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

Kyoto , Japan

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

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About this experience

Uncover the little-known sake culture of Fushimi, Kyoto on a 3-hour insider brewery visit + sake tasting and food pairing session with an expert.

Deepen your knowledge of sake making process and a bit of history of its production at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum. Enjoy the samples of different types of sake as well as leaning details and varieties and personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour.

This is a fun and educational experience to change your way of enjoying sake.

If you love sake but don't know what to select or want to know more about sake, join us and let's deep dive into the world of sake.

After you experienced this, you will know which type of Sake actually you like, and you will be able to select your favorite Sake from labels or restaurant's menu even if they are all written in Japanese.

Available options

10am - 1pm Sake Experience

Insider Sake Brewery Tour & Expert Sake Tasting + Food Pairing

2PM-5PM 3H Sake Experience

Insider Sake Brewery Tour & Expert Sake Tasting + Food Pairing

3pm - 6pm Sake Experience

Insider Sake Brewery Tour & Expert Sake Tasting + Food Pairing

1PM-4PM 3H Sake Experience

Insider Sake Brewery Tour & Expert Sake Tasting + Food Pairing

What's included

Otsumami (traditional Japanese appetizers) for food pairing

Dedicated private sake tasting room

Guided by a certified Sake Sommelier

Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum - admission fee and guided tour

Sake cheat sheet and tasting note to help you choose your preferred sake

Sake tasting (10+ types selected by a sake sommelier)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

・ 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

・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

What's not included

Transportation to/from attractions

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

165 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

731 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A small amount of walking is involved; comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Legal drinking age in Japan is 20; customers under 20 years of age will only be served non-alcoholic drinks

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.

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

Guests without a reservation (including children and non-drinkers) will not be allowed to join the tour

Vegetarian option for snacks is available, please tell your guide on site

Recommended to have your lunch or brunch prior to the tour.

Our 3-hour sake tour has limited availability and often fills up weeks in advance. We recommend booking early to ensure your preferred date.

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.

Important notes

Thank you for booking!

*Please come to the meeting point 10 min before the starting time as we will leave for the brewery on time. To provide the best tour to all, we must start on time. You will not be able to join the tour, get refund or rescheduled if you are late for the tour and missed the group. Taking public transportation may take longer than you expect so give yourself extra time. Your respect for the group is much appreciated.

Meeting point : outside of [Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum] (月桂冠大倉記念館)
Find a guide with a sign 'Kyoto Insider Sake Experience'

Google Map
https://goo.gl/maps/CGDiy3rHkCHkev969
*Search by the museum name 'Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum' on the map APP, not by the address as it will lead you to the wrong location.

Access
From JR Kyoto Station : About 25 min
From Gion-Shijo Station : About 20 min
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Here is a time schedule for the experience;
- Greet and introduce each other (5 min)

[In the Brewery] (75 min)
* Learn process of making sake / what makes the differences of sake
* Know history of largest sake producing company in Kyoto
* Get a chance to have quick sake tasting
* Buy souvenir at the museum sake shop (optional)
- Take a short walk to venue for sake tasting session (10 min)
- Stop on the way a little and enjoy the local feel of less touristy side of Kyoto (5 min)

[Sake Tasting Session] (85 min)
* Taste the differences of various flavors
* Deepen knowledge of different categories
* Get to know your favorite type of sake
* Enjoy otsumami, snacks that we eat when drinking
* Feel free to order more sake and buy your favorite bottle at your cost.
*******

Please note..
- The venue for sake tasting session may be varies due to its availabilities
- Let the guide know at the site if you have any food preference
- Recommended to have your lunch or breakfast prior to the experience

This is our original map of neighborhood for your reference :)
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Vfr3yBVOSjSWYyNuT1iFfGH8dPdJmY1z&usp=sharing

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.