Sake Tastings in Kyoto

Sake has been perfected in Japan over the course of more than 2,000 years and is known today as one of the most iconic customs of this great Asian nation.

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Japanese culture is by participating in a sake tasting in Kyoto. Not only will you learn the fascinating process behind this fermented rice wine but you'll also have the opportunity to lift a glass and sample the unique flavor combinations of the tipple.

Here's all you need to know about sake tastings, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Kyoto.

What are the best sake tastings in Kyoto?

Sake brewery and tasting walking tour

Immerse yourself in a world of sake on this small-group brewery tour.

Itinerary

On this sake tasting in Kyoto, you’ll head to the iconic Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum where you can discover the history behind the rice wine, which has been documented since the 3rd century B.C.

Here, you’ll learn the brewing process, which takes between 14 and 35 days, and have the opportunity to explore historic 20th-century equipment once used to make this delicious beverage.

Once you’ve been thoroughly educated on sake, you’ll journey to a nearby bar where you’ll sample over 20 different varieties, picking out the subtle notes in each.

Luxury sake, whiskey and cocktail tour

Discover Japan’s array of flavorful alcoholic beverages during this evening tastings experience.

Itinerary

Wandering through the maze of Kyoto’s narrow streets and back alleys, you’ll make your way to your first destination — one of the city’s leading cocktail bars. Here, you can try award-winning cocktails, paired with local snacks, before moving on to a family-run restaurant where you’ll enjoy a home-away-from-home experience, sharing stories and sake with the owner.

While you’re here, the family will ensure you’re well-fed, providing culinary delights, such as mochi, which is made from sticky rice. Finally, you’ll travel to Pontocho Alley, one of the most visited spots in the city, where you’ll sip on sweet, smokey and fruity whiskies.

Are there any combos available with sake tastings in Kyoto?

Kyoto sake tasting and cruise

Starting your combination tour, you’ll visit one of the most important shrines in Kyoto — Fushimi Inari-taisha — where you can learn about the Shinto religion and admire its setting in the foothills of Inari Mountain.

Then, you'll travel to the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum to learn about the tradition of sake and its importance in Japanese culture before hopping on a boat and sailing leisurely through the city.

Lastly, you’ll head to a sake bar to sample several different rice wines, varying in acidity, bitterness and sweetness.

Kyoto bike tour and sake tasting

On two wheels, you’ll cover plenty of ground on this full-day bike tour in Kyoto. You’ll explore Shinto shrines, bask in the serenity of temple gardens and, depending on the time of year, witness the flurry of fragrant cherry blossoms that decorate the city.

You’ll cycle through Gion, which has evolved over the centuries to become the leading geisha district in Kyoto, and alongside the meandering Kamogawa River. Ending your day trip in Kyoto, you’ll visit a renowned sake brewery for an introduction to the beverage and tasting session.

Which places are visited?

Sake tastings in Kyoto travel to various breweries and bars across the city. The history of sake in Japan reaches back over 2,000 years. It is thought that the beverage began being brewed during the 3rd century B.C. when rice cultivation started in the country. However, despite sake being known as a Japanese drink, it actually originated in mainland China where experts have traced its history back to 4800 B.C.

The process of making sake is similar to beer-brewing, and includes polishing and fermenting rice for a number of weeks to create a flavorful beverage. The word “sake” in Japanese refers to any alcoholic drink, whereas the fermented rice wine tourists speak of is referred to as “nihonshu.”

How much do sake tastings in Kyoto cost?

Sake tastings in Kyoto that take place at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum typically cost between US$90 and US$100 per person. Combination bike and sake tours also cost the same. You’ll pay US$290 each for both a sake, whiskey and cocktail tour, as well as a sake tasting experience with a boat excursion.

What is included?

Kyoto sake tasting experiences generally include several samples of the beverage. Some provide you with nine varieties while others allow you to try over 20. You may have some snacks included in your tour and you can expect admission fees to any attractions to be covered.

Where does it start?

Sake tastings in Kyoto start at various locations, depending on which part of the city you'll be exploring. However, you'll usually meet your guide outside one of Kyoto's stations, such as Chushojima or Kawaramachi.

You can see the meeting point of each tour before booking so that you can arrange any necessary transportation ahead of time.

How long does it last?

Sake tastings in Kyoto commonly last approximately 3 hours. However, if you have extra time to spare, you should consider opting for a combination tour, which can last up to 6 hours and enables you to explore more of the city in just a few hours.

When is the best time for a sake tasting in Kyoto?

You can participate in a Kyoto sake experience at any point during your vacation, making it an easy activity to slip into your itinerary.

If you'd like to see the annual blooming of the cherry blossoms, you should consider planning your trip between mid-March and mid-April. Alternatively, head to Kyoto in February for a more peaceful experience.

Are children allowed?

Children are generally allowed on most of the sake tours and will be served non-alcoholic drinks instead of sake. Please note that you have to be at least 20 years old to drink alcohol in Japan.

Travel tips

• The legal age for drinking in Japan is 20. Ensure you take a form of identification with you on your sake tasting in Kyoto so that you can enjoy the beverage.
• Tipping is not customary in Japan and in some cases, can cause offense. Instead, thank your guide for their services with a simple "arigato gozaimasu."
• Most sake experiences cover several destinations on foot so be prepared for plenty of walking with comfortable shoes.