Traditional sake tasting at Hakutsuru Sake Museum

The Nada district around Kobe is known as one of Japan's most important sake brewing centres. In a sake museum, barrels, old brewing tools and the process are explained, followed by a tasting of different kinds. The finesse of this drink, made of rice, water and skill, reveals itself in slow sips.

The tasting involves alcohol, so plan how you travel on. Drinking water between tastes helps. Take time to read about the brewing process in the museum; it gives the tasting more meaning.