
Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 51 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience worth booking?
Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience is a 2-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $63 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 51 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (51)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $63 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
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
- Snacks
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
Please come to the counter when you arrive.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please come to the counter when you arrive.
Options you can book
11:00AM Deep Sake Tasting
Duration: 2 hours 10 Kinds of Sake
1:30 PM Deep Sake Tasting
Duration: 2 hours 10 kinds of sake
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Add Stories Co.,Ltd.
Know before you go
- 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
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 49 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
49 verified traveler reviews for Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Worth the money
Very fun! Learned a lot! Worth every penny
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.
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.
via Tripadvisor
Sake tasting
A comprehensive discussion on brewing meghods of Sake, along with a delightful tasting experience.
via Tripadvisor
👍🏻
Kiyomi is a helpful and acknowledged tutor. Really enjoy the time experiencing variety type sake.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Fri
- Price range
- $63 to $11,300
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 18
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Add Stories Co.,Ltd., who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 79.0.
See everything Add Stories Co.,Ltd. runsWhy this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience cost?
+
Prices start at $63 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kyoto usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience take?
+
Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kyoto is not rushed.
Is Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 51 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience?
+
Around 18 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kyoto can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kyoto and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kyoto within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kyoto?
+
On Outty we rank every Kyoto experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night, Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option in Gion, Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience?
+
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; and Advanced sake tasting guided by an experienced sake expert. Not included: Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience?
+
Please come to the counter when you arrive. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience?
+
Across 51 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
What booking options are available for Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience?
+
There are 2 options to choose from, including 11:00AM Deep Sake Tasting, 1:30 PM Deep Sake Tasting. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Advanced Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting Experience.
Pick your date




