A "must do" in Kyoto - This tasting was amazing and super informative, and Kotaro was an incredible teacher! We learned so much about the nuances of sake, and got to taste some very rare types that are not readily available. I will admit that I was hesitant at first, thinking that it may be very touristy, but I am so happy that we did this. We are much more knowledgable about what to look for when purchasing sake. Definitely a must do when visiting Kyoto!

If you're in Osaka / Kyoto and want to try some unusual sake, do not miss this experience. - I have been finding myself enjoying sake (during this presentation, learned that what we in the West call "sake" just means "alcohol" in Japanese... the more precise term for rice wine made in Japan that we typically refer to as sake is, "Nihonshu") more and more recently, so on a trip to Japan, I decided to book a tasting. This particular tasting was absolutely perfect for you if you are in a similar boat, or even if you are new to the drink. Don't be dissuaded by the title of "Advanced" tasting. Also, note that this is a "tasting" not a "tour." You will not be seeing any brewing or equipment for brewing. The session is 90+ minutes (all seated, in one room), and starts out with about 30 minutes of an entertaining and very informative presentation on the fundamentals of Nihonshu, how it's made, and most importantly, how the different processes affect the taste and experience of drinking the product. After this session (and with the super-handy cheat sheet card they give you), you will be able to shop for sake, even as a non-Japanese speaker, and reliably select a bottle that matches your taste preference. It's a game changer if you are a noob like me. Our experience was lead by Kotaro, a native Japanese Nihonshu expert who spoke clear, fluent English and was able to perfectly answer all our questions. After the first 30 minutes, there was an hour of tastings (a full shot of each one) from 10 different bottles. What made this tasting "advanced" was not the fact that he assumed that we were experienced (some folks with us were extremely inexperienced with Nihonshu), but rather, we got to try some of the variations of the beverage that are a bit outside of the norm and harder to find. I don't know if you'll try the same ones as us, but to give some examples, we tried variations like Nihonshu that was... - aged in cedar barrels - brewed with sake instead of water - fermented with different approaches - fermented with alternative enzymes than is typical and so on. After the tasting is over, all bottles tried were available for purchase. I cannot recommend this experience enough for people who enjoy "sake" and want to dig a little deeper, or even anyone curious about the drink. We used Google Maps to find the location via public transportation (trains) and it was very easy to get to. a short walk from Chushojima station on the Keihan Main train line.

Educational and FUN - EXCELLENT! Our instructor was immensely informative and kind. The sake was elite as well as difficult to obtain. I felt like I took a semester course in just 2 hours.

Excellent - Sake was excellent. Our instructor was great! Would definitley recommend. There’s a lot to understanding sake. I’m glad I took the class!

Educational and Informative - Very educational and informative, even if you have (or think you have) a strong knowledge of sake aka nihonshu. Mr. Hashimoto gave a great amount of detail into the creation process and introduced us to methods typically not seen in U.S. production. We also tasted several different styles based on traditional and modern production, style of koji used, rice variety, yeast, and storing methods. It's a definite must-do for any lover of sake/nihonshu.

Very informative while enjoying great tasting sake - This experience was fantastic. The sake sommelier was extremely knowledgeable and we learned a lot about sake, while sharing some laughs and, of course, tasting a wide variety of sake. The setting was very relaxed and intimate, ideal for asking questions, while enjoying some sake. Would highly recommend this to anyone with an interest in learning more about sake.

Great way to learn about a complicated beverage - Learned so much in this sake experience. I had no idea sakes were so complicated but it was welcomed information as I learned that what I had been accustomed to drinking in the U.S. had much more variety and depth of flavors than I realized. Found a sake I liked and was able to purchase a bottle to bring home. Kotaro was very patient with my millions of questions.

Fantastic Sake tasting - Momoko was amazing Extremely informative and very entertaining Highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Sake

First time drinking sake - Momoko is very knowledgeable and entertaining. I learned so much about Sake and what foods to pair with. Thanks!!!

Loved it! - Great experience learning about the history of sake and the various methods used to produce. Extremely informative and fun getting to try very unique sakes