Kyoto Sake Tasting Tour: Two Breweries, Expert Guide

Two breweries, two distinct philosophies, one afternoon of tasting.

This 2.5-hour guided sake tour in Kyoto visits Sasaki Brewery and Matsui Brewery, two respected producers with contrasting brewing styles and philosophies. A seasoned sake expert leads the experience in English or Japanese, walking you through the brewing process at each location and guiding tastings that highlight the differences between refined, delicate sake and bold, character-driven expressions. The pace is unhurried—you'll have time to ask questions and engage with the craft instead of moving quickly between stops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit two iconic Kyoto breweries

• Arrive at Sasaki Brewery
• Learn brewing techniques and philosophy
• Taste delicate and smooth sake
• Travel to Matsui Brewery near Kamo River
• Discover brewing with local ingredients
• Taste bold and rich flavored sake

The Experience

Sasaki Brewery sits in a quiet, traditional Kyoto neighborhood and represents centuries of family craftsmanship. The brewery is known for refined, elegant sake—delicate and smooth, built on time-honored techniques passed down through generations. You'll tour the facility and taste sake that embodies Kyoto's approach to brewing: nuanced, restrained, and built for contemplation. The guide walks you through their philosophy and the subtle choices that shape each batch.

Matsui Brewery, located near the Kamo River, takes a different path. Over a century old, it blends tradition with creative risk-taking, using local ingredients and Kyoto's pure water to craft sake with bold character and rich flavor profiles. The tastings here often feature seasonal expressions and distinctive notes that show the brewery's willingness to experiment. Standing at these two breweries back-to-back, you'll taste how brewing philosophy shapes what's in the cup—the restraint at Sasaki, the boldness at Matsui—and understand why both approaches matter.

The guide is a seasoned sake expert who speaks English or Japanese, so the commentary and tasting notes come through clearly regardless of which language suits you. Public transportation stops are nearby if you're traveling independently; the pace throughout is built around conversation and questions rather than a schedule pushing you forward.

What’s included

• Guided tour of Sasaki Brewery.
• sake tasting experience at both Sasaki and Matsui.
• guided tour of Matsui Brewery.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by DeepExperience

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Japanese, so you'll follow the commentary and tasting notes clearly in whichever language you choose—no translation lag, no missing the nuance of what you're tasting.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the sake at Sasaki and Matsui?

Sasaki Brewery is known for refined, delicate sake built on centuries of family technique—the style emphasizes elegance and nuance. Matsui Brewery, by contrast, crafts sake with bold character and rich flavor profiles, often featuring seasonal and experimental expressions. Tasting both in one afternoon shows you how brewing philosophy shapes the final product.

How much sake will I actually taste?

The tour includes tasting experiences at both breweries, with ample time at each location to sample multiple expressions and ask the guide questions about what you're tasting. The 2.5-hour pace is unhurried, so you're not rushing between stops.

Do I need to know about sake before I book?

No. The guide is a seasoned sake expert who works with both novices and enthusiasts, so the tour is designed to deepen your understanding whether you're new to sake or already familiar with it. The guide explains the brewing process, the differences in technique, and what to look for in the tasting.

What language is the guide in?

The guide speaks English or Japanese, so you can choose the language that works for you when you book. The commentary and tasting notes come through clearly in either language.

Is this tour physically demanding?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You'll walk through the breweries and stand while tasting, but there are no strenuous activities or long hikes involved.

How do I get to the breweries?

Public transportation options are available near both Sasaki Brewery and Matsui Brewery, so you can reach them independently if you prefer. The guide will provide meeting details when you book.