Matsui Sake Brewery Kyoto – A Hidden Urban Sake Experience Near Demachiyanagi

Tucked away near Demachiyanagi, Matsui Sake Brewery offers a rare chance to step inside a working sake brewery in Kyoto.

We recently visited Matsui Sake Brewery, a small urban brewery near Demachiyanagi, and what stood out immediately was how accessible and relaxed the experience felt compared to larger breweries.

Despite its compact size, visitors can step inside a working brewery and taste more than 20 different types of sake—all within a short visit in the heart of Kyoto. It’s the kind of place that fits easily into a travel day, without feeling rushed or overwhelming.

In this article, we’ll share what the experience is actually like—from the brewery tour itself to the tasting that follows—along with a few insights that can help you get more out of your visit.

While the brewery tour itself offers a clear introduction to how sake is made, the tasting that follows is largely self-guided. With so many options available, having a basic understanding of sake—such as how to recognize different aromas, textures, and styles—can make the experience much easier to appreciate. For those who want to build that foundation, joining a guided tasting experience such as the Kyoto Insider Sake Experience before visiting can make a noticeable difference in how you approach the tasting.

Kyoto’s Oldest Sake Brewery in the City Center

Matsui Sake Brewery is best known for its sake brand “Kagura.”

Their sake is characterized by fruity aromas and a refined balance that makes it approachable even for those who are new to Japanese sake.

Founded in 1726, Matsui Sake Brewery is considered the oldest sake brewery within Kyoto’s historic city center (Rakuchu).

After a period of closure, the brewery resumed production in 2009 at its current location. The brewery now occupies the ground floor of a modern residential building, creating a unique urban brewery space where traditional sake brewing meets contemporary design.

Inside the facility you will find:

• the brewery itself
• a shop where visitors can purchase bottles
• a tasting space where guests can relax and enjoy sake

Visitors can stop by anytime for tasting or shopping.
If you want to see how sake is made, you can also reserve a guided brewery tour, available even for a single participant.

Tours are offered in both Japanese and English, and many of the staff members speak English, making it easy for international visitors to enjoy the experience.

More details:
https://matsuishuzo.com/?mode=f23

How to Get There

Matsui Sake Brewery is located about a five-minute walk from Keihan Demachiyanagi Station.

Walk along the Kamo River, turn down a small street, and you’ll soon find the brewery. The entrance is marked by a traditional sugidama cedar ball, a symbol commonly seen at sake breweries.

Inside the Brewery Tour

The tour begins with a short introduction from the guide.

During our visit, we joined the English tour, guided by Jorge, who is also one of the brewers working at Matsui Sake Brewery.

Visitors leave their belongings at the counter and put on an apron, hair cap, and shoe covers before entering the brewing area through the back of the shop.

Compared to traditional countryside breweries, Matsui Sake Brewery operates in a compact urban space, and therefore uses relatively modern equipment.

As you walk through the brewery, the guide explains each step of the sake-making process, from rice preparation to fermentation. One particularly interesting part of the tour is learning about koji rice, which plays a crucial role in sake brewing.

The brewery tour lasts around 20 to 30 minutes.

Tasting More Than 20 Different Sakes

After the brewery tour, it’s time for the highlight — sake tasting.

Participants receive a prepaid card that can be used at the self-service tasting machines. With this card, you can choose from more than 20 different drinks, including a wide variety of sake as well as gin and rum produced by the brewery.

The card comes with an initial balance. If you would like to taste more, you can easily add credit at the cashier (additional charges can be added from 100 yen).

Each drink has a different price depending on the type of sake and the amount poured, allowing you to explore many different flavors at your own pace.

One small thing to remember: don’t forget to take your card back from the machine after pouring your drink.

When tasting sake, it’s also important to drink water between glasses.

At Matsui Sake Brewery, visitors can enjoy the same underground water used to brew the sake. The water is drawn from 50 meters underground and is available directly from a tap in the tasting space.

Being able to taste the brewing water alongside the sake adds a unique dimension to the experience.

