Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Private experience for 1–4 people — always your group only. Enjoy a relaxed and authentic experience in the heart of Kyoto.
Discover the world of sake with Kenji, a certified international sake sommelier who spent many years working at a sake brewery in Hyogo.
During the two-hour tasting, you'll have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of sake production from a professional insider.
Kenji will guide you through how to order, enjoy, and appreciate Japan’s national beverage — while tasting several hand-selected sakes from across the country.
Please join Kenji for sake and snacks at a very cool standing bar (no seats) in central Kyoto!
Group size: 1 - 4 people
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not suitable for individuals under 20 years of age, due to the legal drinking age in Japan
What To Expect
Guided by a certified international sake sommelier, you'll experience a cool standing sake bar in central Kyoto. While sampling some traditional Japanese snacks, you'll taste a wide range of sakes, with the goal of finding some new favorites.
Options
Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier
What‘s Included
Tastings of eight excellent sakes from across Japan accompanied by traditional Japanese snacks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
34 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly Recommend Kenji’s Sake Tasting!
Abby G,May 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Kenji was great! He was very communicative and made everything very easy. We learned so much about sake that we didn’t know! We tasted 8 sakes, learned how to read certain parts of the label and which region it came from. Kenji answered all of our questions and his English was great. We had so much fun and learned a lot. We would definitely recommend doing this tour!
Great time!
Sofia S,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very knowledgeable host and nice environment. Fun experience! Great variety in the products tried. A must try in Kyoto!
One-of-a-kind sake sommelier experience!
BKNYGAL,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kenji was a fabulous guide with an amazingly broad knowledge of the history, traditions and current trends around Japanese nihonshu (or sake). His patient explanations, including his experience in international sake sales, was a great privilege to hear about, alongside of great suggestions for very different types of sake. We tasted sake types that paired well with foods and types that were best to drink on their own. Great experience being guided by an expert who is also super interesting to talk to about Japanese culture and society :) Highly recommended for sake-lovers and for anyone who wants to learn more.
Lovely experience
Sara S,Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What a great experience. We learned so much from Kenji and enjoyed ourselves immensely. If you're interested in learning about Japanese sake & nihonshu, then this is the tour for you!
Kenji is a good time and...
Aaron,Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Kenji is a good time and very knowledgeable. Would highly recommend this experience for anyone looking to learn it all about sake!
A delightful sake experience
alanfX8278NI,Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My time with Kenji was exceptional from beginning to end. There wasn’t a single question I had that he did not have a meaningful answer or insight for. The selections Kenji made for the tasting were excellent, and he even helped select some bottles for me to take home. After we finished, Kenji was kind enough to share recommend a fantastic restaurant for dinner.
Amazing experience
kaylah199,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a lovely experience, sake was amazing and plentiful. Kenji was very accommodating of our children we would definitely recommend
Enjoy the world of nihonshu "sake"
79denab,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a delightful and educational experience with Kenji. He walked us through the basics of sake or Nihonshu including how to read the bottle, the different types, and the various regions of the breweries. We tasted several different varieties and brands. He is also a Japanese teacher so we were able to ask him questions about Kanji. He is friendly and has an excellent command of English. I'd highly recommend this tour.
Great sake tasting experience
Q324IXamyl,Mar 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We met Kenji for a sake tasting. It was a great experience for first time sake drinkers. We learned so much from Kenji about the process to brew sake and the different varieties. Kenji was very personable, and he answered all our questions. It was a pleasure to meet him and also talk with him about our travels in Japan. A fun and memorable experience - we highly recommend Kenji for sake tasting and tours.
Great Sake Tasting Experience
Amy L,Mar 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We met Kenji for a sake tasting. It was a great experience for first time sake drinkers. We learned so much from Kenji about the process to brew sake and the different varieties. Kenji was personable, and he answered all our questions. It was a pleasure to meet him and talk about sake as well as our travels in Japan. We highly recommend Kenji for tours and for sake tasting.
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Operated by Kenji from Kyoto, a certified international sake sommelier