Kyoto Whisky and Sake Tasting Tour
Scope out the nightlife in the ancient capital’s geisha district during this Kyoto Whisky and Sake Tasting Tour!
Highlights
Stop at an award-winning hidden gem of a bar where you can order a cocktail based on your “mood” or have the bartenders fix you up something special, just for you!
Stroll around the ancient capital at night and discover some gorgeous Kyoto night views
Enjoy seasonal dishes in Kyoto and a sake tasting (alternative drinks are also provided)
Visit a restaurant in a local Kyoto family’s home, and enjoy the owner’s stories and Kyoto specialty dishes
Japanese whisky tasting and chocolate pairing at an upscale bar in Pontocho (alternative drinks provided for non-whisky drinkers)
10 meals
Experience Details
“Kagai,” or “Flower Town,” is made of five little districts in Kyoto, including Gion and Pontocho, where geisha entertain their elite patrons at Ocha-ya, traditional Japanese teahouses. During this Kyoto Whisky and Sake Tasting Tour, you will visit one of these more hidden areas, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a Maiko or Geiko en route to a teahouse.
First, you’ll visit an award-winning cocktail bar where the mixologists will make you a signature dish, just for you, or stir up a drink based on your “mood.” Enjoy local Kyoto bar snacks along with your cocktail, as you chat with fellow travelers and the local tour guide, and hear more about the Kyoto nightlife scene and traditional culture of the ancient capital. Then, wind through Kyoto’s little side streets for the most stunning night view of Kyoto (you’re definitely going to want to immortalize it in a photo).
Afterward, enjoy a Kyoto sake tasting and learn all about Japanese rice wine. The water in Kyoto is known as some of the purest and softest in Japan, so it makes for some of the most delicious, aromatic sake. Enjoy the chef’s creative twist on mochi and Peking duck appetizers. Lastly, the pursuit of whisky will take you to an upscale bar in Pontocho, where you can enjoy a variety of Japanese whiskies (or another beverage, if you’re not too keen on whisky) paired with chocolate or local Kyoto snacks. End the tour with a last stroll through the city’s backstreets to wrap up your Kyoto nightlife experience.
Inclusions
Dinner at a local, family-run restaurant
Cocktail at an award-winning Kyoto bar
Sake tasting and Kyoto specialty dishes, like mochi and an inventive twist on Peking duck!
Whisky tasting and chocolate pairing (or bar snacks) at a classy Pontocho bar
Alternative drinks are provided for those who do not want sake or whisky
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet-up details will be sent to your provided email address once your booking is confirmed.
Remarks
The food tour starts strictly on time. If guests do not arrive at the meeting point by the departure time, the tour will begin regardless, and no refund shall be given.
Please wear comfortable shoes as there will be walking involved.
There’s a strict rule that only a person 20 years of age may drink alcohol.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 2 days before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Gion is the traditional entertainment center of Kyoto, where arts like kabuki theater, tea ceremony, and flower arrangement have flourished for hundreds of years. Gion is one of five hanamachi (geiko or geisha communities) in Kyoto. Some of the most gorgeous traditional tea houses are also in Gion, and geisha can be seen moving between ochaya tea houses, on their way to a performance. During sakura season, maiko and geiko perform at the Miyako Odori, one of the largest annual spring shows. But all year round, Shirakawa Dori (Shirakawa Street) is a stunning and timeless sight.
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10 meals
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