Masuya Saketen
Masuya Saketen is one of those places that feels instantly welcoming, even if you’re not a sake expert. The shop is small, lined with carefully chosen bottles, and the staff have a knack for figuring out what you’ll enjoy just by asking a few simple questions. The menu is written entirely in Japanese, which might seem intimidating at first, but ordering is actually very easy: you just scan the QR code and browse everything in English on your phone. They’ll often offer tastings, explain the differences between each brew, and guide you toward something that fits your taste or the occasion.
Contact
Our tours in Kyoto
Worth reading before you go
What are 3 excursions that you can take in Kyoto to escape the city crowds?
Central Kyoto becomes packed with travelers by mid-morning, especially around popular landmarks like Kiyomizu-dera and the main Arashiyama bamboo grove. If you want to experience the quiet side of the region, head toward the outer edges of the Kyoto basin. These excursions offer forest trails and elevated views away from heavy tourist traffic. Each location is easily reachable by local train lines or dedicated bike paths, giving you space to walk and explore at your own pace while enjoying clear perspectives over the surrounding hills.
Read article
How to Visit Kyoto Without the Crowds: Major Spots & Quiet Alternatives
Visiting Kyoto without the crowds means rethinking your route. Combine major temples early in the morning with quieter nearby spots, and you’ll move through the city at a relaxed rhythm, whether on foot or by bicycle. This neighborhood pairing approach lets you experience Kyoto comfortably.
Read article
Exploring West Shimogyo & Mibu: A Self-Guided Walk Through Hidden Kyoto
West Shimogyo offers a peaceful look into local life and the Bakumatsu era, well away from the crowds of Higashiyama. Living in this neighborhood, it is an area I am particularly fond of, which inspired me to write this article. This flat itinerary links Nishi Hongan-ji, the former Shimabara district and its Sumiyoshi Shrine, the hidden traces of Heian-kyo, the Nishi-Shinmichi shopping street, and the Shinsengumi sites in Mibu. This guide details the walkthrough and key landmarks for an independent exploration.
Read article