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
17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting
Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.
recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.
What travelers think of this experience
Danielle
Jun 2025
Great host!!
Show more
Danielle
Jun 2025
Masaya planned and executed an amazing day for our group of two families! We saw everything we wanted and learned a ton from his knowledge. Thank you Masaya!
Show more
Charmaine
Jun 2025
Absolutely wonderful experience. My guide Milos was amazing. Great Personality, extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Kyoto. He was able to take me “off the beaten path” where there were no crowds. I interacted and dined at a tiny counter in someone’s home. Just an overall wonderful way to see the city at an economical price point. Will recommend for sure.
Show more
Anthony
Jun 2025
Eiko was fantastic. My family loved her.
Show more
Binoy
Jun 2025
An amazing experience we were taken on . She showed us the entire life of Kyoto . She showed us the hidden gems of Kyoto city .
Show more
Margaret
Jun 2025
Our 3 hour walking tour of Kyoto was not only enjoyable but informative. Jose was a perfect host taking us through the streets of old Kyoto, parks, Shrines, Temples and providing us with great narrative throughout. Even though it was rainy at times, we enjoyed it regardless. Thanks Jose.
Show more