Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting in Historic Nishijin District

Overview

Step into the world of Kyoto’s rich sake-making heritage with an exclusive tour of Sasaki Sake Brewery. Nestled in downtown Kyoto, "Sasaki Shuzo" has been crafting top-quality sake since 1893 using the pure, natural spring waters of Kinmeisui and Ginmeisui to create its signature brews. In this immersive experience, you’ll tour the inner workings of the brewery with an expert guide to dive deep into the culture and art they preserve. Of course, no visit is complete without a tasting, and you'll also savor a lineup of premium sake, including rare varieties like Junmai Daiginjo, perfectly paired with snacks.

Highlights

• Delight in a Kyoto sake-tasting experience at historic Sasaki Shuzo
• Learn about the historic Nishijin area from the sake brewery staff, uncovering why sake brewing thrived there
• Go behind the scenes — step inside Sasaki Sake Brewery and discover the artistry of sake-making from an expert
• Taste 3-4 sake varieties, including exclusive premium selections rarely available at tastings
• Sample perfectly matched snacks that enhance the unique flavors of each sake

Important Information

• Minors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult guardian over 18 years of age

  The legal drinking age in Japan is 20; please bring a valid ID for proof of age (alcohol will not be served to ages 0–19)

  Driving after drinking any amount of alcohol is prohibited by Japanese law; please do not drive after this tour if you consume any sake

  Please avoid wearing fur clothing or perfume on the day

  Please refrain from consuming natto (fermented soybeans) the day prior

  In case of unavoidable circumstances, the program may be subject to last-minute changes and cancellations

  The tour content varies depending on the time of year: from October to February, visitors can observe the sake brewing process, and from March to September, they can take a closer look at the sake brewing machinery

Please arrive early to the venue: arrival more than 15 minutes late will result in cancellation

Description

Tucked away in Kyoto’s historic Nishijin district, Sasaki Sake Brewery has been brewing sake since 1893, drawing from the same pristine water sources once used by tea master Sen no Rikyu. While Nishijin is famous for its intricate textiles, it also has deep roots in sake brewing, thanks to its abundant groundwater and access to top-quality rice.

Though the Fushimi area is now Kyoto’s sake hotspot, Nishijin was once a bustling brewing hub, where Kyoto’s natural basin and underground reservoirs provided ideal conditions. Today, Sasaki Sake Brewery is the last remaining sake brewery in the area, standing at the southern edge of the former Jurakudai, the lavish palace of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan's historic unifying warlords.

Step Inside a Working Sake Brewery

At Sasaki Sake Brewery, expert kurabito (sake brewers) oversee each step of the brewing process, from soaking rice to bottling the final product. The traditional storehouse stays cool year-round thanks to high ceilings, mud walls, and ventilation windows — essential for sake fermentation.

While the brewery stays true to age-old techniques, it also embraces innovation. Instead of conventional pressing, they use a centrifuge to separate the unrefined sake mash (moromi), producing a cleaner, more aromatic sake. Depending on the season, you might even get to stir the fermenting mash or see the jozo process, where sake is strained and separated from the lees.

Taste the Best of Sasaki Sake Brewery

After exploring the brewery, enjoy a guided sake tasting featuring three to four varieties, including the premium Junmai Daiginjo, a rare treat not typically available for tasting. Seasonal selections round out the lineup, offering a chance to discover your personal favorite.

To enhance the experience, the tasting includes carefully paired snacks, such as pickles aged in sake and sake kasu karinto, a crispy, sweet snack made with sake lees. Tasting different styles side by side will give you a deeper appreciation of the craftsmanship behind Kyoto’s sake.

Bring Home a Taste of Kyoto

Before you leave, be sure to browse the brewery’s shop, where you can pick up your favorite bottle to take home. Their signature Jurakudai Junmai Daiginjo showcases Kyoto’s ideal brewing climate with a refined, elegant flavor, while the Koto Daiginjo offers a fruitier profile that pairs beautifully with Japanese cuisine.

Step into Kyoto’s rich sake heritage, witness traditional craftsmanship, and savor the unique flavors of Sasaki Sake Brewery.

Total

13,000 JPY

Rakuten Point:

+118

Select Details