Savvy travelers know Kyoto’s drinking scene goes far beyond the tourist track. The city’s best drinking tours center around the historic Fushimi district, where centuries-old sake breweries still operate, and the atmospheric backstreets of Gion and Pontocho. Most tours last 2-3 hours and include 3-4 stops.
I especially love the evening sake brewery tours, which take you behind the scenes at family-run operations to learn traditional brewing methods. The Fushimi Sake District walking tour stands out for its mix of history and generous tastings. For nightlife exploration, the Gion bar-hopping tour excels at introducing visitors to cozy izakayas and local drinking customs.
Let’s explore my recommended drinking tours in Kyoto.
Key Points
- Sake tasting and brewery tours near Fushimi Inari Shrine and in the Fushimi area offer insights into Kyoto’s sake production and local water quality.
- Guided bar crawls and izakaya hopping experiences in Kyoto’s popular nightlife districts, such as Kawaramachi and Kiyamachi, provide immersive local nightlife exploration.
- Cooking classes and culinary experiences, some with sake pairings, allow participants to learn traditional Japanese dishes and dining customs.
- Nightlife and cultural tours offer opportunities to interact with local guides, experience Kyoto’s maiko or geisha culture, and explore hidden bars and eateries.
- Many tours have age restrictions, accessibility considerations, and high customer satisfaction ratings, ensuring safe and memorable drinking experiences in Kyoto.
Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in Kawaramachi Area
The Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in the Kawaramachi area offers travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Lasting 3 hours, this highly-rated tour (5.0/5 from 172 reviews) explores the hidden bars and izakayas in downtown Kyoto. Guests can sample local dishes like yakitori and karaage, as well as enjoy Japanese drinks.
The tour has a maximum group size of 15 travelers and is accessible to most. While some reviewers noted concerns about unexpected costs for food and drinks, the overall experience is praised for its authentic and memorable exploration of Kyoto’s nightlife scene.
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Kyoto: Izakaya Bars Guided Walking Tour
Amidst Kyoto’s charming streets, the Izakaya Bars Guided Walking Tour offers travelers an intimate glimpse into the city’s vibrant nightlife.
For 3 hours, a local guide leads small groups of 5-10 to explore 3 hidden izakayas and bars. Participants can enjoy Kyoto’s culture, sampling local beers, spirits, and sake.
The tour visits the Kawaramachi and Kiyamachi areas, showcasing temples and hidden alleys. With an overall rating of 4.9/5 from 249 reviews, the tour provides an engaging experience, fostering connections with the guide and fellow travelers.
However, it’s not suitable for those under 20 due to alcohol consumption restrictions.
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Kyoto Sake Tasting Near Fushimi Inari
For those seeking to further enjoy Kyoto’s vibrant drinking culture, the Kyoto Sake Tasting Near Fushimi Inari offers a compelling experience.
Located near the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, this tour includes sake tasting, brewery visits, and exploration of a local sake museum. Guests can sample over 30 varieties of high-quality, sweet-tasting sake produced in the area, led by a knowledgeable local guide.
The tour provides insights into sake production processes and the role of Kyoto’s soft water in its distinctive flavor. Accessible via public transportation, the experience accommodates up to 6 travelers and garners stellar reviews for its culture and friendly, adaptable guides.
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Kyoto: Nighttime Walking Tour in Gion Area With Sake in Hand
Travelers seeking to enjoy Kyoto’s captivating nightlife can embark on a 75-minute Nighttime Walking Tour in the iconic Gion district.
Priced from $40.01 per person, the tour is limited to 10 participants and available in English and Japanese.
Highlights include visits to the Yasui Kompira-gū Shrine, Hōkan-ji Temple, and Ninenzaka, culminating at the Yasaka Shrine.
Participants will savor high-quality Japanese sake, such as the fruity and smooth Kin-Kame from Shiga Prefecture, while learning about Kyoto’s geisha culture, Shinto beliefs, and Buddhism.
With a 4.9/5 rating based on 12 reviews, this tour offers an authentic and immersive nighttime experience in Kyoto’s enchanting Gion area.
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Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour
Moving on from the enchanting nighttime experience in Gion, travelers can now embark on a Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour.
This 5-star rated tour takes visitors on a journey through Kyoto’s sake culture, including an 18-sample tasting and a visit to the Gekkeiken Sake Museum.
