcano.

Naha, Okinawa

A unique place, making a unique spirit called awamori

Few tourists in Japan ever make it to Okinawa, which is a damn shame! Its culture and cuisine are unlike anywhere else on the mainland, and you’ll understand exactly why when you learn about its complicated history while sipping on its local spirit, awamori. 

Bonus: Okinawa is famous for its beaches, water sports, and snorkeling. Tack on a few more days at a local resort to make the most of it!

* All itinerary details are subject to small changes based on availability.

More Details

Everything you need to know!

What’s Included:

  • Hotels for the whole itinerary (8 or 11 nights)
  • Transport between cities (flights, trains, taxis, etc.)
  • Boozy day trips in each city
    These are full-day experiences with end-to-end planning. Think tours of breweries/distilleries with spirits tastings, plus pit stops at worthwhile attractions, and all the transit in between (ferries, drivers, etc.)
  • Extra group activities detailed above (like welcome and farewell drinks, bar crawls, etc.), plus some impromptu ones not listed
  • Detailed maps for each city with recs for food, drinks, and things to do
  • Me! I’ll be with you for the whole trip, ready to handle logistics and answer questions, or provide recs, as needed
  • Local guides and drivers, where applicable
  • Additional support — I’m a registered travel agent and Japan is my home away from home. I can help you book hotels for other cities on your itinerary, and provide recs, where applicable.

What’s Not Included

  • Airfare to/from Japan
  • Drinks outside of official tours & tastings
    (You’ll be responsible for your tab during bar crawls, and anything you order when we’re out and about.)
  • Entrance fees outside of our boozy day trips
    (E.g., Museum tickets, additional tours on free days, etc.)
  • Meals & snacks
  • Souvenirs, shopping, incidentals, etc.
  • Travel insurance

Secure your spot

This inaugural trip is limited to 6 people.
You can save your spot with a $500 deposit.

Mainland Trip

9 days, 3 cities — $3,500

Full Trip

12 days, 4 cities — $4,250

✨ Super Early Bird  ✨
Pay your deposit by Nov 1st and I’ll take $250 off!

Deposits are non-refundable.
If you have questions, shoot me an email before signing up! 

FAQs

Curious about something else?
Shoot me an email: caro@betweendrinks.co

How many people are going?

I’m capping this first trip at 6 people so that we can be a cozy, chill little group. It’ll mostly be friends and friends-of-friends, so good vibes are practically guaranteed. 

What hotels are we staying at?

The vibe is “simple but nice.” Hotel rooms in Japan are notoriously small, but you’ll have your own room with a comfy bed and a private bathroom. We’ll all be staying at the same place, in a nice, central part of town. (If you want to share a room with a friend or partner, let me know! A small discount will apply.)

What drinks are included?

Drinks offered during tours and tastings are included. You’re responsible for your own bar tabs when we go out.

Can I work remotely on this trip?

I’ve designed the itinerary to fit in as much as possible, while still giving you enough downtime so you’re not exhausted by the end of the trip. You could technically work during your free time, but I wouldn’t recommend it. That being said, you can easily stay connected via hotel wifi, local data, etc., so if you need to check in occasionally, that shouldn’t be a problem.

What’s the payment schedule?

A $500 deposit is required to save your spot on the trip. This is non-refundable, so be sure before you buy! The remaining balance will be due in February.

Would you recommend adding more time before/after this trip?

If you can swing it, yeah! In a perfect world, you would fly into Osaka and explore the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara) before joining us in Kobe. And after Okinawa, you’d fly to Tokyo and enjoy some time there before heading home. If you have other itinerary questions, I’m happy to answer them!