FAQ

It’s an interactive sake tasting and learning experience led by certified sake experts in Kyoto’s historic Fushimi Sake District. You’ll discover how sake is made, taste a wide range of styles, and learn how to choose sake that suits your own palate.

Unlike simple tastings, this is a guided educational journey. You’ll learn from local sake professionals who explain brewing techniques, regional differences, and pairing secrets — all in a friendly, hands-on way. Many guests say they leave feeling confident about ordering sake anywhere in Japan.

Depending on the course, you’ll taste between 7 and 10 varieties, from light and crisp to rich and full-bodied. Each sake is carefully selected to highlight differences in rice, yeast, and brewing method.

1.5-Hour Sake Tasting Experience: About 1.5 hours
Advanced Sake Tasting Experience: About 1.5–2 hours
3-Hour Brewery Tour + Tasting: About 3 hours (includes a brewery visit and 10 sakes)

Absolutely. Many of our guests are first-time sake drinkers. The explanations are clear and engaging, and you’ll learn everything step by step — no prior knowledge is needed.

Yes. Even experienced sake fans enjoy comparing rare types side-by-side and discussing flavor balance with our sake experts. Many participants are restaurant owners, sommeliers, or sake collectors. For passionate sake lovers, we recommend joining our Advanced Sake Tasting or 3-Hour Brewery Tour for a deeper exploration.

All sessions are guided by certified sake professionals with deep knowledge of Japanese brewing culture. They’re bilingual (English/Japanese) and passionate about sharing the craft in an approachable way.

Yes, most of the sakes featured are brewed in Kyoto’s Fushimi area, known for its soft water and elegant flavor profile. Some special tastings also include sakes from other regions of Japan for comparison.

Yes, small Japanese snacks are served with sake in the 1.5-Hour and 3-Hour Brewery Tour to show how food and sake complement each other.
The Advanced Sake Tasting focuses on premium/unique sakes only and does not include food pairings. We believe it makes it easier to focus on the flavors.

Of course! Photography is welcome (and encouraged), as long as it doesn’t disturb other guests. Many people love capturing their tasting lineup and sharing their experience online. However, please retain from taking videos at the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum as it is not allowed.

Relaxed, friendly, fun and educational. It’s a casual setting where you can enjoy learning and discovering the deep world of sake in good company.

Yes. The selection changes regularly based on the season and what’s fresh from local breweries. Returning guests often get to try new and rare bottles each time.

Yes, same-day bookings are possible if there are open seats. However, availability is limited — we recommend booking in advance to guarantee your preferred time. Please note that reservation closes an hour before the tour.

We accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) and PayPal. Payments are processed securely online at the time of booking.

Normally, bookings must be paid online in advance to confirm your seat. In rare cases, walk-in payments may be accepted if there’s availability.

1.5-Hour Sake Tasting: ¥9,800 per person / 3-Hour Sake Tasting + Brewery Tour: ¥12,300~ per person. Advanced Sake Tasting: ¥10,800 per person. Private or group experiences vary by size and season.

Yes! Private sake experiences are perfect for groups, families, or company events. Private sessions can host up to 32 people in the same room.

Cancel 7 days before the tour for a full refund (minus card fee).
Cancel 4–6 days before for a 50% refund.
No refunds are available within 72 hours of the tour or for no-shows.

Please reply to your confirmation email or contact us directly. Changes can be made up to 24 hours in advance depending on availability.

Unfortunately, no-shows are non-refundable, as we secure seats, prepare materials and sake in advance for each participant.

If we need to cancel due to weather or safety reasons, you’ll receive a full refund or free rescheduling option.

Yes, once payment is completed, you’ll receive an instant confirmation email with all the details about your experience and meeting point.

Yes! Enter the guest’s name during checkout and your own email for confirmation.

Yes, all prices listed on our website include tax. There are no hidden fees.

Of course it’s always appreciated, however it’s not expected. If you’d like to show your appreciation, you’re welcome to leave a tip—it will be received with gratitude.

Yes, we do! Private sake experiences are ideal for families, friends, or corporate groups who prefer a more intimate and personalized setting. You’ll enjoy a fully guided tasting led by a certified sake expert, just for your group.

Absolutely. Our private sake experiences are perfect for corporate retreats, incentive trips, or team-building events.

Private tours can host up to 32 guests per session, and smaller groups are always welcome.
When divided into two rooms, we can accommodate up to 46 guests simultaneously.

Private experiences include our regular group experiences, along with a personalized itinerary available upon request.

Please contact us directly through the Private Group / Event Inquiry form on our website. Include your preferred date, time, and number of guests — we’ll respond with availability and pricing as soon as possible.

