Here is the list of places Sake Concierge Umio enjoys drinking sake in Kyoto. All of them are places I have visited multiple times and guided my friends and guests. Umio’s sake tours, of course, include some of them.
Please refer to the Google Maps link for the location, price range, and opening hours.
Breweries
There are about 20-25 sake breweries in Kyoto, but only two in the traditional Rakuchū area, approximately inside the rampart of the ancient capital.
Sasaki Shuzō Brewery
The brewery uses the same water source as the court brewery of the eighth century and offers brewery tours.
Sasaki Shuzō Brewery on GoogleMaps
The website is in Japanese, but it does English brewery tours. Sasaki Shuzō Brewery’s website
Saké Concierge Umio arranges and guides private tours for those interested. Please contact us.
Matsui Shuzō Brewery
The contemporary tasting room and lovely brewery tours. Matsui Shuzō Brewery on GoogleMaps
Matsui Shuzō Brewery’s website
Izakayas, Restaurants, and Kaiseki
Ikkon Uru-Uru
The lineups of Kyoto and Shiga sakes satisfy both sake connoisseurs and beginners. Enjoy the local cuisines of both areas and excellent hospitality. Easy to access from both Kyoto station and the Shijō downtown area.
Read my sake review about the sake I enjoyed at Ikkon Uru-uru. Warmed Saké Is Hospitality—Furōsen Umakan | Saké Review
Sobaya Nicolas
High-quality soba. Sake and wine.
Chisō Inaseya
It is the best place to enjoy muroka-nama-genshu (unfiltered, unpasteurized, and undiluted sake) in the Kansai region. Trained chefs of Japanese cuisine offer excellent food pairings.
Read my sake reviews about the sake I enjoyed at Chisō Inaseya. Tamagawa Ice Breaker Home Aged for Eight Years | Saké Review Shinomine Rokumaru Junmai Ginjo Usunigori Nama Genshu | Saké Review
Wakamizu
The owner concentrates on four breweries: full-bodied ricey sake and umami-rich food, a match made in heaven.
Nihonshu-ya Shūroku
Hefty, full-bodied sake served warmed with excellent cuisine with seafood.
Nihonshu-ya Shūroku on GoogleMaps
Gotoshi
Authentic Japanese cuisine with kan-zake (warmed sake).
Gion Kitazato
In the heart of the Gion district. Delightful sake selection and authentic Japanese cuisine.
There are some high-end restaurants where you can enjoy excellent sake that I haven’t listed here. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.
Standing Bars
Kyoto also offers a vibrant standing bar scene that blends tradition and modernity. The standing bars are locally known as tachinomi or kakuuchi.
Ikura Mokuzai
Charcoal-grilled foods and sake.
Sake Cube
A variety of sakes from all over Japan.
Read my sake review about the sake I enjoyed at Sake Cube’s standing bar. Kyō no Haru Tokubetsu Junmai Nama Genshu | Saké Review
Bars
While sake is typically enjoyed in restaurants and Izakayas, where it pairs perfectly with food, Kyoto is home to some exceptional bars that serve sake as a standout experience.
Sake Bar Yoramu
Amazing aged sake. I learned a lot about aged sake from the barmaster.
Sake Bar Yoramu on Google Maps
Sake Bar Asakura
Excellent warmed sake and aged sake. Excellent hospitality.
Sake Bar Asakura on GoogleMaps
Jam + Sake Bar
Sakes chilled to warm from various regions, but don’t forget to ask the barmaster what’s in his stash.
Masuya Saketen and Sake Hall Masuya
Casual sake bar with a wide variety of sake from all over the country. Masuya Saketen on GoogleMaps
There is a sister-izakaya Sake Hall Masuya with a larger capacity.
Sake Hall Masuya on GoogleMaps
Washu Mizuki
The barmaster in Kimono serves the sakes of Shiga Prefecture, her birthplace. Washu Mizuki on GoogleMaps
Bar K6
The authentic Western-style bar serves whiskey, spirits, and cocktails. Yet, their sake cocktails are great.
Cafe Koan Kissaco (closed)
This cafe offers tea and sake paired with wagashi, Japanese-style confectioneries.
Cafe Koan Kissaco on GoogleMaps
Fushimi
Kyoto has Fushimi, one of the most prominent sake production places in the northern part. The list of Fushimi is coming soon. Meanwhile, please look at the podcast Sake Concierge Umio talked about the fascination of Fushimi and places to visit.
And more…
Kamogawa River
Drinking sake with friends on the riverside of Kamogawa River, Kyoto’s most admired spot, is so pleasant!