Get a small-group introduction to the fascinating world of Japanese sake, a complex drink spanning hundreds of years of tradition. During this intimate, 45-minute experience, visit a modern sake brewery before joining a sake tasting session to sample a few varieties with your guide.
Start your sake experience in either the morning or afternoon at the machiya (traditional wooden house) in central Kyoto, the location of which will be detailed with your purchase. Proceed with your guide to the Matsui Shuzo sake brewery.
At the modern brewery facilities, you will investigate the various tools used in sake production and hear a few details about the history of this fascinating beverage, which is known as Japan’s national beverage. Its popularity is still evident to this day – you’ll be sure to see Japanese locals drinking it at variety of festivals, rituals and ceremonies during your visit to the country.
After completing your brewery visit, continue with a sake tasting session with your guide. Sample several different sake brews, each with a different alcohol content, listening as your guide explains how the drink’s ratio of rice, yeast, water and malt lends each variety a unique flavor. While some sake is more sweet, others have a drier profile, adding to the complexity of the experience.
Finish your sake experience at the brewery, where you can feel free to arrange a taxi to your next destination.
Click on View Additional Info for the machiya location.Matsui Shuzo This family-owned sake brewery has been in operation since 1726. Originally established in Kyogo prefecture, the modern-style facility later moved to Kyoto. At this working factory, you'll observe how sake is currently made, using innovative modern technology while keeping with tradition for small-scale production. Your tasting includes several different types of sake.