We recommend booking at least 4–8 weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons like spring and autumn. Last-minute requests depend on availability.

3-Hour Private Tour
High Season: Flat rate of ¥135,000 for groups of 1–10 people
Off Season: Flat rate of ¥108,000 for groups of 1–8 people
1.5-Hour Private Tour
High Season: Flat rate of ¥98,000 for groups of 1–10 people
Off Season: Flat rate of ¥78,400 for groups of 1–8 people

The experience takes place at our Fushimi venue for optimal tasting conditions.

Our tours are conducted in English only.
While our guides speak Japanese, we currently do not offer tours in other languages.

Yes. We can adapt the snacks to your preferences — for example, vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant, gluten free, and etc.

The duration of a private tour depends on the tour you book. (1.5 hours to 3 hours)

Yes, if you book the 3-hour Brewery Tour & Tasting option. You’ll explore Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum and then enjoy a private tasting session. The capacity is up to 12 people.

Yes, they’re welcome to join as non-drinking participants. For children, we can prepare soft drinks and confectionary/snacks. For non-drinkers, we can prepare non alcohol sake and pairings.

You can cancel up to 45 days before the tour for a full refund.
Cancellations made 44 to 14 days before the tour will receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations made within 13 days of the tour are non-refundable.
Please note that any processing or transaction fees will be deducted, even during the refundable period.

All experiences are held in Kyoto’s Fushimi Sake District, an area famous for its water and historic breweries. The district is about 15–20 minutes by train from central Kyoto.

・For 3 Hour Sake Tasting + Brewery Tour: Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
・For 1.5 Hour Sake Tasting + Food Pairing: Kyoto Insider Sake Experience
・For Advanced Sake Tasting: Kyoto Insider Sake Experience

From Kyoto Station: Take the Kintetsu Line to Momoyamagoryo-mae Station (about 20 minutes). From Gion or central Kyoto: Take the Keihan Line to Chushojima Station (about 20 minutes). Both are walking distance from the venue.

Yes, taxis from central Kyoto take around 30 minutes depending on traffic. Show the driver: ‘Kyoto Insider Sake Experience (Fushimi-ku)’ or the address in your confirmation email.

There is no private parking available. We recommend using public transportation, as alcohol will be served and we are unable to serve sake to guests who plan to drive.

Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled start time so we can begin smoothly. If you arrive early, there are cafés, shrines, and sake shops nearby to explore.

Our main tasting room is wheelchair accessible, though parts of the brewery tour may have uneven floors or narrow walkways. Please inform us in advance if you need assistance.

The Fushimi area is one of Kyoto’s most charming districts — full of traditional sake breweries, canals, and small shrines. It’s a quiet, authentic neighborhood that reflects Japan’s deep sake culture.

Yes! After your experience, you can easily walk to famous breweries like Gekkeikan or Kizakura. Our guides are happy to recommend their favorite spots for further tasting.

Yes. Your confirmation email includes English instructions, a Google Maps link, and the name in Japanese for taxi drivers.

The sake tasting is held indoors in a comfortable, climate-controlled setting. The 3-hour Brewery Tour includes a short outdoor walk between locations.

Definitely. The Fushimi district has many hidden gems — sake museums, shrines, and riverside cafés. Fushimi Inari Shrine is only two train stops away.

Yes, there are many local restaurants within walking distance, including izakayas and soba restaurants. Your guide can recommend places for lunch or dinner.

Yes, a digital map is included in your confirmation email. You can also search ‘Kyoto Insider Sake Experience’ directly on Google Maps for directions.

Anyone aged 20 or older is welcome to join the tasting (Japanese law prohibits alcohol service to minors). Non-drinkers and accompanying guests can also join if included in the booking. Children under 4 years old cannot participate.

Guests under 20 may join as observers when accompanied by adults and included in the booking, but alcohol will not be served. Non-alcoholic options are available. Please note that children under 4 years old are not permitted to join the experience.

Yes! Non-drinkers and pregnant guests are welcome. We can provide soft drinks or non-alchoholic bevarages.

Not at all. Most of our guests are beginners. The experience is designed to be educational and fun, starting from the basics of how the sake is made. By the end of the tour, guests will be able to choose their preferred sake on their own.

All tours are conducted in English by bilingual sake experts.

No special dress code — just wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking. Avoid strong perfume or cologne, as it can affect your sense of smell during the tasting.

Yes, small bags are fine. For large luggage, please leave it at your hotel or use a coin locker at the nearby station. We have limited space at the venue.

Yes, photography is welcome as long as it does not disturb other guests. Please note that video recording is prohibited inside the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum.

