Last updated: November 23, 2025
Japanese Sake Tasting in Kyoto: Best Breweries with English Tours
Discover Kyoto’s Hidden Sake Breweries
Kyoto is not only famous for its temples, gardens, and seasonal beauty, but also for its long tradition of sake brewing. While many visitors know about Japan’s major sake-producing regions, few realize that Kyoto itself is home to small, family-run breweries where you can experience authentic Japanese sake culture. These hidden breweries offer a more personal and intimate look at the craft, often welcoming international guests with English-friendly tours and tastings.
Why Kyoto Is Famous for Sake
Kyoto’s reputation for sake comes from its pure water sources and centuries of brewing history. The city is blessed with soft groundwater from the surrounding mountains, which is ideal for producing smooth and refined sake. Combined with high-quality rice and generations of brewing knowledge, Kyoto has developed a unique style of sake that is elegant and balanced. For travelers, tasting sake in Kyoto means connecting directly with this cultural heritage, right in the heart of Japan’s ancient capital.
What Makes Small Breweries Special
Unlike large-scale producers, Kyoto’s small breweries focus on craftsmanship and tradition. Visiting one of these breweries allows you to see the brewing process up close and experience the passion of local brewers. Some breweries even provide guided tours in English, making it easier for international visitors to understand the sake-making process. In this article, we will introduce breweries in Kyoto where English tours are available, so travelers can enjoy both the cultural insights and the unique flavors of Japanese sake. After the tour, guests often have the chance to taste different kinds of sake, sometimes paired with light snacks, creating a warm and memorable encounter with Japanese hospitality.
Matsui Shuzo – A Small Brewery in Kyoto City
Founded in 1726 (Kyōhō 11), Matsui Shuzo is recognized as one of the historic sake breweries now based in Kyoto, located along the scenic Kamo River. While preserving its centuries‑old brewing methods, Matsui Shuzo has adapted to modern visitors. Unlike large‑scale producers, it remains a small, family‑run brewery where craftsmanship and heritage are at the heart of every bottle.
History and Location by the Kamo River
The brewery’s riverside location provides access to Kyoto’s pure groundwater, which is essential for producing smooth and refined sake. Its history stretches back nearly 300 years, making Matsui Shuzo not only a place to taste sake but also a living piece of tradition. Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of a brewery right in the middle of the city.
Traditional Brewing in a Modern City
At Matsui Shuzo, guests can witness how sake is made using time-honored techniques. The brewery offers a guided tour, which is also available in English, making the experience accessible to international travelers. This tour provides a rare opportunity to see the brewing process up close, learn directly from passionate brewers, and understand the artistry behind Japanese sake. After the tour, visitors can enjoy a tasting session with several varieties of sake, often paired with light snacks, creating a warm and memorable experience.
English-Friendly Brewery Tours
Visiting a sake brewery in Kyoto is a rare opportunity, and this brewery makes the experience accessible for international guests by offering tours in English. These tours are designed to help visitors understand the brewing process, the history behind the sake, and the cultural significance of this traditional drink.
Guided Tours with English Support
For travelers who may not speak Japanese, the brewery’s staff provide clear explanations in English for each step of the brewing process. The people who actually work at the brewery walk you through the facilities, explain the ingredients, and share stories about its heritage. This makes the experience not only educational but also welcoming for international visitors.
Reservation Required – How to Book
What You Will See During the Tour
During the tour, guests can listen to explanations about each stage of the sake-making process, from rice preparation to fermentation. They also have the chance to watch the brewing work up close, observing how the ingredients and techniques come together to create unique flavors. This direct experience helps visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in Japanese sake.
Sake Tasting Experience
A highlight of visiting a brewery in Kyoto is the chance to taste freshly brewed sake. After learning about the brewing process, guests are invited to sample different varieties, each with its own flavor profile and aroma. This tasting session allows visitors to compare light, smooth sake with richer, more full-bodied styles, deepening their appreciation for the diversity of Japanese sake.
Enjoying Different Sake Varieties with Light Snacks
During the tasting, guests can enjoy a variety of drinks, including different styles of sake as well as seasonal specialties such as sake infused with fruits like yuzu. In addition to sake, other beverages such as gin may also be available, offering visitors a wider range of flavors to explore. The experience is not limited to drinks—light snacks are also provided, allowing guests to enjoy food pairings that complement the beverages. If visitors find a sake they particularly like, bottles are often available for purchase on-site, making it easy to take home a taste of Kyoto’s brewing tradition.
Tips for First-Time Tasters
During the tasting, guests are encouraged to take their time and discover their personal preferences.The tasting session is a great opportunity to explore various flavors and find the sake that best matches your own preferences.
Practical Information for Visitors
Visiting Matsui Shuzo is not only a cultural experience but also requires a bit of planning. Below is the essential information to help travelers prepare for their visit.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 – 18:00
- Tasting Room: 11:00 – 18:00 (last order 17:00)
- Closed on Sundays and public holidays
Location and Access
- Address: Yoshidakawaracho 1‑6, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
- Nearest stations:
Demachiyanagi Station (Keihan Line) – about 5 minutes on foot
Tour Fees
- Brewery Tour Fee: 3,600 yen per person
- Includes English language support and a 1,800 yen tasting credit
- Please note: minors and non‑drinkers occupying a seat are charged the same fee (infants carried by adults are exempt)
Reservations
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- Advance reservation is required.
- Reservations can be made through the brewery’s official website.
- Due to high demand, replies may take 3–4 days, so it is best to apply early. We strongly recommend making your reservation well in advance to secure your spot.
Conclusion
A visit to a Kyoto sake brewery offers more than just a drink—it is a cultural journey into Japan’s traditions of craftsmanship and hospitality. From learning about the brewing process to tasting seasonal varieties and enjoying light snacks, guests can discover the rich diversity of Japanese sake in an authentic setting.
Advance reservations are required, and visitors are encouraged to check the brewery’s official website for the latest information on opening hours, fees, and booking conditions. With careful planning, this experience provides a memorable highlight of any trip to Kyoto.
Whether you are a first‑time taster or a seasoned sake enthusiast, exploring a local brewery is a unique opportunity to deepen your appreciation of Japanese culture and bring home a taste of Kyoto.
In our next post, we will introduce another recommended spot in Kyoto, offering you more insights into the city’s charm.