Recommended Sake
chosen by Kyoto Insider Sake Experience Sommeliers

Kagura Junmai Ruri

Unfiltered, undiluted, unpasteurized sake made with 100% Kyoto rice “Iwai.”

This sake has aromas reminiscent of strawberry and melon, with a fresh and lively flavor balanced by the natural umami of rice.

Kagura Kuro

Made with 100% Yamadanishiki rice, polished to 35%.

It features an elegant floral aroma and a clean, refined taste that highlights the clarity of Yamadanishiki rice.

Kagura Special Vintage

A rare sake aged more than five years at −5°C.

Expect complex aromas of caramel and coffee, along with deep layered flavors that unfold beautifully on the palate.

When you’re standing in front of more than 20 different options, deciding what to try first can feel surprisingly difficult. Without a clear point of reference, it’s easy to choose at random rather than with intention. Having a basic understanding of sake styles and flavor profiles makes this part of the experience much more enjoyable, allowing you to compare and explore with a sense of direction. Experiences like the Kyoto Insider Sake Experience help build that confidence, so you can approach the tasting with more clarity and purpose.

Who is Matsui Sake Brewery Best Suited For?

Matsui Sake Brewery is ideal for:

• Visitors looking for a short and flexible sake experience in central Kyoto
• Travelers who want to visit a working brewery without leaving the city
• Those who enjoy exploring different types of sake at their own pace
• Beginners who want a light introduction to sake in a relaxed setting

If your goal is to casually explore and try a variety of sake, the experience works very well on its own.

For those who want to go beyond tasting and develop a deeper understanding of sake, building some foundational knowledge beforehand can make the experience significantly more rewarding.

Is Matsui Sake Brewery Worth Visiting?

Matsui Sake Brewery is a great option for travelers looking for a short, flexible sake experience in Kyoto. Its central location and wide range of tasting options make it easy to explore different styles without committing to a long visit.

While the experience is more casual and self-guided, this is also part of its appeal. Visitors can explore different styles of sake at their own pace and enjoy the atmosphere of a working urban brewery. For those interested in developing a deeper understanding, having some prior knowledge can make the visit even more rewarding.

Final Thoughts

With its convenient location just minutes from the station, compact brewery tour, and a wide variety of sake tastings, Matsui Sake Brewery offers one of the most accessible sake brewery experiences in Kyoto.

Whether you are new to sake or already a fan, visiting this brewery provides a wonderful opportunity to explore Kyoto’s sake culture. That said, understanding the nuances behind what you are tasting can transform the experience into something far more memorable.

For those who want to go beyond simply tasting and start truly understanding sake, joining a guided sake experience such as the Kyoto Insider Sake Experience can be a great way to learn the fundamentals and discover the stories behind Kyoto’s sake culture – turning each glass into a more meaningful and memorable part of your experience. 

If You Want to Explore More Sake in Kyoto

If you’re interested in exploring more of Kyoto’s sake culture beyond Matsui Sake Brewery, there are several other experiences worth considering.

For a more traditional and immersive museum-style experience, the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum in Fushimi offers a deeper look into sake history and large-scale brewing.

For a more casual and lively atmosphere, Fushimi Sake Village allows you to taste a wide range of local sake from multiple breweries in one place, paired with local dishes.

Each offers a different perspective on sake—and visiting more than one can give you a broader understanding of Kyoto’s sake culture.

FAQ

Do I need a reservation for Matsui Sake Brewery?

For the brewery tour, reservations are recommended and can be made in advance through the official website.
However, visitors can often stop by the tasting area without a reservation.

Is the Matsui Sake Brewery tour available in English?

Yes. Matsui Sake Brewery offers English-guided tours, and several staff members speak English, making it comfortable for international visitors.

How long does the brewery tour take?

The guided brewery tour typically takes 20–30 minutes, followed by optional sake tasting at the tasting counter.

How many types of sake can I taste?

Visitors can taste more than 20 different drinks if you like, including several types of sake as well as gin and rum produced by the brewery.