Step beyond Nara Park and discover the vibrant culinary soul of Nara, the historic birthplace of Japanese sake brewing. On this relaxed 2.5-hour private food and drink walk, explore the beautifully preserved Edo-period merchant district of Naramachi, sampling centuries-old flavors, street food, and premium regional sake alongside an insider guide. 1. Historic Naramachi & Machiya Alleys (Traditional Merchant Town) Begin your stroll through Naramachi, a neighborhood filled with narrow wooden alleys and traditional "Machiya" (merchant townhouses). Discover the charming stories behind red "Migawari-zaru" charms hanging from eaves, visit local craft shops, and witness famous street performances like rapid mochi pounding at iconic local spots. 2. Local Sake Tasting & Regional Bites (The Birthplace of Sake) Visit a historic local sake brewery or traditional tasting room to sample crisp, local Nara sake while learning why this region mastered rice wine production over 1,000 years ago. Pair your drinks with regional specialties—such as Kaki-no-ha Zushi (persimmon leaf-wrapped sushi), savory skewers, or traditional sweets—while relaxing in cozy neighborhood spots frequented by locals. Please note that alcohol tasting is strictly reserved for guests aged 20 and over. In the rare event that a specific venue or brewery is closed, you will be eligible for a full refund for the tour. While we can adjust the itinerary to visit an alternative local tasting venue instead, this option is entirely optional based on your preference.