The tour accommodates up to 7 travelers and lasts an unspecified duration, with a meeting point at Chushojima Station.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour offers an educational and cultural experience, with knowledgeable guides leading the way.
Travelers should note dietary restrictions and the summer heat, but the overall experience has been praised for its enjoyment and value.
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Kyoto: Insider Sake Experience With 7 Tastings and Snacks
Though Kyoto is renowned for its historical landmarks and tranquil temples, the city also offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rich culture of Japanese sake.
The Kyoto Insider Sake Experience provides a captivating 1.5-hour journey, where participants can savor seven distinct varieties of sake and learn from certified sake sommeliers.
The experience includes a basic sake class, a tasting, and the pairing of traditional Japanese snacks. Priced at $65.34 per person, this activity is likely to sell out, so early booking is recommended.
With a 4.9/5 overall rating and 4.8/5 for value, the Kyoto Insider Sake Experience promises an immersive and unforgettable exploration of Japan’s acclaimed national beverage.
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3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience | Tasting Konteki
The Kyoto Insider Sake Experience offers a 3-hour immersive journey into the world of Japan’s acclaimed national beverage.
Led by a certified Sake Sommelier, participants can savor over 10 distinct sake varieties in a dedicated private tasting room.
The experience also includes a guided tour of the Kizakura Kappa Museum and traditional Japanese appetizers for food pairing.
Conveniently located just a short walk from Momoyamagoryo-Mae and Chushojima stations, the tour is recommended for travelers aged 20 and above.
With 100% positive reviews, this sake experience is a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic cultural adventure in Kyoto.
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From Kyoto: Old Port Town and Ultimate Sake Tasting Tour
What better way to learn about the rich sake culture of Kyoto than the “From Kyoto: Old Port Town and Ultimate Sake Tasting Tour“?
The 3-hour tour starts at Keihan Chushojima Station and takes you on a guided journey through Chokenji Temple, Gekkeikan Ōkura Sake Museum, Kizakura Kappa Museum, and the Fushimi Sake Village.
You’ll learn about sake history and production methods, taste 18 different sakes, and discover the historical significance of Gokonomiya Shrine.
The tour includes an English-speaking guide, sake tastings, one complimentary bar snack, and entrance to the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum.
At $129.35 per person, it’s a great value for those seeking an authentic sake experience in Kyoto.
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Advanced Sake Tasting Experience
For those seeking a more immersive sake experience in Kyoto, the Advanced Sake Tasting Experience offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve deeper into the rich traditions and flavors of this iconic Japanese beverage.
With a 5.0 overall rating from 25 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, this experience features a tasting of 10 unique sake varieties, accompanied by food pairings and guided presentations on sake history, brewing methods, and flavor profiles.
Hosted in an intimate setting with a maximum of 12 travelers, this advanced tasting provides a personalized and educational journey through the world of premium sake.
Whether you’re a sake connoisseur or simply curious to learn more, this experience is a must-try for any visitor to Kyoto.
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Kyoto: Insider Sake Brewery Tour With Sake and Food Pairing
Kyoto’s Insider Sake Brewery Tour provides an immersive experience for visitors seeking to explore the rich traditions and flavors of Japan’s iconic beverage.
The 3-hour tour takes guests to Fushimi, home to about 25 breweries, for a guided exploration of the sake-making process. Participants will sample over 10 sake varieties selected by a certified sommelier and enjoy traditional Japanese snacks.
The tour is suitable for most travelers, though certain restrictions apply. With an overall rating of 4.9/5 from over 400 reviews, this experience is highly recommended, especially for those visiting Japan early in their trip to gain insights into sake appreciation.
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5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience
Lasting 1.5 hours, the Kyoto Insider Sake Experience offers visitors an immersive introduction to Japan’s iconic beverage.
Conducted by a certified sake sommelier, the tasting features seven varieties paired with traditional Japanese appetizers. Guests learn about sake production and tasting notes in a dedicated private room.
With a 100% recommendation rate from 193 reviews, the experience is both informative and engaging. Conveniently located near public transportation, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off.
Participants must be at least 20 years old, the legal drinking age in Japan, though non-alcoholic options are available. An ideal activity for sake enthusiasts, the Kyoto Insider Sake Experience enhances appreciation for this beloved Japanese drink.
Kyoto: Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class
The Kyoto: Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class offers an immersive culinary journey into the heart of traditional Japanese dining culture.
