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
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
Erica
May 2025
Mia was able to aliter our itinerary on a dime secondary to my change in interests. Very smooth, calm & cultural day. Super friendly and made herself available via WhatsApp for all coordination questions.
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Michael
May 2025
Having a host who is both an academic and personally immersed in the culture—despite being an outsider—created the perfect balance for an exceptional tour. Their unique perspective allowed for thoughtful reflection on the nuances of local customs and traditions. Being introduced to the enigma that is Kyoto, along with a deep understanding of the why behind its rich cultural habits and behaviors, left us with unforgettable memories and profound insights. The steady stream of evidence-based knowledge, combined with personal observations, elevated the experience on so many levels. We’re especially grateful that we weren’t rushed through every temple and shrine, yet still had the door to that world thoughtfully and meaningfully opened to us. Thank you for making us a fan of Kyoto!
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Chelsea
May 2025
Milo was fantastic! Gave us some fanatic history information, and made the trip fun. He matched our humor and we got to see everything we wanted and more. Gave some fantastic recommendations on food and drinks as well as kept our pace perfect for us. Would very much recommend him!
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Kimberly
May 2025
Nisa put together an excellent plan for us. We wanted off the beaten path, and she took us to two different places that we absolutely loved. It was very nice to be guided through the city with a knowledgable guide!
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June
May 2025
Ryuki was a fabulous guide! He was so kind and patient with my 87 year old mom and catered our tour to fit her needs. We would highly recommend Ryuki as a tour guide! He was very knowledgeable about Kyoto and made our trip so enjoyable!
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Andrea
May 2025
We loved the personalization and seeing things that really interested us. And Alex did well to avoid the crowds and show us hidden parts of Kyoto.
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