Sake Sommelier Tastings in Japan: the 4 Best Sessions

1.Tasting All Types of Sake with Sommelier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 151 reviews · from $62Our pick

Meet Aki, also introduced as Akira, near Shinjuku San-chome for a 90-minute sake lesson and tasting. You will try 6 to 7 styles, including sparkling, sweet, dry, hot, pasteurized, and unpasteurized sake, while learning how to read labels, pair sake with food, and choose bottles in Japan. The small group can include up to 12 people.

“Went to sake tasting with my daughter on her first visit to Japan. Lovely and informative experience would definitely recommend to anyone.”

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2.Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · from $85

Join Kenji, a certified international sake sommelier and former Hyogo brewery worker, for a two-hour private tasting in central Kyoto. You will sample several sakes from across Japan, learn how sake is made, and practice ordering and tasting with traditional snacks. The venue is a stylish standing bar with no seats, and your group will have Kenji’s full attention.

“The experience was great Kenji explain my wife and me all about the production of sake, types, materials, etc. Without let out any detail, and answering the questions we made, that were a few. The tasting also great, he explain how to taste and the types we tried to have a great experience, definitely 100% recommended! Thank you Kenji!”

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3.Private Food & Sake Tour in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · from $230

Join Kenji, a certified international sake sommelier, for a private three-hour evening in central Kyoto. Visit two or three handpicked bars, including a machiya izakaya or standing bar, and taste sake, craft beer, and local dishes chosen around your preferences. The tour suits groups of two to four, and non-drinkers may join.

“We had a wonderful night drinking sake and enjoying delicious food with Kenji. He is an exceptional guide with a lot of knowledge about sake and Kyoto. This tour was the highlight of our visit to Kyoto. I highly recommend to anyone that wants an authentic experience with sake and food.”

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4.Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 2 hours · from $83

Meet Kenji near Shijo and Karasuma, then walk about ten minutes to a lively standing sake bar. Over two hours, this English-speaking sommelier introduces you to eight sakes from across Japan, explains how nihonshu is made, and matches pours to your taste. Expect Japanese snacks, no seats, and a small private group of one to four people.

“Great sake tasting experience! Kenji was extremely knowledgeable and we learned so much from him while sampling some delicious varieties. Kenji also graciously helped us to understand some Japanese language basics and indulged us as we asked him tons of questions about sake, Japanese culture, and local cuisine. Highly recommend booking with Kenji!”

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