Kyoto: Curated Japanese Whisky Tasting
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
What is Japanese whisky? Is it different from Scotch? Why is it so popular? Find out at this small-group whisky tasting experience in Kyoto!
Enjoy a curated selection of 5 Japanese single malts in this friendly, interactive experience. Tastings are hosted by a certified whisky expert, and are limited to 4 participants, giving you plenty of opportunity to ask anything you want to know about Japanese whisky.
Tastings last for approximately 90 minutes and are held at a dedicated venue in the Nishijin area (easily accessible from Nijo Castle or Kinkakuji), giving you a chance to experience a part of Kyoto off the usual tourist track.
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This experience will be moving to a new location in summer/autumn 2026. Until then, tastings will only be offered (very) sporadically on Tripadvisor. If you're looking for a whisky tasting in the second half of 2026, please check back later. Thanks!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This experience takes place in a traditional Japanese-style venue where shoes are removed in the entrance. Comfortable socks recommended
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
You’ll begin with a brief introduction to Japanese whisky and how it developed, followed by a guided tasting of five Japanese single malt whiskies selected to highlight different distillery styles. Each whisky is introduced with context on its distillery and character, with time to taste, compare, and ask questions throughout. The session lasts around 90 minutes and takes place in a private indoor space, with light snacks available during the tasting.
What‘s Included
5 Japanese single malt whiskies (guided tasting)
Hosted by a certified whisky expert
Tasting notes and tips for choosing and buying Japanese whisky
Light snacks during the tasting (nuts, dried fruit etc)
Transportation to and from the venue is not included
Options
Kyoto: Curated Japanese Whisky Tasting
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Outstanding whisky tasting experience
Anna Sarah,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I’ve attended wine tastings before, but this Japanese whisky experience in Kyoto was on a completely different level - and I mean that in the best possible way. Greg, the host, went above and beyond before the evening even began. My dates in Kyoto didn’t align with his regular schedule, and he graciously arranged a private session just for me. That kind of hospitality set the tone for everything that followed. Over the course of six unique single malts, Greg guided me through the stories behind each distillery, their history, distinctive methods, and the nuances that make every pour unique. He has a rare gift: deep expertise worn lightly. You leave feeling genuinely educated, not lectured to. The selection was thoughtful and beautifully curated - each whisky a new discovery, each one building on the last. And the conversation was as memorable as the whisky itself. What set this apart was the warmth of it all. Greg is a natural storyteller and a gracious host, and the evening felt less like a ticketed event and more like being invited into the home of someone who truly loves what they do. Highly, highly recommend. One of those rare experiences you’re thinking about for days.
Great host, great atmosphere and great whisky!
Marc C,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Host Greg was fantastic. Very passionate and knowledgeable about whisky. Beautiful Japanese building. A+ experience all the way.
Great host, great atmosphere and great whisky
Ontario2BC,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience! Would totally recommend this to any whisky lover. Host Greg was very passionate and knowledgeable about whisky, discussing history, ingredients, whisky-making techniques and even whisky controversies. The location is a little off the beaten path, but totally worth it. Located in a traditional Japanese building in a quiet neighbourhood, with big windows looking out to a tiny but beautiful garden, the atmosphere amplified the experience. 5 samples were laid out when I arrived, and Greg shared 2 additional bonus selections, including a rare single cask malt. I went out and bought a bottle of the Fuji single malt the same day. A+ all the way. Thank you, Greg!
Don’t miss out!!
donbananapana,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing night! Greg is the man!! He knows EVERYTHING about whisky!!
A fun way to spend an afternoon in Kyoto…
J5041NVsureshk,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an awesome experience at Greg’s whiskey tasting - he is knowledgeable, articulate, and effortlessly made us appreciate the finer points about Japanese whiskeys. Over a casual and relaxed conversation, he arranged for us to taste half a dozen whiskeys with his insightful comments - my favorite was the Miyagikyo single malt 10 (non-peaty). I would highly Greg’s whiskey tasting! 👍
From ¥14,800
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