Kyoto Sake Tasting: Private Brewery Tour with Inside Access
Most Kyoto sake tours focus on a museum or tasting room. This private tour goes further with a reserved visit to Matsui Sake Brewery, a small working brewery founded in 1726, where guests can enter the actual production area when brewing conditions allow. Start in Fushimi at Gekkeikan, founded in 16
What To Expect
Stop 1
Pass byMeet at the north gate in front of small sake barrel monunent.
Stop 2
⏱ 45 minAdmission includedEnjoy a peaceful walk through the quiet streets of Kyoto’s historic Fushimi district as you make your way to one of Japan’s most famous sake breweries. Learn about the ingredients and brewing process and visit ends with a guided sake tasting. 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. 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.
Stop 3
Pass bytake trains to visit next brewery and get off at Demachiyanagi station.
Stop 4
⏱ 1hAdmission includedIn contrast to the first brewery, this stop introduces 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 about 15 people who continue to evolve while respecting tradition. Step inside the working production area to see a modern sake brewery in action. After the visit, enjoy tasting beautifully crafted and stylish sake that reflects Kyoto’s creativity. With guidance from a professional sake expert, you’ll discover the stories behind the brewery and the unique flavors that attract a new generation of sake lovers.
Stop 5
Pass byTour finish at this station.
What to Bring
- •Public transportation options are available nearby
- •Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- •Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- •Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- •Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- •Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- •Alcohol cannot be served to guests under 20, as drinking under 20 is prohibited by Japanese law.
- •Guests entering the brewery production area may be asked to follow basic hygiene rules, such as wearing provided caps and shoe covers and avoiding strong scents.
- •If you wish to spit during the tasting as part of professional evaluation practice, please let us know in advance.
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.8 (6) | — | — | — |
| Duration | — | 1 hour | 1h 15m | 1 hour |
| Group size | — | — | — | — |
| Price (from) | US$147.29 | US$35.53 | US$49.74 | US$46.42 |
| Cancellation | Non-refundable | Non-refundable | Non-refundable | Non-refundable |
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