Kyoto
Sake tasting experience
Local Food & Drink Tastings • 3 hours
5.0
(6)
Sake tasting experience
Sake, sake, some snacks, but mainly sake...
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Join a host who will create a unique sake experience for you that’s personalized to your tastes
- Visit a historic distillery and learn about the sake brewing process
- Sample different kinds of sake and taste varieties you won’t find anywhere else in Japan
- Discover how important the unique waters of Kyoto’s river are in sake production - we knew there was something in the water!
- Explore the city’s most famous sake district and immerse yourself in its culture - a practical approach is key, so what we mean is, you’ll sample a fair bit of this rice wine
- Visit a shop where you can buy unique bottles of sake to take home with you - after you’ve sampled them, of course
- Visit an izakaya for some snack pairings - nothing goes better with sake than gyoza (although gyoza goes brilliantly with most things we find)
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
Private and personalized experience
3 hours with a Host
Pick-up from your accommodation (within a reasonable distance)
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
4-6 Tastings of Sake
One small dish to share or bar snack in each bar
What’s not included
Additional food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)
Meeting point
The host will be awaiting you at Matsumoto Kiyoshi Kyoto Shijo KawaramachiCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat to bring
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
- Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.
How your day could unfold
A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you mostWhat you’ll do
For sake lovers, there’s nowhere better to taste Japan’s famous rice wine than right here, in Kyoto! If you’re not sure if you fall into this category, you’d better try the experience to check. You’ll join one of our local Kyoto hosts who can’t wait to share the city’s sake heritage with you as you explore the Fushimi district together.
This area is also home to the most famous Shinto shrine in the city, so perhaps you’d like to swing past and add a bit of culture to your taste fest? Everywhere you look in this historic city, you will spot a spot of cultural significance, but we digress.
You’ll browse a sake emporium (where you can sample away before buying) and explore renowned breweries like Gekkeikan, which has been brewing sake since 1637. You’ll also be exposed to smaller family businesses that run microdistilleries and learn about the history of sake production and its heritage in Kyoto.
If you feel like something to nibble on, head to a local izakaya (which actually means ‘sit in sake shop) to share a few drinks and small plates with them. We’re sure you’ll be feeling thoroughly cultured by the end of this one if you know what we mean...
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
Michael_Chodrow_Kyoto_BR-1216013399
Surrounded by centuries of tradition
Night Lights & Lantern Legends
Charmed in Gion
Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections
Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera
Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto
Morning Light & Timeless Streets
Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around
Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way
Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine
A Table Full of Stories
New Friends in Old Streets
Tempura & Togetherness
The Fox Shrine Crew
Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins
Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company
Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections
Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates
Big smiles and even bigger stories
Soft Steps & Serene Views
From ancient torii gates to new friendships
A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city
Wandering through a forest of giants
A day filled with culture and laughter
Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades
Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm
A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley
The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.
Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope
Pagoda Postcard Vibes
Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted
Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto
Walking through these thousand torii gates
A Ryokan-Style Feast
Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove
Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari
Matcha Dreams Come True
Cocktails with a view
A walk through time
Rural charm and cultural calm
A peaceful pause with Kannon
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What travelers think of this experience
Dennis
Apr 2025
Milo was great in giving us the tidbits of info that only a resident or historian would have. What we enjoyed the most was that we were able to visit so many places in a short period of time. I don't believe we could have done that on our own. Milo did exactly what we expected of a guide - show us around an unfamiliar city.
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Daniel
Apr 2025
Milos was incredibly knowledgeable, thoughtful, and even tailored the tour as we proceeded. Excellent tour, would highly recommend :)
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Nicole
Apr 2025
Michael was a friendly and very knowledgeable guide. We thoroughly enjoyed the three hours wondering around the area and learning about the history as well as current happenings in this part of Kyoto. A few drinks together at the end was a memorable touch. Thanks Michael
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Christopher
Apr 2025
Miki was a wonderful and cheerful host who provided us with valuable information about Japanese culture, restaurants, and sites. She was flexible and willing to adapt our schedule to meet our wishes and interests. We enjoyed some delicious food and learned about each temple and shrine we visited. Additionally, we explored shopping districts and food stands. I would highly recommend Miki as a tour guide.
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Pat
Apr 2025
We are two retired couples from Hawaii . Our guide Cici was very personable and knowlegeable, with a warm and welcoming personality. We sent her some info before the tour about some physical limitations and she thoughtfully built some time in the tour to sit and rest. She took us on some of the "hidden gem" streets and knew about the architecture and other things we were interested in. We took a short tour - 3 hours - but felt that we got an excellent introduction to Kyoto. If we were younger and able to walk longer, a 5 hour tour would have been fun.
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Paul
Apr 2025
We had a wonderful day with our guide Emi. Her English was superb and her knowledge of Kyoto absolutely brilliant. From temples of gold to geishas it was unforgettable and the sushi conveyor lunch a true hoghlight of our cruise. Never thought i would ever eat conger eel egg custard
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