Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Join a tour by MagicalTrip, proud winner of the Tripadvisor Best of the Best Award. Each experience is led by a MagicalTrip Certified Guide, professionally trained and carefully selected to ensure quality and authenticity.
Explore Kyoto’s famous sake brewing district in Fushimi and visit the Kyoto Sake Museum to learn about the history of Gekkeikan and the traditional sake-making process through detailed exhibits. The tour introduces the variety and characteristics of sake brewed in this area, helping you understand differences in aroma and flavor unique to Fushimi, Kyoto.
After exploring the brewery area and nearby historical spots such as old liquor shops and Teradaya, the tour concludes with a visit to a local shrine, where you can refresh yourself with pure Japanese groundwater and reflect on the experience.
This small-group tour is operated by Magical Trip, a trusted local company recognized with TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence.
Available options
Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour
What's included
Photos during the tour
* Anyone under 20 yrs old will get some foods or snacks instead of the sake tasting set.
Sake tasting (18 kinds of Sake at Sake restaurant))
A Certified guide by MagicalTrip
Admission fee of the Sake Museum
Detailed itinerary
1
Start Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Tour in Fushimi
2
Stop 2
Learn how to make Japanese Sake at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
Okura Museum. There, you'll learn about the rich history of Gekkeikan and the brewing process of sake by observing sake exhibits.
3
Pass by Teradaya
This is a famous tourist spot in Fushimi, Kyoto, where the hero of the end of the Edo period, Sakamoto Ryoma, was attacked and the “Teradaya Disturbance”, a famous tragic incident, took place.
The site of his former residence is now home to a statue of Ryoma and a stone monument to the nine heroes of the Satsuma clan, and next door is the “Ryokan Teradaya” inn, a reconstruction of the original Teradaya inn from the time of the incident, making it a well-known place where you can experience the turmoil of Kyoto at the end of the Edo period.
The surrounding Fushimi and Momoyama areas are famous for their sake, and are among the best places in Japan for enjoying sake. There are also many places where you can enjoy sake, such as the Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Hall, as well as shops in the area.
4
Learn about how to make Japanese Sake at Kappa Gallery
The Kappa Museum is one of Japan's leading museums dedicated to the kappa, a creature that has long been popular with the Japanese. The museum displays a range of materials that explain the origins, history and folklore of the kappa in an easy-to-understand way.
The Kizakura Memorial Hall also introduces the appeal of sake by displaying materials related to sake, including models showing the sake brewing process and tools used in the past.
What's not included
Additional food or drinks (available for purchase)
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
42 reviews
5★
38
4★
2
3★
0
2★
1
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Tripadvisor
4.9
582 reviews
5★
559
4★
15
3★
4
2★
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1★
3
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The itinerary for this tour includes some locations that are not accessible by a wheelchair or stroller.
This tour is not recommended for people with mobility issues, if you have trouble walking, please contact us to see if you can make the tour private.
Please note that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free or cater to dietary restrictions as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to MagicalTrip. Additionally, there may be instances where substitutions are not possible at certain stops; however, we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.
Summer in Japan is very hot and humid, so we recommend that you bring water and wear a hat to prevent heat stroke.
Meeting point
Chushojima Station, North Gate
https://goo.gl/maps/qkaDajY4P56rsxJSA
Your guide will be holding a board saying "MagicalTrip"
About Kyoto
Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.
Top Attractions
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
¥400
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.
Religious
2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike)
Free
Kiyomizu-dera
A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.
Religious
1-2 hours
¥400
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)
Gion
Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).
Cultural
1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event)
Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Kaiseki Ryori
A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.
Dinner
Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.
Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)
A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.
Matcha Desserts
Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).
Dessert
Vegetarian and vegan options available.
Obanzai
Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the mountains
Cycling through the countryside
Rafting on the Hozu River
Onsen (hot spring) visits
Tea ceremonies
Scenic walks in gardens and parks
Temple and shrine visits
Traditional tea ceremonies
Best Time to Visit
March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.
15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn)
59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited/Rare
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
JST (UTC+9)
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- • Use reputable tour operators and taxis
Getting there
By air
- Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
- Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto
By train
Kyoto Station
By bus
Kyoto Station Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Gion
Higashiyama
Arashiyama
Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)
Day trips
Nara
40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day
Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.
Uji
20 km from Kyoto • Half day
Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).
Kurama and Kibune
25 km from Kyoto • Full day
Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.
Festivals
Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th)
Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd
Aoi Matsuri • May 15th
Pro tips
- Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
- Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
- Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.
$99
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
