The 8 Best Kyoto Drinks Tours

1.3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 917 reviews · from $84Our pick

Meet a certified Sake Sommelier in Fushimi for a museum visit, a private tasting of 10 carefully chosen sakes, and traditional otsumami pairings. Guides such as Kyoko, Miyuki, Momo, and Shojo explain brewing, labels, flavor styles, and how to order with confidence.

“We learned quite a bit about the history of sake, the families and businesses known for making it, and the process of making sake before diving into the delicious tasting! Both leaders of our group were engaging, informative, and witty. My group would have loved to try the advanced tasting option if we were around, we had a blast!”

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2.Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Sake and Food Pairing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 704 reviews · 3 hours · from $87

Meet an English-speaking sake expert at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum in Fushimi. You’ll learn how sake is brewed, compare 10 or more styles, read Japanese bottle labels, and taste sake with otsumami in a dedicated room. Guides such as Kyoko, Miyuki, Momo, and Chika make the three-hour lesson lively and practical.

“I had a lot of fun, learned so much about sake, how it’s made, how to understand different types of sake and how great it is when paired with food. Our guide was amazing, friendly and knowledgeable”

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3.Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 623 reviews · from $98

Walk through Fushimi with a certified MagicalTrip guide, visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum and Kappa Gallery, then taste 18 Kyoto sakes at a local restaurant. Guides such as Matt, Rika, Kumi, and Yukari add history, tasting advice, and local tips.

“Had a great time with Kumi. She was very knowledgeable about the history and methods of providing sake and of the differences. She also answered a lot of questions about Japanese culture and areas of Kyoto. There was an hour wait for Read more”

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4.Kyoto Bar Hopping Night Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 613 reviews · from $105

Spend three hours walking Kyoto’s Pontocho and Kiyamachi backstreets with a MagicalTrip guide such as Yumi, Nami, Noriko, or Josh. Visit three local izakayas and bars, taste 3 to 4 dishes, enjoy 3 to 4 drinks, and learn about Japanese food, customs, and nightlife. Vegan choices are available.

“Fun tour and environments. The food was a bit disappointing at the second location (first time they said the tour had stopped there) but the atmosphere and company was great. It was nice to get a grasp of the neighborhood.”

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5.Insider Sake Experience with 7 Tastings and Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 266 reviews · 1h 30m · from $66

Spend 90 minutes in a dedicated Kyoto tasting room with an English-speaking sake expert such as Mayo, Kotaro, Kiyomi, or Greg. Compare seven generous pours, learn how brewing and rice polishing affect flavor, pair sake with otsumami, and leave with a practical cheat sheet.

“Kiyomi was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable! We learned so much about the intricacies of sake and how the differences in brewing can be tasted. Highly recommend”

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6.Local Food Tasting Tour at the Nishiki Market

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 135 reviews · 3 hours - 270 minutes · from $78

Spend a few hours tasting yuba, obanzai, hamo tempura, wagyu steak, and other Kyoto foods with an English-speaking guide. The route continues through Nishiki-Tenmangu Shrine, Shinkyogoku, and Teramachi. Guides such as Ayu, Takuma, Toshi, and Saki also share useful tips about Kyoto life and food.

“We have Toshi, our guide, to thank for a fun time. His positive and enthusiastic personality made this tour fun. He added a nice balance of food, culture and history to his tour. Thank you.”

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7.Sake Brewery and Tasting Tour in Fushimi

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 55 reviews · 3 hours · from $96

Walk through Fushimi with an English-speaking guide, visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, see riverside sights and Gokonomiya Shrine, then sample 18 Kyoto-made sakes at a local bar. The nine-person limit keeps the tour friendly and easy to follow.

“Fantastic tour, tour guide was exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly. Recommend this experience”

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8.Gion Evening Walk with Hidden Gems, Geisha & Sake

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 1h 30m · from $32Best value

Walk through Gion after dark with an English-speaking local guide, visiting Hanamikoji Street, Yasui Kompira-gū Shrine, Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka, and Yasaka Shrine. Groups are limited to 10, with local sake and photo help included. Guides such as Shumpei and Nick bring a friendly, conversational touch.

“The tour was very informative and a fun way to learn about the history of the city. Shumpei was an amazing guide.”

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