This is not a typical sake tasting.
The Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Experience explores sake that challenges conventional ideas of how sake is made.
You will taste rare and exceptional sakes brewed using ancient methods, innovative fermentation techniques that highlight the power of microorganisms, and sake made with local wood that gives each brew a distinct regional character.
Through these tastings, you will discover how dramatically flavor can change depending on philosophy, materials, and brewing choices — revealing the true depth and creative potential of sake.
While this experience also covers the fundamentals of sake production and categories, it is designed for those who want to go beyond the basics and explore a deeper, more creative side of sake.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Tue and Fri
Start times
11:00 AM and 1:30 PM
Adult (ages 20+)
$63
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
In demand: 9 of the next 9 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 8.
Tour Options
11:00AM Deep Sake Tasting 2 hours
Duration: 2 hours
10 Kinds of Sake
1:30 PM Deep Sake Tasting 2 hours
Duration: 2 hours
10 kinds of sake
What's included
Included
Sake tasting notes and reference materials for deeper understanding
Hands-on practice reading real sake bottles and labels used in restaurants
Guided sake tasting held in our own dedicated tasting room
Detailed explanation of sake styles, brewing methods, and flavor structure
Advanced sake tasting guided by an experienced sake expert
10 carefully selected sake, designed for in-depth comparison
Not included
Food pairing
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
49 reviews
5
49
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Kyoto
Rated higher than 75% of 484 reviewed tours in Kyoto
Starting price $63 is 18% below the typical $78 for tours of similar length in Kyoto
Excurgo comparison of 1,620 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
For safety and legal reasons, alcohol will not be served to guests who arrive by car or bicycle (non-alcoholic drinks available). No refunds if unable to participate in the sake tasting.
Legal drinking age in Japan is 20; customers under 20 years of age will only be served non-alcoholic drinks
Guests without a reservation (including children and non-drinkers) will not be allowed to join the tour
Indoor air-conditioned venue — perfect for rainy days, hot summer days, or any weather
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience take?
Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience lasts about 2 hours.
How much does Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience cost?
Prices start at $63 per person for this Kyoto experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Tuesdays and Fridays, starting at 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM.
Does Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience sell out?
It can: 9 of the next 9 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Please come to the counter when you arrive. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Guests without a reservation (including children and non-drinkers) will not be allowed to join the tour
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 49 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Add Stories Co.,Ltd..
Reviews(49)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
E
E4085IW_
July 17, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great Experience with our expert tour guide
Great experience, highly recommended. We had a great time and learn a lot from this tour. Before, we came for the Insider Sake experience tour at Gekkeikan Sake Brewery and some Japanese Sake testing with Mr. Shogo, and it was amazing. So this time we came back again for an Advance Sake Testing course with Mrs. Kiyomi, and we were so amazed to find out how much more can the Sake making process affect the test and aroma of the Sake. Our guide today, Mrs. Kiyomi is also very lovely and really easy going. We really enjoyed our Sake testing tour today.
J
john a
June 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Learning about Sake
This was really special. I love sake and Kiyomi the sake sommelier was just so knowledgeable and interesting. The tasting was also really special - no way would I ever get to experience the bottles any other way.
Q
Quest785226
May 11, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Sake tasting
A comprehensive discussion on brewing meghods of Sake, along with a delightful tasting experience.
I
ivancK6596MK
March 6, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
👍🏻
Kiyomi is a helpful and acknowledged tutor. Really enjoy the time experiencing variety type sake.
J
jeromew616
January 22, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Beautiful Sake Tasting
Kiyomi’s sake tasting was one of the most enjoyable, well structured experiences on my trip. From the start, she set a welcoming tone and made the whole session feel accessible, even for people who are newer to sake.
What stood out most was how clearly Kiyomi explained the “why” behind what we were tasting. She walked us through key differences in polishing, aromatics, sweetness versus dryness. Each pour had context. not just the style and region, but what to look for on the palate.
P
P5993CDnickm
December 21, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Brilliant sake experience
Insightful lesson on a fascinating topic by an excellent teacher. Sake was also delicious!
Sake tasting with family was an excellent way to spend 2 hours. Would highly recommend.
G
gemmabV4546LR
November 21, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Fantastic!
Absolutely fantastic experience. Kiyomi was so lovely and bubbly, the whole session was so informative! Definitely recommend for anyone wanting to try sake or already has a good knowledge of sake (Nihonshu!).
L
laylasR7198RJ
November 13, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Kyoto Insider Sake Experience
Super Great! We had Kiyomi, and she was the best! Sooo knowledgeable, warm and enthusiastic. We learned so much, she even taught us how to identify bottles in the store and read the kanji labels. Overall 10 out of 10. So nice, as someone who doesn’t drink much alcohol I stilled enjoyed it and would recommend. I learned so much. Thank you Kyoto Sake Experience!
G
Guide40777819778
November 13, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
Kiyomi was our extremely knowledgable and friendly Sake sommelier. We learned so much and were able to specify our interests based on the information. I would recommend this to anyone, including people without prior interest in Sake.
P
Paradise64728836966
October 30, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Excellent experience, learned so much about sake!!
This was a great experience in Kyoto! Kotaro is excellent and very knowledgeable on sake (he's a sommelier) and we were fascinated to learn so much and how complex the whole sake making process is and so many styles that exist. He goes into lots of detail but it's just the right amount to leave informed but entertained as you get to try 10 different types of sake. Highly recommend the experience, it's a small group so it's very personal and lots of fun!! You will leave with a new appreciation of the sake world and sample some great sake too!