This 3-hour class, priced from $62.68 per person, teaches participants to cook authentic Japanese home dishes. The small-group experience, limited to 10 participants, includes a two-part cooking session where guests prepare 2-3 dishes, enjoy them, then cook 2-3 more.
Participants receive step-by-step recipes and engage with the chef throughout the class. With an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 144 reviews, this class provides valuable insights into traditional cooking methods and a chance to meet local people while exploring Japanese food culture.
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Izakaya Style Cooking Class
For those seeking a deeper dive into authentic Japanese cuisine, the Izakaya Style Cooking Class offers an immersive culinary adventure.
Hosted in Kyoto’s Cooking Sun, this highly-rated class teaches participants to prepare traditional izakaya dishes loved across Japan.
Led by an English-speaking master chef, the 3-hour session covers techniques and ingredients for specialties like grilled chicken, tempura, and rice dishes.
With a maximum of 8 participants, the hands-on experience provides ample opportunity to learn new skills and savor the flavors of Japan.
Praising the friendly instructors and delectable cuisine, reviews highlight the class as an excellent way to take in the country’s rich culinary heritage.
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Kyoto : 3-Hour Bar Hopping Tour in Pontocho Alley at Night
Seeking an immersive nightlife experience, travelers can embark on the 3-Hour Bar Hopping Tour in Pontocho Alley in Kyoto.
This activity, priced at $114.42 per person, allows groups of up to 6 participants to discover the alley’s hidden gems with a local guide.
Over 3 hours, visitors will sample traditional Japanese drinks and dishes at 3 authentic izakayas, engaging in local-style games and quizzes.
While the overall rating is positive, some participants have expressed dissatisfaction with the food quality and specific bars visited.
The tour promises a cozy, communicative atmosphere, allowing travelers to enjoy Kyoto’s vibrant nightlife.
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Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour)
Travelers seeking a deeper immersion into Kyoto’s vibrant nightlife can embark on the Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour).
This highly-rated 5-star experience allows guests to sample Kyoto’s pub cuisine and an assortment of adult beverages. The tour starts at 6 PM and returns to the meeting point, with participants enjoying dinner and alcoholic beverages along the way.
While not wheelchair accessible or suitable for those with certain medical conditions, the private tour is recommended for 100% of travelers.
Priced at €193.48 per person, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to explore Kyoto’s lively bar scene.
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Kyoto: Sake Brewery and Tasting Tour in Fushimi
Those interested in seeing Kyoto’s sake heritage can embark on the Kyoto: Sake Brewery and Tasting Tour in Fushimi.
This 3-hour tour, limited to 9 participants, visits key landmarks in the Fushimi district, including the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum and Fushimi Saka Gura Kouji.
Guests can sample 22 varieties of Kyoto-brewed sake and learn about the region’s renowned water quality and its historical significance in sake production.
While not suitable for children under 15 or those with dietary restrictions, the tour earns high praise from customers for its informative guides and immersive cultural experiences.
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3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience
The Kyoto Insider Sake Experience offers a 3-hour guided tour that immerses participants in the renowned Fushimi Sake District.
The tour highlights a visit to the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, one of the largest sake breweries. Guests can sample over 10 types of sake selected by a sake sommelier, paired with traditional Japanese snacks.
The tour includes admission, a private tasting room, and a sake cheat sheet to help choose preferred varieties. Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, making it easy to access the starting point.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, though those with certain medical conditions should avoid it.
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Kyoto: Advanced Sake Tasting Experience With 10 Tastings
For those seeking a deeper dive into Kyoto’s celebrated sake culture, the Advanced Sake Tasting Experience offers an immersive 2-hour journey.
Led by certified sake sommeliers, participants can savor 10 distinctive sake varieties, including those brewed using ancient methods and regional flavors.
The experience takes place in a private tasting room, providing a friendly, relaxed atmosphere for exploring sake’s nuances.
Highlighting the program are sake made with unique microorganisms and local wood.
Whether novice or connoisseur, guests can deepen their understanding of sake’s ingredients and production.
However, those under 20 or with certain health conditions are ineligible.
Late arrivals may also result in cancellation.
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3 Hour Private Bar Hopping Experience at Kyoto City
Yuki offers a 3-hour private bar hopping experience that immerses guests in Kyoto’s vibrant nightlife.
