Kyoto Whisky and Sake Tasting Tour
Taste sake and whisky paired with exquisite Kyoto dishes in this evening exploration of the old capital's geisha districts (hanamachi.)
Highlights
Stop at an award-winning hidden gem bar and taste creative cocktails and seasonal dishes
Stroll around the ancient capital at night and discover some gorgeous Kyoto night views
Taste whisky and sake (other drinks also available)
Hear fascinating stories about history and culture
10 meals
Experience Details
“Kagai,” or “Flower Town,” is made of five little districts in Kyoto, including Gion and Pontocho, where geisha historically entertained their elite patrons at Ocha-ya, traditional Japanese teahouses. During this Kyoto Whisky and Sake Tasting Tour, you'll explore these areas during the evening, taste sake and whisky, and try seasonal dishes.
Stroll along nostalgic cobblestone streets with glowing lanterns and centuries-old tea houses, learn captivating stories of the district’s history and uncover hidden bars, beloved by locals for their masterful bartenders and innovative drink creations. First, you’ll visit an award-winning cocktail bar where the mixologists will make you a signature cocktail to enjoy with local Kyoto bar snacks.
Chat with fellow travelers and a 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 stunning night views of Kyoto. 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. You'll enjoy your sake with a light meal, and stop by to taste whisky at another bar, for a total of four food stops.
End the tour with a last stroll through the city’s backstreets to wrap up your Kyoto nightlife experience.
Inclusions
Sake, cocktail, whisky, and other beverages
A variety of dishes at multiple stops
Light dinner in a restaurant with specialty dishes snacks paired with famous Kyoto sake
Expert English-speaking guide
Exclusions
Hotel pick-up not included (can be arranged for an additional fee)
Additional drinks or food (not included but can be purchased at your own expense)
Transportation costs
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 48 hours 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.
We had such a lovely time with Thomas! He was very knowledgeable, engaging and funny! We gained great insight into Japanese whiskey culture and discovered new favorites.
The whiskey and sake tasting tour led by Thomas was incredible! Thomas was a very knowledgable host and was a great guide who explained everything given to us from proper etiquette, to history in g...read more
Had a wonderful time on this tour thanks to our extremely knowledgeable guide, Gabriela. She took us to all the bars and restaurants and I enjoyed every one we went to. The staff at each place we w...read more
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10 meals
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