Regular shared experiences usually have up to 12 guests(3-Hours) or 14 guests(1.5-Hours) per session. This keeps the atmosphere relaxed and allows everyone to interact with the guide.

Yes! Many solo travelers join and enjoy the experience. It’s a great opportunity to meet other sake lovers from around the world.

If you are feeling unwell, please refrain from participating in alcohol tastings.

Yes, elderly guests are welcome. The 1.5-Hour and Advanced Sake Tasting experiences are seated and comfortable throughout.
However, the 3-Hour Brewery Tour involves extended periods of standing and walking, so it may not be recommended for those who prefer seated activities.

Our tasting room is wheelchair accessible up to the entrance, though the restroom does have a small step. The Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum also has some steps and uneven surfaces. Please let us know ahead of time if you need any assistance — we’ll do our best to make your visit smooth and enjoyable.

For safety and comfort reasons, we recommend this experience for adults. However, if you inform us in advance, small chidren and infants are allowed for private tours.

If you’re running late, please contact us as soon as possible. Guests arriving after a certain time may not be able to join the tour once it has started.

Minimum: 1 guest (you can join alone). Maximum: 14 guests for shared tours, or up to 32 for private sessions.

Yes, vegetarian or vegan-friendly snacks can be provided upon request. Please inform your guide on the day of your visit, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Yes, we do our best to accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions. Please inform your guide upon arrival — especially if you have allergies to soy, gluten, seafood, nuts, or milk — so that we can make suitable adjustments..

While we cannot guarantee halal or kosher certification, we can prepare non-meat or non-pork options.

No, the snacks are light pairings designed to complement the sake, not to replace a full meal. We recommend eating lightly before the experience.

Absolutely. We can provide non-alcoholic drinks so non-drinkers can still join and learn about the deep history and culture of sake.

We occasionally provide alcohol-free sake alternatives for guests who cannot drink alcohol.

Yes, pregnant guests are welcome. We offer non-alcoholic beverages and ensure a comfortable environment. Please inform us in advance so we can prepare accordingly.

For hygiene and pairing reasons, outside food is not allowed during the tasting. However, if you have strict dietary needs, please contact us before your visit to discuss possible exceptions.

Yes, you can purchase the sakes you tasted during the experience, as well as other carefully selected bottles available in our tasting room.
Our staff can assist you with recommendations and provide delivery options within Japan.

Many countries allow small quantities of alcohol for personal use. Please check your airline or customs regulations before departure. We can provide packaging advice for safe transport.

Absolutely! After your session, our guides can suggest other breweries, sake bars, and specialty shops in Kyoto’s Fushimi area and beyond.

Yes, we priovide a tasting note with all the information of sake you’ll try at the tour with spaces to rate and take notes for your reference.

While we don’t issue official certificates, many guests enjoy taking home their tasting sheet and/or bottles they purchase at our tasting room for sourvenirs.

Definitely. Many returning guests join our Advanced Sake Tasting to explore unique, traditional, and hard-to-find sakes that offer a deeper taste of Japan’s sake culture.

Currently, we can assist with domestic delivery within Japan. International shipping is unavailable.

Yes! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for sake tips, seasonal recommendations, and updates about new experiences in Kyoto.

The experience is available all year-round. Spring and autumn are especially popular for their pleasant weather, while winter offers the chance to taste freshly brewed sake from the new brewing season.

Yes, booking in advance is recommended to secure your preferred time and date. Same-day bookings are possible only if there are open seats. During the busy spring and autumn seasons, we recommend booking 1–2 months in advance.

Yes, please bring your digital or printed booking confirmation. Showing it on your phone is perfectly fine.

Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled start time to check in and settle comfortably before the tasting begins.

All experiences are held indoors, so they proceed even in rainy weather. If your session includes a brewery visit, we recommend bringing an umbrella.

If you’re feeling sick, please contact us before your session. We’ll do our best to reschedule or assist you depending on availability.

Including check-in and wrap-up, please allow around 1 hour and 45 minutes for the 1.5 Hour Sake Tasting + Food pairing and about 3 hours and 15 minutes for the 3 Hour Sake Tasting + Brewery visit.

Yes! All experiences are conducted in English, and our staff will guide you step by step. No Japanese is required to enjoy the session.

Avoid chewing gum, smoking, or wearing strong perfume before the tasting — they can affect your ability to fully enjoy the aroma and flavor of sake.

You can cancel 7+ days before the tour for a full refund, 6–4 days before for a 50% refund, and within 3 days is non-refundable.
Please contact us if your plans change — we’re happy to help reschedule your booking if possible.

You can reach us easily through our website’s contact form or reply to your booking confirmation email. We usually respond within 24 hours.