The tour starts and ends at a convenient location near public transportation. Participants will enjoy Japanese snacks as a souvenir, while dinner costs aren’t included but average around 8,000 yen.
With two 5-star reviews, this private tour provides an authentic glimpse into Kyoto’s bar scene.
It’s not wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the intimate group size ensures a personalized experience.
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Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto
Nestled in the heart of central Kyoto, the sake tasting experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of Japan’s revered national drink.
This 2-hour guided tour, limited to just 4 participants, provides an in-depth exploration of six different types of sake, led by a certified international sake sommelier, Kenji.
Priced at $66.68 per person, the experience includes snacks and a walk to the tasting location, just 10 minutes from the meeting point.
With an impressive 5/5 rating based on 6 reviews, this tour has been praised for Kenji’s extensive knowledge and the overall informative and enjoyable nature of the experience.
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Maiko/Geisha Beer Garden & Local Sake Stand Private Tour in Kyoto
Visitors seeking to experience Kyoto’s vibrant nightlife can embark on the Maiko/Geisha Beer Garden & Local Sake Stand Private Tour.
This 5-star rated experience takes guests to a local sake bar and the renowned Maiko Beer Garden. The tour includes transportation, one dish and one drink at each location, and an English-speaking guide.
Travelers can sample traditional Japanese fare like edamame, dried fish, and oden while sipping on local sake and beer.
Though not wheelchair accessible, this private tour offers an immersive off-the-beaten-track evening in Kyoto, perfect for those who want to explore the city’s nightlife scene.
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Guiding Local Izakaya in Kyoto That Only Know Local People
Tucked away in the backstreets and alleyways of Kyoto, there are charming izakaya (Japanese pubs) that only the locals frequent.
These hidden gems offer an authentic drinking experience, with menus and staff catering exclusively to the local crowd.
Guided tours of these local izakaya provide visitors a unique opportunity to explore Kyoto’s vibrant nightlife, sample regional sake and cuisine, and enjoy the city’s rich culture.
The tours range from 1.5 to 3 hours, with prices starting from $26.54 per person, making them an affordable and unforgettable way to experience Kyoto like a true local.
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Kyoto Luxury Sake, Whisky and Cocktail Tour
This Kyoto Luxury Sake, Whisky and Cocktail Tour offers a premier tasting experience for discerning travelers.
Explore the city’s vibrant drinking culture with a knowledgeable local guide. The tour includes alcoholic beverages like sake, cocktails, and whisky tastings, as well as specialty dishes and local snacks.
With a maximum of 10 travelers, you’ll enjoy an intimate experience. The tour starts at Kyoto Kawaramachi Garden and ends in the Pontocho area.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. While hotel pickup isn’t included, it can be arranged for an additional fee.
This tour is suitable for adults 20 and over with a moderate fitness level.
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Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour
Discover Kyoto’s rich sake brewing heritage on the Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour.
This 3-hour tour costs $162.03 per person and is limited to just 6 participants, ensuring an intimate experience.
You’ll explore Fushimi, Kyoto’s sake district, visiting both small and large breweries.
Tour the 400-year-old Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum and learn about the brewing process.
Enjoy several sake tastings and a local lunch.
The tour benefits from Fushimi’s natural spring water, which lends purity and flavor to the sake.
Guests must be at least 21 years old, and a minimum of 2 people per booking is required.
Reserve now and pay later for this flexible, cancellable tour.
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Kyoto Bar Hopping Night Tour
Travelers seeking an immersive nightlife experience can embark on the Kyoto Bar Hopping Night Tour, which showcases the city’s vibrant izakaya and bar scene.
This 3-4 hour tour takes guests to 3 local establishments, where they’ll enjoy a full dinner’s worth of dishes and 3-4 drinks. A knowledgeable guide provides insights into the culture and history as the group hops between hidden gems and unique venues like karaoke bars.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation. Participants rave about the engaging guides and memorable experiences, though those with dietary restrictions should note that allergy-free meals can’t be guaranteed.
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Recap
Kyoto offers a diverse range of drinking tours for visitors. From bar crawls and izakaya walks to sake tastings and brewery tours, there’s something for every kind of drinker. Whether you’re looking to explore the local bar scene or dive deeper into Japanese spirits, Kyoto has plenty of options to quench your thirst and learn about the city’s vibrant nightlife.