3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings

Kyoto, JP
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (955 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Traditional otsumami food pairings that show how Japanese people naturally enjoy sake with food
  • inclusion
    10 carefully selected sake, chosen by a certified Sake Sommelier to help you discover your own taste
  • inclusion
    Admission and guided visit to the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, adding cultural context to tasting
  • inclusion
    Guided by a certified Sake Sommelier with clear, friendly explanations for all experience levels
  • inclusion
    A sake cheat sheet and tasting notes to help you confidently choose and enjoy sake after the tour
  • inclusion
    A private sake tasting room where you can relax, focus, ask questions, and taste at your own pace

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • exclusion
    Transportation to/from attractions

Meeting Point

Meeting point : Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum (Meet the guide inside the museum) 25 min from JR Kyoto Station : Take a train on Kintetsu Line to Momoyamagoryo-Mae Station then walk about 10 min. 20 min from Gion-Shijo Station : Take a train on Keihan Line to Chushojima Station then walk for 5 min.

Meeting point

697 Motozaimokuchō, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-8043 , Japan

End point

What to expect

1
Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

・ Join a certified Sake Sommelier for a guided tour of the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum ・Learn about the history of Gekkeikan, and the ingredients and making process of sake ・Sake tasting (3 types) from Gekkeikan

Duration 90 minutes
Admission Admission Included
2

Kyoto Insider Sake Experience

・Sake tasting (7+ types chosen by a Sake Sommelier) ・Otsumami (traditional Japanese appetizers) for food pairing ・Discover your sake preferences, and learn how to choose your preferred bottle

Duration 90 minutes
Admission Admission Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    A small amount of walking is involved; comfortable walking shoes are recommended
  • Additional information
    For safety and legal reasons, alcohol will not be served to guests who arrive by car or bicycle (non-alcoholic drinks available). No refunds if unable to participate in the sake tasting.
  • Additional information
    Guests without a reservation (including children and non-drinkers) will not be allowed to join the tour
  • Additional information
    Legal drinking age in Japan is 20; customers under 20 years of age will only be served non-alcoholic drinks
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Additional information
    Our 3-hour sake tour has limited availability and often fills up weeks in advance. We recommend booking early to ensure your preferred date.
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Recommended to have your lunch or brunch prior to the tour.
  • Additional information
    Sake breweries generally do not allow visitors to enter the production area for health and safety reasons. We will explain the production process during our tour of the brewery museum
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Vegetarian option for snacks is available, please tell your guide on site
Provided by Add Stories Co.,Ltd.

What our experts say

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    Try to arrive early for a good spot.
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    Consider visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine nearby.
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    Grab lunch at a local izakaya before the tour.
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    Wear comfortable shoes for the short walk.
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    Ask your guide for sake pairings for dinner.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of Kyoto's sake culture with the 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience. This immersive tour takes you to the renowned Fushimi district, where hidden sake breweries and rich traditions await. Led by an expert guide, you'll gain insider access to the fascinating world of sake production and indulge in exquisite tasting sessions and food pairings.

What to expect?

During this 3-hour tour, you can anticipate a deep dive into the art of sake making and a glimpse into its historical significance. The experience begins at the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, where you'll have the opportunity to learn about the intricate sake-making process and its evolution over generations. Although the production area is not accessible due to COVID-19 safety measures, the attached museum area provides a wealth of knowledge and showcases traditional brewing tools. Afterwards, you'll embark on an extraordinary tasting adventure guided by an expert. Delight in the discovery of rare sake varieties that have never been exported, while savoring the nuanced flavors of dry, sweet, rich, and fruity sake. Additionally, you'll have the chance to explore the art of food pairing, indulging in authentic Japanese snacks that harmonize perfectly with the distinct characteristics of each sake.

Who is this for?

The 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience welcomes both sake enthusiasts and curious travelers eager to deepen their knowledge of this revered Japanese beverage. Whether you're a novice seeking an introduction to the world of sake or an experienced connoisseur in search of new flavors, this tour caters to all levels of interest. Embrace the opportunity to connect with local sake experts, who will gladly answer your questions and share their expertise. Regardless of your background, this immersive experience is designed to enlighten, educate, and entertain, creating unforgettable memories for all.

Why book this?

This immersive sake experience stands out with its unique blend of education and enjoyment. The tour grants you exclusive access to a renowned sake brewery in Fushimi, a district known for its rich sake heritage. Witness the time-honored brewing processes that have been passed down for generations, and gain a profound understanding of the production techniques that contribute to the diverse range of sake flavors. With the guidance of an expert, you'll have the opportunity to taste sensational sake varieties unavailable outside of Japan, expanding your palate and broadening your appreciation for this exquisite beverage. The delectable food pairings further elevate the experience, offering a harmonious fusion of flavors that enhance the enjoyment of each sake. By the end of this tour, you'll not only have acquired valuable knowledge, but also the ability to confidently select and appreciate your favorite sake from labels or restaurant menus, even if they're written in Japanese.

Good to know

This 3-hour tour of Kyoto's sake culture commences at the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, conveniently located in Fushimi. To reach the meeting point, a short train ride from JR Kyoto Station or Gion-Shijo Station will bring you to the museum, where you'll join your guide for an unforgettable experience. Please note that due to current circumstances related to the coronavirus, the brewery does not allow guests into the production area. However, the museum area provides a captivating visual journey through sake history and brewing techniques. As you explore, immerse yourself in the stories behind the tools and artifacts on display, gaining a comprehensive understanding of sake culture. Book this tour and embark on a remarkable adventure that will forever change the way you perceive and enjoy sake.

Reviews

Customers who have embarked on the 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience have raved about the insights gained and the overall satisfaction with the tour. Many praised the knowledgeable guides who provided captivating explanations of sake production and flavor profiles. The unique opportunity to taste rare and exclusive sake varieties delighted participants, with some expressing their newfound appreciation for the intricacies of this Japanese beverage. The food pairings were also highly regarded, enhancing the entire tasting experience. Travelers were impressed with the immersive nature of the tour and the chance to learn about sake culture in a meaningful way. Whether you're a sake novice or a seasoned enthusiast, this tour promises to be an unforgettable adventure that leaves you with a deeper appreciation for the world of sake.

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