Walk-ins are not guaranteed, but if space is available, we’ll be happy to welcome you. It’s always best to check the availability online beforehand.

Dress comfortably and casually. There is no strict dress code, but please avoid strong perfume or cologne to better enjoy the aromas of sake.

All tours are conducted in English by bilingual sake experts. Private tours can also be arranged in Japanese upon request.

Not at all! The entire experience is held in English. As well as the tasting notes and any other information.

Yes! You’ll learn key Japanese terms such as ‘junmai’, ‘ginjo’, and ‘umami’, as well as how to read basic sake labels in Japanese. It’s a fun way to deepen your understanding of sake

Yes, all our guides are bilingual and experienced in communicating with international guests.

Of course! Our guides are happy to help you practice simple sake-related expressions in Japanese if you’d like.

Not at all. If you feel the need to stop drinking, please do so. We encourage a safe and fun environment while learning about sake.

No, our venue does not require you to take off your shoes.

Of course it’s always appreciated, however it’s not expected. If you’d like to show your appreciation, you’re welcome to leave a tip—it will be received with gratitude. Also, if you enjoyed the experience, please help us to share the world of sake with others by leaving a review.

Absolutely! Our guides love to share stories about sake, Kyoto, and Japanese traditions. Feel free to ask anything — it’s part of the fun of the experience.

Yes, please do! Many guests like to take notes or photos to remember their favorite sakes. We encourage it — it’s part of your personal learning journey.

Yes, you’ll learn about Japan’s sake traditions, social customs, and how sake plays a role in everyday life and celebrations.

Yes — we’ll teach you how to say ‘kanpai!’ (乾杯), which means ‘cheers!’ It’s the perfect way to start your sake experience.

Currently, our materials are provided in English only.

Bringing an interpreter is not permitted, and interpretation during the experience is not allowed, as it may disturb other guests and affect duration of the tour.

Yes! We provide private sake experiences for corporate groups, incentive trips, and team-building events.

We can host up to 32 guests in one session at our main venue. Larger groups may be divided into smaller groups or scheduled in multiple sessions.

Our experiences are only held at the KYOTO INSIDER SAKE EXPERIENCE venue in Fushimi.
We generally do not offer off-site events, as our venue provides the best environment for serving and tasting sake properly.

Yes, we can provide official invoices and receipts for accounting purposes. Payment can be made by credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer.

Yes, we frequently work with travel agencies, DMCs, and MICE organizers. Please contact us to discuss partnership opportunities.

Yes, we welcome media professionals and influencers interested in covering sake culture or Kyoto tourism. Please contact us in advance for scheduling and permissions.

We recommend booking at least one month in advance for customized corporate sessions, especially during busy travel seasons (spring and autumn).

We’ve welcomed global corporations, embassies, universities, and creative agencies seeking cultural exchange and team-building through sake.

Simply contact us through our website’s inquiry form or email. Please include your company name, preferred dates, group size, and any specific requests.

Our tasting room is accessible by wheelchair up to the entrance area, but please note that the restroom has a small step.
The Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum also includes some steps and uneven surfaces. If you require assistance, please let us know in advance so we can provide support during your visit.

Some areas of the brewery have uneven floors or narrow passages. We can provide alternative routes or modified explanations for guests with mobility needs.

Yes, we’re happy to welcome visually impaired guests. Our guides provide detailed verbal explanations.

Yes, written tasting notes and explanations are provided in English.
During the experience, we use slides and visual materials to support understanding, but please note that not all information can be fully conveyed visually.

Elderly guests are very welcome. The 1.5-Hour and Advanced Sake Tasting sessions are conducted seated and easy to enjoy.
The 3-Hour Brewery Tour includes more standing and walking, so it may not be ideal for those who prefer to stay seated.

Yes, we can adapt the snacks for guests with dietary restrictions, allergies, or religious requirements. Please inform us when you arrive.

We’re sorry, but we are not able to accommodate service dogs in our tasting room or during the tour.
As the experience involves food and alcohol service in a shared space, we must maintain specific hygiene and safety standards.

Yes, both Chushojima Station (Keihan Line) and Momoyamagoryo-mae Station (Kintetsu Line) are accessible stations with elevators and ramps.

Yes, our bilingual staff can assist you with emergencies, medical help, or contacting transportation services if needed.

The 3-Hour Brewery Tour includes about 1.5 hours of walking and standing inside and around the sake brewery.
For guests who may find this challenging, we recommend joining the 1.5-Hour Sake Tasting or the Advanced Sake Tasting, which are both seated experiences.

When booking, please include a note about any accessibility requirements, or email us directly. We’ll confirm arrangements before your visit.