Toast with Locals: Whisky & Local Chat
90 mins-¥9,000/ Per person
Step into the local scene with a Kyoto friend. Enjoy premium whisky and genuine conversation at a bar the locals love.
“I’m finally in Japan—I’d love to try some authentic whisky, but where do I even start?” or "I wish I could just pull up a stool at a local bar and have a real conversation with a local."—— Does this sound like you?
Japanese whisky is now loved all over the world. While many travelers hope to savor it in its homeland, finding a spot in Kyoto to enjoy a glass in a relaxed, local atmosphere is surprisingly difficult. The famous bars listed in guidebooks often have long queues, and opening the door to a hidden backstreet bar all by yourself can take a bit of courage.
This tour is a private experience designed just for you. A local guide who knows the city inside out will reserve a "special seat" at a hand-picked bar where locals truly belong. What awaits you is the rich aroma of premium spirits and a genuine glimpse into the unadorned daily life of Kyoto. Let’s grab a glass and share stories together as local friends.
Japanese whisky is now loved all over the world. While many travelers hope to savor it in its homeland, finding a spot in Kyoto to enjoy a glass in a relaxed, local atmosphere is surprisingly difficult. The famous bars listed in guidebooks often have long queues, and opening the door to a hidden backstreet bar all by yourself can take a bit of courage.
This tour is a private experience designed just for you. A local guide who knows the city inside out will reserve a "special seat" at a hand-picked bar where locals truly belong. What awaits you is the rich aroma of premium spirits and a genuine glimpse into the unadorned daily life of Kyoto. Let’s grab a glass and share stories together as local friends.
Discover Iconic Spirits at a Beloved Local Gem
Yamazaki, Hibiki, Hakushu… Experience these legendary Japanese whiskies exactly as they were meant to be enjoyed. We’ll take you to a bar with a soulful Kyoto atmosphere—a place with an extensive collection where locals gather night after night. Even those tucked-away spots that might feel a bit intimidating to enter on your own are easy to access with a local guide. Relax and enjoy your drink at a counter seat reserved just for you.
A Casual Tasting to Find Your Favorite Glass
Choose two or three drinks from the bar’s extensive collection to match your personal taste. (Please note that rare labels or vintage bottles may incur an additional fee.) In this relaxed atmosphere, you can simply focus on the rich flavors of the whisky and the flow of the conversation. If you find yourself wanting to explore even more labels, you’re always welcome to order another round!
The Unfiltered Side of Kyoto—Beyond the Guidebooks
Whisky isn’t the only star of this tour. You’ll get to chat with a guide who lives in Kyoto just like you would with a local friend. Ever wondered if Kyoto people really have a "hidden side"? Or where the locals actually go to eat? With a good drink in hand, we’ll answer those curious questions honestly and openly. Forget your smartphone screen—this is about experiencing the living, breathing stories of Kyoto.
What to Expect
After meeting up, your guide will take you straight to a lovely bar loved by locals. You can skip the stress of researching where to go or the hesitation of entering a hidden spot alone. We have the perfect place ready for you.
Arrive at the hidden bar and start with 2 to 3 glasses of Japanese whisky (included in the tour). Your guide will help select the best options for your palate.
Enjoy your drinks while chatting with your local guide. Feel free to ask anything, from deep Kyoto culture to whisky trivia, just like drinking with a friend.
Want to try more? You can order additional bottles at your own expense. Your guide will translate and help you navigate the master's extensive collection to find your perfect next glass without any language barriers.
Arrive at the hidden bar and start with 2 to 3 glasses of Japanese whisky (included in the tour). Your guide will help select the best options for your palate.
Enjoy your drinks while chatting with your local guide. Feel free to ask anything, from deep Kyoto culture to whisky trivia, just like drinking with a friend.
Want to try more? You can order additional bottles at your own expense. Your guide will translate and help you navigate the master's extensive collection to find your perfect next glass without any language barriers.
What's Included
〇 Entrance & Table Charge
〇 2 or 3 Japanese Whisky Drinks
〇 Small Snacks
〇 Private Guiding & Local Storytelling
〇 2 or 3 Japanese Whisky Drinks
〇 Small Snacks
〇 Private Guiding & Local Storytelling
Details
| Time | Weekdays (Monday through Friday) 17:00-, 18:00-, 19:00- *Flexibility to change |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 4 people max. Minimum 2 participant *For groups of 5 or more, please let us know in the booking form. Solo guests may join at a special private session rate of approximately 1.5 times the standard price. |
| Price | ￥9,000 per person |
| Contact | If you have any questions, please contact us at E-mail：hello@sharing-kyoto.co.jp Phone：+81-(0)75-254-7485 |
Additional Info
・Please book at least 2 business days in advance (excluding weekends and Japanese national holidays).
・Your reservation will be confirmed once the payment has been received.
・Participants must be at least 20 years old. Guests under the age of 20 are not permitted to join this experience.
・Please note that the bar we visit allows indoor smoking.
・The event may be cancelled or postponed or the content may be changed at short notice due to various circumstances.
・The tour may be filmed and posted on social networking sites or used in articles.
・We may share your responses to surveys and reviews on our social networking sites and in the media.
・Your reservation will be confirmed once the payment has been received.
・Participants must be at least 20 years old. Guests under the age of 20 are not permitted to join this experience.
・Please note that the bar we visit allows indoor smoking.
・The event may be cancelled or postponed or the content may be changed at short notice due to various circumstances.
・The tour may be filmed and posted on social networking sites or used in articles.
・We may share your responses to surveys and reviews on our social networking sites and in the media.
Cancellation Policy
・Cancellation fee will be waived up to 2 days prior to the event date, and 100% of the fee will be charged from 3 days prior to the event date.
・100% cancellation fee if you are more than 30 minutes late without notice.
・Transaction fees for refunds in the event of cancellation will be borne by the customer.
・100% cancellation fee if you are more than 30 minutes late without notice.
・Transaction fees for refunds in the event of cancellation will be borne by the customer.
Where you'll be
・ Meet in front of Holly’s Café (Zest Oike underground shopping arcade), located just outside the exit of Kyoto City Hall station (Zest Oike, Basement Level 1). This convenient location is sheltered and protected from rain or wind.