Make Umeshu in Kyoto: Craft Your Own Japanese Plum Liqueur

Blend your own umeshu from scratch and walk out with a bottle that matures into something you made.

This hands-on workshop in Kyoto lets you craft your own umeshu (Japanese plum liqueur) or alcohol-free ume syrup using CHOYA's special kit, guided in English by the company's ume concierge. You'll taste and compare different ume varieties and sugars, choose from over 100 flavor combinations, make your bottle in about an hour, and take it home sealed and boxed for travel. Your umeshu matures in one month. The syrup in one week.

The experience

What makes umeshu worth learning to make? The fruit, ume, has been part of Japanese life for over a thousand years, and the flavor you end up with depends entirely on which ume and sugar you pair. CHOYA, which has been making umeshu for more than a century and now leads the world market, runs this workshop so you can taste the difference yourself. You'll sample several ume varieties and sugars side by side, then choose your combination from over a hundred possible pairings. The kit handles the technical work. Your job is deciding what you want to taste.

The actual making takes about an hour. You measure, pour, seal with a leak-proof cap, and pack your bottle into a durable box designed to survive air travel. The whole time, an English-speaking guide from CHOYA walks you through the process and answers questions about ume culture and how umeshu develops. You can photograph every step. By the end, you have a one-of-a-kind bottle that is yours to take home: umeshu that will mature over a month, or syrup that's ready to use in a week.

Children from age three can join to make ume syrup (the non-alcoholic version). Umeshu making is for ages 20 and up. The workshop is wheelchair accessible, and English, Chinese and Japanese guidebooks are available. If you want to make both umeshu and ume syrup, book two separate sessions. You can also buy additional bottles on the day of your visit.

What’s included

• Your choice of umeshu or ume syrup made with CHOYA's special kit.
• tasting and comparison of different ume varieties and sugars to help you choose your flavor combination.
• English-speaking guide from CHOYA's ume concierge team.
• leak-proof cap and durable travel-safe box for your finished bottle.
• English, Chinese or Japanese guidebook.
• photo opportunity throughout the workshop.
• take-home souvenir that matures (umeshu in one month, syrup in one week).

Options for this experience

2 options

Ume Syrup Making (Alcohol-Free)Guide in English · 9 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 18:00If your group wants to make both Umeshu (Japanese plum wine) and ume syrup, please place two separate bookings.

Umeshu MakingGuide in English · 9 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 18:00Umeshu (Japanese plum wine) and ume syrup can't be made in the same booking; if your group wants both, please book them separately. This session is limited to participants aged 20 and over.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 18:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (20 and older) · Child (3 to 19 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Wheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by 梅体験専門店 蝶矢 京都三条店

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a souvenir you actually made with your hands rather than bought in a shop: the umeshu or syrup you choose becomes something you'll taste and remember the workshop every time you pour it. If you're traveling with children under 20, ume syrup is the option that lets everyone participate.

Traveler reviews

4.97★★★★★★★★★★

230 verified traveler reviews

5 ★223

4 ★7

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 19 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between umeshu and ume syrup, and which one should I make?

Umeshu is a Japanese plum liqueur made by steeping ume in alcohol and sugar. Ume syrup is the same process without alcohol. Umeshu takes about a month to mature and is for ages 20 and up. Ume syrup is ready to use in a week and is open to anyone from age three. Both are made using the same method in this workshop. You choose which one suits you.

Can I really pick from over 100 combinations, or is that just marketing?

You taste several ume varieties and different sugars during the tasting session, then choose your pairing from the combinations CHOYA offers. The exact number of options available depends on what's in stock that day, but the range is genuinely wide enough that most people find something they want to make.

How long does the actual making take, and what do I do?

The workshop runs about an hour total. You'll measure your chosen ume and sugar into the bottle, pour in the alcohol or syrup base (depending on which you're making), seal it with a leak-proof cap, and pack it into a travel-safe box. The guide walks you through each step and answers questions the whole time.

Can I really take this on a plane, or will customs be a problem?

Your bottle is sealed and packed in a durable box designed for air travel. CHOYA provides product specification sheets for customs clearance on their website, so you have the documentation you need. Just don't remove the silicone cap and keep it in the box until you get home.

What happens if I'm running late to the workshop?

Sessions start promptly with other guests. If you're going to be late, contact the store by email before your session. Depending on how late you arrive, you may not be able to participate in part or all of the program, including the tasting session.

Do I need to book separately if I want to make both umeshu and ume syrup?

Yes, you need to book two separate sessions if your group wants to make both. You can also buy additional bottles to make on the day of your visit and pay for them on-site.