Kyoto: Sake Tasting Journey to Two Iconic Breweries
Description
This is not just a sake tasting—it’s a deep cultural immersion into Kyoto’s living heritage. Unlike tours that visit only one location, this experience brings you to two of Kyoto’s most respected and contrasting breweries: Sasaki Brewery and Matsui Brewery. Guided by a seasoned sake expert, you'll gain rare insight into the subtle differences in brewing philosophy, taste, and tradition. What truly sets this tour apart is the unhurried pace and depth of storytelling. With ample time at each brewery, you won’t feel rushed—you’ll be able to engage all five senses, ask questions, and truly connect with the heart of Japan’s sake culture. Whether you're a sake novice or a seasoned enthusiast, this tour offers an enriching, authentic, and memorable Kyoto experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Located in a quiet, traditional neighborhood of Kyoto, Sasaki Brewery is a family-run sake brewery with deep roots in the city’s cultural heritage. Known for its refined and elegant brews, Sasaki Brewery carries forward centuries of craftsmanship while continuing to innovate. During your visit, you’ll learn about their time-honored brewing techniques and philosophy, passed down through generations. The tasting here features sake that embodies the elegance of Kyoto—delicate, smooth, and full of nuance.
Nestled near the banks of the Kamo River, Matsui Brewery represents a harmonious blend of tradition and originality. With a history that stretches back over a century, this brewery is known for crafting sake with bold character and rich flavor profiles. At Matsui, you’ll discover how local ingredients and Kyoto’s pure water come together in the brewing process. Their sake offerings often highlight seasonal expressions and distinctive tasting notes that showcase their creative spirit.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(2)
Juliette was a wonderful guide. She was incredibly knowledgeable, very friendly, and was such a pleasure to be around. Could not recommend her services enough! Thank you for a great time Juliette!
Not worth the money! This was a total rip off. One of the locations was nice, but the other was very low end. This cost of the tour would lead you to believe this was some sort of “experience “, but it was essentially an escort between locations that were far from each other. Don’t waste your money or your time!
