KYOTO-PRIVATE ：Private Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: Certified Expert & Inside Access

Overview

Discover Kyoto through its sake culture — beyond temples and shrines.
Explore the historic Kyoto city sake district and taste a variety of Japanese sake with an expert guide. Kyoto has been Japan’s imperial capital for over 1,200 years, and sake has long been part of its social and cultural life. On this private tour, travel by train to visit two different styles of breweries — a traditional sake brewery with more than 300 years of history and a modern craft-style brewery in central Kyoto. Enjoy rare access to the inside of an operating brewery, where you can see the real brewing process up close. This behind-the-scenes experience offers a deeper understanding of sake craftsmanship. Taste a range of sake, from dry and fruity to cloudy and plum wine, while learning how sake is brewed and what makes Kyoto’s brewing culture unique — helping you appreciate and enjoy sake even more. Led by a licensed guide with professional sake expertise.


・Learn about the soft water around Kyoto, which gives the local sake its flavor
・Explore local breweries and a sake factory, and discover the area's history through the art of sake brewing.
・Discuss your favorite sake brands and flavors with a local sake-expert guide
・Enjoy a peaceful walk through the quiet streets of Kyoto’s historic Fushimi district on the way to the brewery.

Schedule

• 1:00 p.m.

  Meeting point

  In front of the ticket gate of Keihan Chushojima Station.
  15 min from Gion-Shijo (Kyoto) or about 50 min from Yodoyabashi (Osaka) on the Keihan Line.

• 1:15 p.m.

  First Place-Gekkeikan brewery museum

  As the sliding doors of this 390-year-old brewery open, step into the fascinating world of traditional sake making. Fushimi.Thanks to its pure underground water, which gives Kyoto sake its smooth and elegant character. Along the way, discover how sake has been closely connected to Kyoto’s history — enjoyed by shoguns, samurai, and local townspeople for generations.
  With a certified sake expert, you’ll notice the subtle differences in aroma and flavor and learn what creates those unique tastes — making the experience even more enjoyable and memorable.
  Learn about the ingredients and brewing process and visit ends with a guided sake tasting.

  

• 15:00p.m.

  Second Place-Matsui Sake brewery

  Discover how a small Kyoto brewery combines tradition, innovation, and design to attract a new generation of sake lovers from Japan and around the world.With the help of your professional sake guide, the tasting becomes even more engaging as you learn the stories behind the brewery and receive tips on choosing the perfect bottle as a memorable souvenir.
  In contrast to the first brewery, this stop introduces you to a modern and innovative style of sake making.
  Although the brewery has a history of more than 300 years, today it operates with a small team of only about 15 people. Throughout changing times and social shifts in Kyoto, the brewery has continued to evolve, finding its own path while respecting tradition.
  Here you will first step inside the working sake production area, where you can see a real modern brewery in action and learn how contemporary techniques and ideas are shaping the future of sake.
  After the visit, enjoy tasting a range of beautifully crafted and stylish sake. These unique creations often surprise even experienced sake drinkers, reflecting the creativity and artistic spirit that Kyoto is famous for.