Tours/Kyoto/Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier
Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier
5.0(35)Kyoto2 hours
VIATOR5.0(8)TRIPADVISOR5.0(27)
+13 photos
At a glance
Duration
2 hours
Price from
$84 / person
Location
Kyoto, Japan
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 35 reviews
Languages
JA, EN
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Kenji from Kyoto, a certified international sake sommelier
Meeting point
Go to the intersection of Shijo and Karasuma streets. Look for the imposing Mitsui Building on the northeast corner of the intersection. There's a photograph of this building in the photos above. I'll be standing out front. You'll know me by my LINNELL'S backpack.
Description
Private experience for 1–4 people — always your group only. Enjoy a relaxed and authentic experience in the heart of Kyoto.
Discover the world of sake with Kenji, a certified international sake sommelier who spent many years working at a sake brewery in Hyogo.
During the two-hour tasting, you'll have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of sake production from a professional insider.
Kenji will guide you through how to order, enjoy, and appreciate Japan’s national beverage — while tasting several hand-selected sakes from across the country.
Please join Kenji for sake and snacks at a very cool standing bar (no seats) in central Kyoto!
Group size: 1 - 4 people
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
12:30 PM and 3:00 PM
Next available
Sun, Nov 1
Adult (ages 20+)
$84
In demand: 33 of the next 60 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 21.
Tour Options
Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier
What's included
Included
Tastings of eight excellent sakes from across Japan accompanied by traditional Japanese snacks
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
35 reviews
5
35
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Kyoto
Rated higher than 75% of 482 reviewed tours in Kyoto
Starting price $84 is 11% above the typical $76 for tours of similar length in Kyoto
Excurgo comparison of 1,631 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not suitable for individuals under 20 years of age, due to the legal drinking age in Japan
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 Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier take?
Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier lasts about 2 hours.
How much does Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier cost?
Prices start at $84 per person for this Kyoto experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM.
Does Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier sell out?
It can: 33 of the next 60 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier 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 Go to the intersection of Shijo and Karasuma streets. Look for the imposing Mitsui Building on the northeast corner of the intersection. There's a photograph of this building in the photos above. I'll be standing out front. You'll know me by my LINNELL'S backpack. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier offered in?
The experience is available in JA, EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 4 travellers can book together.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 35 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Kenji from Kyoto, a certified international sake sommelier.
Reviews(35)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
M
M1193FMcarolc
July 25, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great Experience
My brother and I had an amazing time during our private sake tasting! Kenji is incredibly knowledgeable and very kind. Highly recommend.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a pleasure sharing the world of sake with you and your brother. I'm so glad you both enjoyed the experience. Wishing you a fantastic rest of your time in Japan!
Best regards,
Kenji from Kyoto
A
Abby_G
May 6, 2026 · via Viator
Highly Recommend Kenji’s Sake Tasting!
Kenji was great! He was very communicative and made everything very easy. We learned so much about sake that we didn’t know! We tasted 8 sakes, learned how to read certain parts of the label and which region it came from. Kenji answered all of our questions and his English was great. We had so much fun and learned a lot. We would definitely recommend doing this tour!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
I’m very happy to hear that you both enjoyed the private sake tasting with me. It was my pleasure to share the basics of sake with you.
I truly appreciate your recommendation, and I hope you enjoy many more sake adventures in the future!
Best regards,
Kenji from Kyoto
S
Sofia_S
April 14, 2026 · via Viator
Great time!
Very knowledgeable host and nice environment. Fun experience! Great variety in the products tried. A must try in Kyoto!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed the experience, the variety of sake, and the atmosphere. It was a real pleasure hosting you.
Hope to see you again on another tour in the future.
Best regards,
Kenji from Kyoto
B
BKNYGAL
November 16, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
One-of-a-kind sake sommelier experience!
Kenji was a fabulous guide with an amazingly broad knowledge of the history, traditions and current trends around Japanese nihonshu (or sake). His patient explanations, including his experience in international sake sales, was a great privilege to hear about, alongside of great suggestions for very different types of sake. We tasted sake types that paired well with foods and types that were best to drink on their own. Great experience being guided by an expert who is also super interesting to talk to about Japanese culture and society :) Highly recommended for sake-lovers and for anyone who wants to learn more.
Operator response
Thank you so much for joining my private sake tasting and for your wonderful review. I’m truly happy to hear that you enjoyed learning about nihonshu and exploring different styles and pairings together. It was a pleasure sharing my knowledge—and stories—with you, and I really enjoyed our conversation about Japanese culture as well.
I’m grateful for your kind words and hope to welcome you again in Kyoto someday.
Best,
Kenji from Kyoto
S
Sara_S
October 29, 2025 · via Viator
Lovely experience
What a great experience. We learned so much from Kenji and enjoyed ourselves immensely. If you're interested in learning about Japanese sake & nihonshu, then this is the tour for you!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
I’m really happy to hear you enjoyed my private sake tasting and learned a lot about sake.
Thank you,
Kenji from Kyoto
A
Aaron
October 29, 2025 · via Viator
Kenji is a good time and...
Kenji is a good time and very knowledgeable. Would highly recommend this experience for anyone looking to learn it all about sake!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind words!
I'm glad you all enjoyed my private sake tasting and had a great time.
Thank you,
Kenji from Kyoto
A
alanfX8278NI
October 2, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
A delightful sake experience
My time with Kenji was exceptional from beginning to end. There wasn’t a single question I had that he did not have a meaningful answer or insight for. The selections Kenji made for the tasting were excellent, and he even helped select some bottles for me to take home. After we finished, Kenji was kind enough to share recommend a fantastic restaurant for dinner.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed my Private Sake Tasting, and I truly appreciate your kind words. I hope the bottles you took home will bring back great memories of your time in Kyoto.
Best,
Kenji from Kyoto
K
kaylah199
September 22, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
This was a lovely experience, sake was amazing and plentiful. Kenji was very accommodating of our children we would definitely recommend
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind review!
I’m very glad to hear you enjoyed my private sake tasting, and it was my pleasure to welcome your family.
I truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again in Kyoto someday!
Best,
Kenji from Kyoto
7
79denab
September 22, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Enjoy the world of nihonshu "sake"
We had such a delightful and educational experience with Kenji. He walked us through the basics of sake or Nihonshu including how to read the bottle, the different types, and the various regions of the breweries. We tasted several different varieties and brands. He is also a Japanese teacher so we were able to ask him questions about Kanji. He is friendly and has an excellent command of English. I'd highly recommend this tour.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
I’m very glad to hear that you both enjoyed my private sake tasting and found it educational.
Best,
Kenji from Kyoto
Q
Q324IXamyl
March 31, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Great sake tasting experience
We met Kenji for a sake tasting. It was a great experience for first time sake drinkers. We learned so much from Kenji about the process to brew sake and the different varieties. Kenji was very personable, and he answered all our questions. It was a pleasure to meet him and also talk with him about our travels in Japan. A fun and memorable experience - we highly recommend Kenji for sake tasting and tours.
Operator response
Thank you for your kind review! I'm glad you enjoyed my private sake tasting. I hope to see you again someday for another private tour in Kyoto.
Best,
Kenji from Kyoto
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Tour
Duration
Rating
Price
Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier