Kyoto: Sake Tasting & Food Pairing with Certified Sommelier

Summary

Kyoto’s sake secrets, seven tastings, small group stories, expert-led

You’ll taste seven kinds of Kyoto sake with a certified sommelier in a cozy private room, pairing each pour with traditional Japanese snacks. Expect small group laughs, label-reading tips (even if your pronunciation is hopeless), and a new sense of confidence next time you see a sake menu.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I thought sake was just that warm stuff you get at sushi places back home. But in Fushimi, Kyoto, it’s a whole different universe. The air smelled faintly of rice and something sweet when we ducked into the little tasting room. Our guide, Yuki, had this gentle way of explaining things — not lecturing, just chatting. She poured the first glass and said, “Notice the aroma before you sip.” I actually did. It was floral but also kind of earthy? I’m not great at describing flavors but it surprised me. We tried seven types of sake in total and each one tasted completely different from the last.

The snacks were these little otsumami — salty beans, pickled veggies, something crunchy I still can’t name (Yuki laughed when I guessed). She showed us how each bite changed the taste of the sake. At one point she handed me a cheat sheet for reading labels and menus in Japanese — pretty sure I butchered half the words but it felt good to try. There was this moment where everyone went quiet after a sip; maybe we were all thinking about how much there is to learn from something so simple as rice and water.

I left feeling like I’d finally gotten past the surface of Kyoto’s sake culture — not just drinking but understanding what makes each bottle special. If you’re curious or even just confused by sake menus (like I always am), this 1.5-hour Kyoto sake tasting is honestly worth it. Plus, you don’t have to worry about finding your way — it’s close to public transport and all set up for you. Still think about that one smoky sake sometimes…

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kyoto sake tasting and food pairing

• Meet certified Sake Sommelier
• Learn about sake varieties
• Taste seven different sakes
• Enjoy Japanese snack pairings
• Discover favorite sake types
• Learn to read sake labels

Top questions

How long does the Kyoto sake tasting last?

The experience lasts around 1.5 hours (90 minutes).

How many types of sake are included in the tasting?

You’ll sample 7 different kinds of sake chosen by a certified sommelier.

Is food included during the tasting?

Yes, traditional Japanese appetizers (otsumami) are served for food pairing.

Who leads the Kyoto sake experience?

A certified Sake Sommelier guides the session and shares insights.

Is this suitable for vegetarians?

A vegetarian snack option is available; let your guide know on site.

Can under-20s join or drink alcohol?

No alcohol is served to guests under 20; non-alcoholic drinks are provided instead.

Where does the tour take place?

The tasting happens in Fushimi, Kyoto in a dedicated private room near public transport.

Do I need to book ahead or can I walk in?

You must have a reservation; walk-ins aren’t accepted including non-drinkers or children.

What’s included

Your Kyoto day includes seven handpicked sakes poured by a certified sommelier, traditional otsumami snacks for pairing, use of a private tasting room, plus helpful cheat sheets and notes so you can choose your favorite sake even if you can’t read Japanese labels yet.