Kyoto: Umeshu (Japanese plum wine) Craft & Evening Izakaya Tour

Duration2h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesJapanese, English

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

This experience combines two sides of umeshu that are rarely explored together: crafting and nightlife.

Rather than simply tasting “Japanese plum wine,” you begin by creating your own personalized umeshu at CHOYA UME STUDIO Kyoto Sanjo, guided by one of Japan’s most established umeshu producers. You’ll explore the differences between ume and Western plums, sample various ingredients, and design a blend that will mature at home.

Then, instead of ending at the workshop, you step into Kyoto’s evening culture. In the lively Kiyamachi area, you’ll experience how umeshu is actually enjoyed by locals—served in different styles, paired with savory dishes, and shared in the relaxed atmosphere of an izakaya.

This tour is not just a tasting session or a bar crawl. It connects tradition with modern enjoyment, offering both a handcrafted bottle for the future and a flavorful night out in Kyoto’s vibrant dining scene.

What's included

One handcrafted bottle to take home
Umeshu (Japanese plum wine) or non-alcoholic ume syrup workshop at CHOYA UME STUDIO Kyoto Sanjo
Private guided evening experience
Food and umeshu tasting at the izakaya (approx. ¥3,000 value)
Visit to a local izakaya in the Sanjo/Kiyamachi area

Additional food or drinks beyond the included amount
Personal purchases at CHOYA UME STUDIO
Transportation to the meeting point

What to expect

1h · Admission ticket included

Located in the heart of Kyoto’s Sanjo district, CHOYA UME STUDIO Kyoto Sanjo offers a modern and interactive introduction to Japan’s beloved umeshu culture. Operated by CHOYA, a historic umeshu producer with over a century of expertise, the studio reimagines traditional ume craftsmanship in a contemporary setting.

Here, guests move beyond simply tasting umeshu. By sampling different ume varieties, sugars, and base spirits, you experience how subtle changes in ingredients shape sweetness, aroma, and depth. The hands-on blending process transforms umeshu from a familiar drink into something personal—designed by you, to mature over time.

In the early evening light of Sanjo, this creative workshop serves as the perfect prelude to exploring how umeshu is enjoyed in Kyoto today.
Kiyamachi　Street
1h · Admission ticket included

As the sun begins to set, the tour shifts from crafting to tasting in Kyoto’s vibrant Kiyamachi area—one of the city’s most atmospheric nightlife districts. Running alongside a narrow canal and lined with lantern-lit eateries, Kiyamachi blends tradition with modern energy.

Here, umeshu is not confined to tradition; it appears in diverse styles—from rich, aged blends to light, sparkling variations served over ice. In a local izakaya, you will experience how umeshu pairs naturally with Japanese small plates, from savory grilled dishes to seasonal specialties.

Unlike formal tasting rooms, the izakaya setting reveals umeshu in its natural habitat: shared, relaxed, and social. This is how locals enjoy it—between conversation, dishes, and the rhythm of Kyoto’s evening streets.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Please meet your guide in front of FamilyMart Sanjo Teramachi at the scheduled start time. Your guide will be holding a yellow sign for easy identification. Please check the map in advance to ensure a smooth arrival.

End point

Please meet your guide in front of FamilyMart Sanjo Teramachi at the scheduled start time. Your guide will be holding a yellow sign for easy identification. Please check the map in advance to ensure a smooth arrival.

Additional information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.