Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour

Kyoto , Japan

Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour

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About this experience

-Visit Kyoto's major sake brewery district and the Kyoto Sake Museum-
you'll learn the rich history of Gekkeikan and the brewery process of sake by observing sake exhibits. Three kinds of sake tasting are offered. After deepening your knowledge of sake, feel free to stroll around the area and visit the cultural and historical spots, such as liquor stores and Teradaya.

- Enjoy Kyoto's local sake samplings!-
Deepen your knowledge of sake and appreciate the different aromas and flavors between the 18 of them brewed in Fushimi, Kyoto.

-Be a little tipsy-
Stop by one of Kyoto's shrines, and get refreshed by drinking exquisite Japanese groundwater at the end of the tour

Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews!

Available options

Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour

What's included

Photos during the tour

* Anyone under 20 yrs old will get some foods or snacks instead of the sake tasting set.

Sake tasting (18 kinds of Sake at Sake restaurant))

Admission fee of the Sake Museum

Detailed itinerary

Start Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Tour in Fushimi

Stop 2

Learn how to make Japanese Sake at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

Okura Museum. There, you'll learn about the rich history of Gekkeikan and the brewing process of sake by observing sake exhibits.

Pass by Teradaya

This is a famous tourist spot in Fushimi, Kyoto, where the hero of the end of the Edo period, Sakamoto Ryoma, was attacked and the “Teradaya Disturbance”, a famous tragic incident, took place.
The site of his former residence is now home to a statue of Ryoma and a stone monument to the nine heroes of the Satsuma clan, and next door is the “Ryokan Teradaya” inn, a reconstruction of the original Teradaya inn from the time of the incident, making it a well-known place where you can experience the turmoil of Kyoto at the end of the Edo period.
The surrounding Fushimi and Momoyama areas are famous for their sake, and are among the best places in Japan for enjoying sake. There are also many places where you can enjoy sake, such as the Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Hall, as well as shops in the area.

Learn about how to make Japanese Sake at Kappa Gallery

The Kappa Museum is one of Japan's leading museums dedicated to the kappa, a creature that has long been popular with the Japanese. The museum displays a range of materials that explain the origins, history and folklore of the kappa in an easy-to-understand way.
The Kizakura Memorial Hall also introduces the appeal of sake by displaying materials related to sake, including models showing the sake brewing process and tools used in the past.

What's not included

Additional food or drinks (available for purchase)

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

39 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

567 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The itinerary for this tour includes some locations that are not accessible by a wheelchair or stroller.

This tour is not recommended for people with mobility issues, if you have trouble walking, please contact us to see if you can make the tour private.

Please note that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free or cater to dietary restrictions as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to MagicalTrip. Additionally, there may be instances where substitutions are not possible at certain stops; however, we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.

Summer in Japan is very hot and humid, so we recommend that you bring water and wear a hat to prevent heat stroke.

Meeting point

Chushojima Station, North Gate
https://goo.gl/maps/qkaDajY4P56rsxJSA
Your guide will be holding a board saying "MagicalTrip"

About Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.

Top Attractions

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.

Religious 2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike) Free

Kiyomizu-dera

A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.

Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).

Cultural 1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event) Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaiseki Ryori

A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.

Dinner Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.

Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)

A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.

Matcha Desserts

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Obanzai

Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Cycling through the countryside Rafting on the Hozu River Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic walks in gardens and parks Temple and shrine visits Traditional tea ceremonies

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.

15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn) 59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited/Rare

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto

By train

Kyoto Station

By bus

Kyoto Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gion Higashiyama Arashiyama Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)

Day trips

Nara

40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day

Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.

Uji

20 km from Kyoto • Half day

Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).

Kurama and Kibune

25 km from Kyoto • Full day

Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th) Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd Aoi Matsuri • May 15th

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.