Saké and Whiskey Tasting

Yamazaki Suntory Whiskey Distillery
In the mountains just west of Kyoto stands the Yamazaki Suntory Whiskey Distillery. Take a tour of the distillery followed by whiskey component tasting. Opened in 1923, the distillery produces Suntory’s flagship line of Yamazaki single malt whiskies, which have won many international awards. The Yamazaki Distillery is surrounded by nature and greenery in a quiet and serene district that has long been known for its quality water, a key ingredient to great-tasting whisky. The entire process of whisky distillation and aging is done here. Museum and distillery tours are available.

Gekkeikan Okura Saké Museum
Get to sample several different Saké and learn how to enjoy them with a sake appreciation tour in the Fushimi area of Kyoto. Japanese rice wine is often called Sake in English, however Sake in Japanese refers to alcohol in general. Japanese rather call rice wine “Nihonshu.” Nihonshu has a very distinctive aroma and fruity sweet taste. It has an alcohol content between 14 and 19%. If you would like to find out more about nihonshu and brewing, the Gekkeikan Okura Saké Museum will provide you with a good experience. In the Fushimi district of Kyoto, you will find this museum on sake-making. Opened in 1982, it is located in an old sake brewery that was built in 1909 and presents the history of sake in Japan and sake production in Fushimi in an easy-to-understand manner. In addition to its permanent exhibitions of some 400 sake production items, displayed to show each stage of the process, it also displays period materials dating back to Gekkeikan’s founding, including different types of vessels. Traditional chants of sake makers are also played throughout the museum, recreating the atmosphere of the old brewery. Following your visit, you can taste Ginjoshu and other sakés in the lobby.

Let your Japan travel expert know you want to add this to your tour.

For those who are interested, we also offer a great Wine Tour in Yamanashi Tours when you are staying in Tokyo.

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