Kyoto · DRINKING TOURS
The 15 drinking tours below made the cut from everything we’ve reviewed across the region. Prices, durations and one standout note on each.
Explore Gion and Pontocho over 9+ Kyoto dishes and six sake tastings, with local guides, small groups, and useful food tips.
“J is a great tour guide! He is super knowledgeable about Kyoto, especially the Gieko districts and the local architecture. He provided great recommendations and conversation. He was the reason the tour was really fun! Thanks, J!”
Learn how sake is brewed, taste 10 styles with Japanese snacks, and gain the confidence to read labels on this focused Kyoto tour.
“The tour included a guided tour of the Gekkeikan Sake museum. Then, a guided tasting in the museum's tasting room. Then another tasting at a nearby restaurant. The sake was all very distinct and tasty. I enjoyed learning about brewing and food pairing. I would recommend this experience and probably do it again myself!”
Walk Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove, temples, gardens, monkey park, or a local sake brewery with a friendly bilingual guide.
“Absolutely amazing - our guide Toru was extremely knowledgeable and such a lovely guide. Worth a visit and highly recommended.”
Walk Kyoto’s Kawaramachi and Kiyamachi with a local guide, tasting sake, food, and bar culture in small international groups.
“Great fun Taiga was very welcoming and gave us great insight”
Explore Kyoto’s Fushimi Sake District, tour a historic brewery, taste 10+ sakes, and learn how to read labels and pair sake with food.
“Kyoko was an excellent tour guide. Not only was she extremely knowledgeable about all things sake, she was a very kind and funny tour guide. Learned so much about sake, its history, and what kind exactly that I would like. Definitely would recommend this tour if you’re interested in sake and its history.”
Explore Kyoto’s Fushimi sake district, visit the Gekkeikan museum, and taste 18 Kyoto sakes with a small-group guide.
“Amazing tour! We had so much fun and learned a lot from Ayu. You also get so much sake on this tour - 21 tasters!”
Explore Kyoto’s Pontocho backstreets with a local guide, three izakaya stops, Kyoto sake, dinner dishes, and four included drinks.
“We had an amazing time on our bar hopping tour with Louis! He was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the night so much fun. Louis took us to a great mix of bars/eateries, each with a unique vibe, and introduced us to some fantastic drinks. If you're looking for a great night out and a chance to experience the nightlife, this tour with Louis is a must!”
Explore Kyoto nightlife with local guides, izakaya food, sake, whiskey, and small bars in Kawaramachi and Kiyamachi.
“Kazuma was a great guide! We visited 3 amazing spots that we would have never found. Highly recommend, hopefully you get Kazuma!”
Taste seven Kyoto sakes with a certified sommelier, compare food pairings, and leave with practical notes for ordering sake in Japan.
“The lady running the tour was grate. Funny and knowledgeable. The pairings are vary well thought out”
Learn to taste, compare, and order sake in Kyoto with seven tastings, Japanese snacks, bottle-reading tips, and an expert English guide.
“Excellent guide! Great Sake tasting which improved with different foods.”
