
Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 35 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier worth booking?
Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier is a 2-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from ¥13,000 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 35 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (35)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- ¥13,000 per person
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
What you get
About this experience
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
What's included
Included
- Alcoholic beverages
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
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
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
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.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 4 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kenji from Kyoto, a certified international sake sommelier
Know before you go
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 35 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
35 verified traveler reviews for Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and 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.
Response from the operator: 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
via Tripadvisor
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!
Response from the operator: 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
via Viator
Great time!
Very knowledgeable host and nice environment. Fun experience! Great variety in the products tried. A must try in Kyoto!
Response from the operator: 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
via Viator
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.
Response from the operator: 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
via Tripadvisor
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!
Response from the operator: 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
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Kenji from Kyoto, a certified international sake sommelier, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 68.2.
See everything Kenji from Kyoto, a certified international sake sommelier runsWhy this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier cost?
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Prices start at ¥13,000 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 Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier take?
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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 Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 35 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 Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier?
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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 Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier suitable for kids and families?
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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 Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier?
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Around 12 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?
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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 Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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 : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option in Gion, Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture Tour, Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available). 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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier?
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Included: Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier?
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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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier offered in?
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It is offered in Japanese and 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 Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier?
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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 Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kyoto. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier?
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Across 35 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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