Farm-to-Table Dining and Sake Extravaganza

Eat your way through Koga in an exclusive culinary tour

Off the beaten path doesn’t necessarily mean having to stray too far from Tokyo. Koga City in Ibaraki Prefecture is not often visited by foreign tourists, but is bursting with fine dining. A visit there offers an amazing adventure into local culinary delights, from freshly brewed sake to seasonal meals. All of this is available on a private, English-friendly tour offered by Musubi.

This course was inspired by the “slow food” movement first begun in Europe, and incorporates those ideals into local culture. You will have the chance to interact directly with long-established farm owners and sake brewers who are eager to share their values with customers and tourists.

The day starts with a visit to Aoki Sake Brewery, which began production in 1831. Tour the brewery to see for yourself how delicious sake is created and taste various brews, which are unique in that they are all locally produced. Your drinks may be served in glasses crafted by local glass maker Hario.

You will also enjoy a delicious meal at the Akiba Noen (farm). Akiba Noen has been family-owned for over a dozen generations and showcases superb local seasonal produce and animal products. The husband-and-wife owners, a former Tokyo chef and an herb-tea-blending expert, respectively, are passionate about food education and will hand-create an exclusive course meal just for you (vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, or gluten-free upon request). You can also join an herb blending lesson and sample their famous cocoa tea, which tastes almost as rich as hot chocolate.

Finally, with a full belly, take a tea break at Sakacho and Sane Café. As your body digests all the nutritious, delicious foods and drinks, you will have time to take in the full impact of your time spent with friendly local experts in this countryside city.

Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Ueno-Tokyo Line train to Koga Station (about one hour 16 minutes).