Kyoto: Fushimi Sake Brewery Tour & Tasting with Sommelier

Summary

Sake stories in fushimi tasting traditions with local pairings

You’ll wander Kyoto’s Fushimi district with a certified sake sommelier, tasting ten types of sake alongside traditional otsumami snacks in a private room. Learn how sake is made at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum and get real tips for choosing bottles—even if you can’t read Japanese. It’s personal, hands-on, and leaves you curious for more.

What’s the experience like?

We ducked under the old wooden sign at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum—right away, it smelled faintly sweet and sharp, like rice left out in the sun. Our guide (Aya-san, who called herself a “sake nerd”) handed us tiny glasses before we even got to the exhibits. She laughed when I hesitated over the first sip—apparently I made a face. The museum itself is quieter than I expected, just soft footsteps and the sound of water trickling somewhere behind the displays. Aya explained how sake brewing here in Kyoto’s Fushimi district goes back centuries; she pointed at faded photos of workers in white coats, and I tried to imagine what it must’ve sounded like when they were all clattering around those big wooden barrels.

After that we sat down in this little tasting room—private, but not stuffy. Aya lined up ten bottles (I counted twice because it looked like too many) and started pouring. Each sake had its own story: one was floral, another almost peppery. She paired them with otsumami—tiny snacks that surprised me, honestly. There was something salty and chewy that Aya called “konbu,” and a pickled plum that puckered my mouth. The whole time she kept checking if we found our favorite yet. I still think about bottle number six; can’t pronounce the name but it tasted like rain on stone, if that makes sense.

I didn’t expect to leave with a “sake cheat sheet” but now it’s folded up in my bag with notes scribbled next to each label (my handwriting got worse by bottle eight). We talked about how to order sake even if you can’t read Japanese menus—which is basically my superpower now. On the way out, Aya waved us off and told me to practice saying “junmai daiginjo.” I probably butchered it again but she smiled anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour and Tastings

• Join certified Sake Sommelier
• Tour Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
• Learn sake history and process
• Taste 3 types of Gekkeikan sake
• Taste 7+ sake types with appetizers
• Discover sake preferences
• Learn to choose preferred sake

Top questions

How long does the Kyoto sake brewery tour last?

The tour lasts about 3 hours from start to finish.

Where does the sake tasting take place?

The main tasting happens in a dedicated private room after touring Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum in Fushimi.

How many types of sake do you taste?

You’ll try more than 10 different types of sake selected by a certified sommelier.

Are food pairings included on this tour?

Yes, traditional Japanese appetizers called otsumami are served for food pairing during the tasting session.

Is this Kyoto sake tour suitable for vegetarians?

A vegetarian option for snacks is available—just let your guide know on site.

Can guests under 20 join or taste sake?

No alcohol will be served to anyone under 20 years old; non-alcoholic drinks are available instead.

Do you enter an actual working brewery?

No, due to health regulations you visit the brewery museum and learn about production there instead.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options near Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum in Fushimi.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes entry to Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum with a guided tour from a certified sommelier, over ten kinds of sake for tasting in a private room, traditional Japanese otsumami snacks for pairing (vegetarian available), plus a handy cheat sheet and your own tasting notes to take home before heading back out into Kyoto’s streets.