Kyoto: Umeshu (Japanese plum wine) Craft & Evening Izakaya Tour

Located in the heart of Kyoto’s Sanjo district, CHOYA UME STUDIO Kyoto Sanjo offers a modern and interactive introduction to Japan’s beloved umeshu culture. Operated by CHOYA, a historic umeshu producer with over a century of expertise, the studio reimagines traditional ume craftsmanship in a contemporary setting. Here, guests move beyond simply tasting umeshu. By sampling different ume varieties, sugars, and base spirits, you experience how subtle changes in ingredients shape sweetness, aroma, and depth. The hands-on blending process transforms umeshu from a familiar drink into something personal—designed by you, to mature over time. In the early evening light of Sanjo, this creative workshop serves as the perfect prelude to exploring how umeshu is enjoyed in Kyoto today.

As the sun begins to set, the tour shifts from crafting to tasting in Kyoto’s vibrant Kiyamachi area—one of the city’s most atmospheric nightlife districts. Running alongside a narrow canal and lined with lantern-lit eateries, Kiyamachi blends tradition with modern energy. Here, umeshu is not confined to tradition; it appears in diverse styles—from rich, aged blends to light, sparkling variations served over ice. In a local izakaya, you will experience how umeshu pairs naturally with Japanese small plates, from savory grilled dishes to seasonal specialties. Unlike formal tasting rooms, the izakaya setting reveals umeshu in its natural habitat: shared, relaxed, and social. This is how locals enjoy it—between conversation, dishes, and the rhythm of Kyoto’s evening streets.