Kyoto Sake Tasting of 8 Sakes with Kosei-in Zen Temple Garden Views

Taste 8 sakes from across Japan
overlooking a scenic garden

The experience takes place over about 70 minutes at ICHIFUNE, a private space on the grounds of Kosei-in, a Zen temple that is generally closed to the public. Through large windows, you'll gaze out at Kosei-in's garden, designated a Place of Scenic Beauty by Kyoto City, while tasting unique, hard-to-find sakes carefully selected from various regions of Japan rather than widely distributed brands.

Explore the garden with your guide when weather permits

If weather and conditions allow, you'll first tour designated areas of the garden with your guide and learn about Kosei-in and its historic landscape. Garden access is limited to designated areas, and entry to the temple buildings is not included.

Discover how pairings change the taste with Japanese snacks

After a brief introduction to sake from your guide, you'll experience a range of styles with the first four sakes. Then you'll taste the same sakes again with a selection of Japanese snacks and compare how the balance of sweetness and acidity, smoothness, and flavor change.

Taste four more sakes and take on a blind tasting challenge

In the second half, you'll taste four more sakes and try different pairings on your own. Finally, one of the eight sakes is served again with its identity hidden, and you'll recall its aroma, acidity, umami, body, and finish to guess which one it is in a blind tasting challenge.

※ Garden access may be restricted depending on the weather and conditions on the day.
※ Entry to the Kosei-in temple buildings is not included.