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Japan Guide

A Japan guide, curated by DREAMSAKE - a Daiginjo sake that embodies Japan’s devotion to craft, balance, and quiet pleasure. Produced in Hyōgo, the birthplace of premium sake, DREAMSAKE is made using finely polished Yamada Nishiki rice and Miyamizu water from Mount Rokko. Clean, all-natural and free from sulfites or preservatives, it’s exceptionally smooth, umami-forward, and lifted with notes of honeydew melon.

Here, we explore Japan in four words - Izakaya, Ryokan, Onsen, Sake - each one a portal into the country’s rhythms and rituals. From smoky back-street bars and immersive inn stays to mineral-rich hot springs and perfect pours, this is a considered journey through places shaped by care, atmosphere, and intention. Like DREAMSAKE itself, everything in this guide is about balance: refined but relaxed, rooted in tradition yet made for modern wandering.

Order any bottle or case of DREAMSAKE by 31st December 2025 and you'll be automatically entered to win return flights for two from London to Tokyo - buy now!

Izakaya Ryokan Onsen Sake

Ebisu Yokocho, Tokyo

Brace yourself for this smoky labyrinth of bars and see how well cold sake pairs with hot skewers. No better place to observe Tokyo’s full cast of characters and watch their stories unfold.

Chuo Mishokugai, Kanazawa

These tiny five seater bars showcase the specialities of the region. Dip your toe into the world of umami with the beautifully marbled Noto beef or Gasu-ebi, a local type of shrimp that must be eaten the day they are caught and are never exported because of how quickly they spoil.

Nishimuraya Honkan, Hyōgo

This grand ryokan has stood the test of time with immaculate gardens drawing you into another world. If you’re lucky, a winter’s break here will line up with the season for sweet, briny snow crabs.

Motoyu Ishiya, Kanazawa

This low-key family run establishment presents the warmest version of hospitality. Take dinner in your room, or overlooking a gilded open-air theatre stage.

Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata

This storybook onsen town in the remote northern reaches of the country feels suspended in time. For full effect, visit in winter when a long soak in the saline water will keep you warm long after as you wander the snow-lined streets.

Kurokawa, Kyushu

Set in a narrow valley in Japan’s southern island, Kurokawa’s volcanic foundations produce a generously soft, milky water. With a wooden bath pass in hand, wander from one open air onsen to the next.

Ponshukan, Niigata

Before you leave the station, grab a cup and sample some of more than 100 types of regional sake. Token operated vending machines will issue you with a perfect pour so you can taste your way from brewery to brewery.

Eureka!, Tokyo

Eureka!, Tokyo. Marie Chiba is one of the leading names in sake - whatever she opens is guaranteed to have a best-in-class sake list with outstanding food to match. Come here for a masterclass in umami.

The Dream Ticket

WIN FLIGHTS TO JAPAN WITH DREAMSAKE

Order any bottle or case of DREAMSAKE® between 24th November and 31st December 2025*, and you’ll be automatically entered to win return flights for two from London to Tokyo. Immerse yourself in the rich culture behind Japanese sake, with a chance to win an unforgettable trip to Tokyo. *Terms and conditions apply