Tasting Sake in Japan Part 5: Best Sake Spots in Kyoto

Welcome back to our “Tasting Sake in Japan” series!
In our third and fourth articles, we covered Tokyo’s sake spots, and now we’re moving on to another popular tourist destination, Kyoto.⛩

Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, is not only known for its stunning temples and traditional culture but also for its exceptional sake.
The city’s historic breweries, perfecting their craft for centuries, produce some of Japan’s finest Sake. Kyoto’s pure mountain water and traditional brewing methods create a rich variety of sake that visitors can explore.

This time, let’s take a look at some of the best sake spots in Kyoto!✨

 

Tasting Sake in Japan Part 5:
Best Sake Spots in Kyoto

↑ Go back to the table of contents

 

🍶Izakaya

Nihonshu to Sakana Ichiyou (日本酒と肴 いち陽)

A new restaurant opened in August 2023. It offers a calm, modern atmosphere in which to enjoy sake and authentic Japanese cuisine. The izakaya has around 80 regional sake from Japan, with prices starting at ¥750 per glass and ¥950 for a larger serving.

One of the unique features of this place is the variety of beautiful sake cups (Ochoko) you can choose from to enhance your drinking experience.🍶

The restaurant uses fresh seafood dishes sourced directly from Maizuru in northern Kyoto.

Chef Mr. Mori has experience in kaiseki (traditional Japanese cuisine), Japanese restaurants, and Italian cuisine. His dishes are authentic, like those at a kaiseki restaurant, yet available at affordable prices.
These dishes pair perfectly with the sake selection!

 

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Masuya Saketen (益や酒店)

A sake bar located in Kyoto’s Shijo Kawaramachi area. Its stylish atmosphere makes it a place where even beginners and solo visitors can enjoy sake.
The bar features counter seating, tables, and standing areas, allowing you to choose the setting that best suits your mood.

The sleek walls are lined with colorful sake bottles, adding to the charm of the interior.
The menu offers around 25 types of sake, with recommendations on whether they are best enjoyed chilled, at room temperature, or hot.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

 

---

🍶Tasting

Kyoto Sakagurakan (京都酒蔵館)

Kyoto Sakagurakan offers sake-tasting sets that allow you to sample 15 different brands of sake from breweries in the northern and southern parts of Kyoto.

Priced at just ¥2,500, this set lets you sample a wide variety of sakes, making it feel like you’re touring sake breweries! If you find a particular sake you love, you can also order it by the glass.

For a more compact experience, try the tasting set that allows you to choose three different sakes. Enjoy comparing the subtle differences in color and aroma, and savor the richness of Kyoto’s sake.

Make sure to book your spot in advance! The website offers support in English, Chinese, and Korean so that you can easily plan your visit.

 

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Fushimi Sake Village (伏水酒蔵小路)

Fushimi is famous for its abundant supply of high-quality water, which has been used in sake brewing for many years. Fushimi Sake Village offers about 150 different sakes from breweries in the Fushimi area.
The term “Koji” means “small path,” and you’ll find eight different restaurants inside the venue. It’s a unique place where you can enjoy pairing various Japanese dishes with sake.

A popular option is the “18 Breweries Sake Tasting Set,” which allows you to try 18 different sakes. The set is arranged from left to right, designed to match the food in a thoughtful progression. The lighter sake at the beginning is easy to drink on its own, while the middle sake pairs well with richer main dishes. Towards the end, you’ll find stronger sake that goes well with desserts like ice cream.
If you’re looking to explore sake and Japanese food pairings, this is the place for you!

 

↑ Go back to the table of contents

🍶Sake museum/ brewery

Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum (月桂冠大倉記念館)

The Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum allows visitors to explore the rich history and sake culture of Fushimi and the legacy of Gekkeikan, a company that has played a key role in advancing sake brewing in the area.

The brewing tools are displayed in the order of the sake brewing process, allowing visitors to learn about the steps involved in making sake. (Check this article to learn about Sake making process!)

After touring the museum, you can enjoy tasting a variety of sakes crafted with Fushimi’s pure underground water, using traditional techniques refined over years of innovation and dedication.

Traditional streetscapes surround this building, so you can also enjoy exploring the historic neighborhood as well!

↑ Go back to the table of contents

松井酒造

This brewery has a history of nearly 300 years and is located near Kyoto University, one of Japan’s top universities.
They have been using underground water flowing from Mount Hiei for brewing. This water is exceptionally soft and imparts a clear, refined flavor.

At Matsui Shuzo, you can enjoy a brewery tour in Japanese or English. The tour, including a tasting session, costs ¥2,700 per person.

Don’t forget to make a reservation in advance through the application form on their website!

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Conclusion

Now you’re aware that Kyoto isn’t just known for its temples and historical sites but also for its sake!🍶

Blessed with high-quality rice and pure water, Kyoto is an ideal place for sake brewing. Sake production was an important industry in this region, influencing the local economy and being preserved through the ages to today.
Savoring sake with an appreciation for this rich history makes it taste even better!☺

Be sure to enjoy the unique flavors of Japanese sake in the historical and cultural heart of Japan—Kyoto✨

 

Get a SIM card or Pocket WiFi to make traveling easier!

Having internet data can be helpful when planning your day, contacting your friends, and killing time. If you need a SIM card or a pocket WiFi, we recommend Sakura Mobile! We offer excellent services such as delivery to your hotels, unlimited data options, full English support, and more! In addition, you can pick up your SIM card or pocket WiFi directly upon arriving at our counter at Kansai International Airport.

By reserving online before departing, you can

• Lower your rental fees
• Avoid stock shortages at the airport
• Start your trip with internet data

To learn more about data and WiFi options for your trip, check out our products below.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

 

CUSTOMER’S VOICE

↑ Go back to the table of contents