Classes  /  Sake for Travelers

Sake for Travelers to Japan!

A journey to Japan — get ready for sake country

About this class

Sip and learn about sake — before you fly.

Planning a trip to Japan? Sake is everywhere — and knowing how to navigate it will transform your travel experience! Join us at the Sake Studies Center at Brooklyn Kura in NYC for an immersive sake class designed specifically for sake-loving travelers headed to Japan. We'll give you the knowledge, vocabulary, and confidence to order sake like a local, visit breweries off the beaten path, and discover the styles you love most.

Set inside our state-of-the-art NYC sake brewery, this is a uniquely hands-on, fun and interactive learning experience. You'll tour the brewery, taste sake fresh from the press, and work your way through a guided flight of 5 premium sakes — including selections straight from Japan. Our Sake 101 presentation will cover everything you need to know, and you'll leave with the practical tools to understand and order sake the moment you land in Tokyo. We'll also walk you through the do's and don'ts of sake etiquette — from how to pour for your table-mates to the customs and rituals that show respect and make the best impression wherever in Japan your travels may take you.

What's included

  • Insider tips on how to find and visit sake breweries in Japan
  • A vocabulary cheat sheet so you can confidently order the sake that suits you perfectly
  • Sake etiquette and cultural customs to help you drink with confidence and respect
  • Sake 101 presentation covering all the sake basics you need to know
  • Guided tasting of 5 premium sakes, including selections from Japan
  • Guided tour through our NYC sake brewery
  • Sake 101 handouts to take with you on your travels
  • Light nibbles to pair with your sakes
Our guide leading a brewery tour among the tanks at Brooklyn Kura A guided sake tasting flight on the Sake Studies Center tasting mat Two hands raising blue-ringed sake cups in a toast

Come taste, learn, and get ready for the sake adventure of a lifetime!

Timothy Sullivan

Meet your teacher — Timothy Sullivan

Director of Education and lead instructor at the Sake Studies Center. Over 19 years of sake teaching experience, awarded the title of Sake Samurai by the Japan Sake Brewers Association in 2007. Timothy brings deep knowledge and hands-on brewing experience to every class.

Good to know

Do I need any sake experience?

None at all — this class is built for travelers of every level, from first sip to seasoned enthusiast.

Where do classes take place?

At the Sake Studies Center at Brooklyn Kura — Industry City, Building 6, Inner Courtyard, 34 34th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232.

What's the cancellation policy?

Cancellation and rescheduling can be accommodated up to 24 hours before the class. Refunds are issued minus the booking service fee, which is withheld by our ticketing partner AnyRoad and can't be refunded by us. Use the Modify Booking link in your confirmation email. (If we ever have to cancel a class on our end, you receive a 100% refund.)

Make it a pre-trip ritual

Pair this class with our Sake & Cheese Pairing or Warm Sake Tasting and land in Japan a step ahead.

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