Beer and Luxury Fruit: A Japanese Beverage Pairing - Atlas Obscura Experiences
Gastro Obscura

Beer and Luxury Fruit: A Japanese Beverage Pairing

1.5 hours
$20 per device
See Dates
$20 per device
$20 per person
See Dates
What We’ll Do

Join Cicerone "Beer Sommelier" and food guide Mario Depeine for a unique cultural history and fruit pairing experience, combining his passion for beer with an intimate knowledge of the Japanese culture. 

We'll begin with Japanese luxury fruit and how they fit within the larger context of gift-giving culture in Japan. Mario will share practical advice such as why it's perfectly okay to tip despite common misconceptions, faux-pas to avoid, and how the Japanese really feel about it all. Then we'll explore the whys and hows behind Japan's seemingly exorbitantly priced fruits, when they're consumed, gifted, and how to avoid wishing someone death in the process! Finally we'll consider the important role of, and customs around alcohol consumption in facilitating open communication in Japan’s tightly knit society. 

During the second half of the experience, we’ll try a unique three fruit and beer pairing with cheese, where Mario will walk you through each combination, as well as share some tips and tricks on creating your own! 

You're welcome and are highly encouraged to taste the pairings along with Mario, although it is not required to enjoy the experience. Beer and food recommendations will be sent with ticket confirmation. Most supplies and ingredients (or similar substitutes) are available at any fresh food supermarket or liquor store.

Gastro Obscura Experiences: exploring the world’s culinary curiosities from home.

Where We’ll Be

ZOOM!

About Your Host
Mario J. Depeine
Mario J. Depeine

Mario J. Depeine is a Certified Cicerone "Beer Sommelier" and undeclared foodie. He came to Tokyo to pursue his graduate studies after doing trade promotion for Japan in the Washington D.C. area. He has since worked in PR, sales for local restaurants, and conducted hundreds of food tours throughout the city before launching Crafty Pairings, Japan's first beer pairing and regional cuisine experience. In his free time, you can find him scouring, depachikas (underground food halls), local fairs, and supermarkets to inspire his next creation. He is looking forward to re-discovering Japan through the eyes of prospective visitors while sharing his unique perspective on the local food scene and culture.

What Else You Should Know

Once registered, you can access the Zoom room for this experience through your confirmation email or Eventbrite account. This Atlas Obscura online experience is recommended for attendees age 21+.


This online experience will be recorded. A temporary link to the recording will be provided in a follow-up email to all ticket holders within 72 hours after the event. Access to this recording will be available for seven days.


This event is one of Atlas Obscura’s Online Experiences. At Atlas Obscura, our mission has always been to inspire wonder and curiosity about the incredible world we all share. Now, more than ever, there’s a need to stay connected—not only to our sense of wonder, but to each other.


We encourage you to follow and share the hashtag #AOExperiences for more incredible online experiences and our newest addition of Online Courses with Atlas Obscura and our friends. And check out AtlasObscura.com, the definitive guide to the world’s hidden wonders, to keep virtually exploring the world through the website’s atlas of amazing places, unique stories, and videos.

Dates and Availability

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