{"id":5180,"date":"2026-10-29T13:49:09","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T04:49:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drunkencapybara.com\/?p=5180"},"modified":"2026-10-29T13:49:16","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T04:49:16","slug":"matsui-shuzo-tour-reservation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drunkencapybara.com\/en\/matsui-shuzo-tour-reservation\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide on How to Book a Tour at Kyoto Kagura Sake Brewery Matsui Shuzo (Matsui Brewery)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Matsui Shuzo<span class=\"hanja\">\u677e\u4e95\u9152\u9020<\/span>It is a brewery that produces sake in the heart of downtown Kyoto. Located in Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, along the Kamo River, it is within walking distance of Demachiyanagi Station. It ranked first in the Sake Time Kyoto City rankings. <strong>Kagura<span class=\"hanja\">\u795e\u8535<\/span><\/strong>It is a place where [it] is made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This brewery offers tours. Rather than being a tourist-oriented brewery with a permanent tour course, visitors enter the actual production site where sake is being made. Kurabito<span class=\"hanja\">\u8535\u4eba<\/span>Since [the guide] provides the guidance personally, you must coordinate the number of people and the date in advance, and, <strong>Reservations are required.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The reservation channel is not by phone or a reservation site, but a single inquiry form on the official website. The process itself is simple, but since the form is integrated into the Japanese shopping mall system, it can be confusing at first glance. I have organized the steps from application to confirmation in order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"highlight-box\">\r\n<p><strong>Supplies to prepare before starting<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Email address to receive a reply (it does not have to be a Japanese email address)<\/li>\r\n<li>2 to 3 preferred dates and times (if you list only one date, you will have to start over from the beginning if it is rejected)<\/li>\r\n<li>Admission fee 3,300 yen per person \u2014 On-site payment<\/li>\r\n<li>Application statement written in English or Japanese<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"toc\" style=\"background:#faf8f5;border:1px solid #e0d6cc;padding:24px 30px;margin-bottom:40px;border-radius:8px;\">\n    <p style=\"font-size:1.1em;font-weight:600;margin-bottom:14px;color:#5a4a3a;\">index<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">STEP 1. Check available tour dates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shuzo Matsui <strong>We rest on Sundays, public holidays, and New Year&#039;s holidays.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<table class=\"comparison-table\">\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr><th>item<\/th><th>detail<\/th><\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr><td>business days<\/td><td data-label=\"\ub0b4\uc6a9\">Closed on Sundays, public holidays, and New Year&#039;s holidays<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<tr><td>Business Hours<\/td><td data-label=\"\ub0b4\uc6a9\">10:00~18:00<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<tr><td>Admission fee<\/td><td data-label=\"\ub0b4\uc6a9\">3,300 yen per person (includes tasting worth 1,800 yen)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<tr><td>time taken<\/td><td data-label=\"\ub0b4\uc6a9\">60~70 minutes<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<tr><td>Guide language<\/td><td data-label=\"\ub0b4\uc6a9\">Japanese or English<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<tr><td>Minimum number of people<\/td><td data-label=\"\ub0b4\uc6a9\">Applications accepted from 1 person<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<tr><td>How to make a reservation<\/td><td data-label=\"\ub0b4\uc6a9\">Official Website Inquiry Form<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tours of Matsui Shuzo are available for groups of one or more. However, <strong>It may be declined depending on the reservation status.<\/strong> During the winter season, which is the peak brewing season, or on days when the work schedule is heavy, there may not be anyone available to guide you, so you may not be able to receive it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 3,300 yen tour fee includes a tasting worth 1,800 yen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">STEP 2. Check the inquiry form<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shuzo Matsui did not have a separate reservation page. On the website <strong>General Inquiry Form<\/strong>Applications for tours are accepted through...<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"highlight-box\">\n\n<p><strong>Tour Information Page<\/strong><br>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/matsuishuzo.com\/?mode=f7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">matsuishuzo.com\/?mode=f7<\/a><br>\nThis is the original page containing the tour fee, prohibited activities, and precautions. It is recommended to read it once before applying.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tour Inquiry Form<\/strong><br>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/matsuishuzo02.shop-pro.jp\/customer\/inquiries\/new\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/matsuishuzo02.shop-pro.jp\/customer\/inquiries\/new<\/a><br>\nThe input fields consist of Name, Email Address, Inquiry Subject, and Inquiry Content.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">STEP 3. Fill out the application details<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Write the subject line so that it is immediately clear you are requesting a tour. If using English, simply write &quot;Brewery Tour Reservation Request.&quot;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are four items that must be included in the main text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/drunkencapybara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/f9b19d05-1648-4e5b-be47-e510602daff6-scaled.png\" alt=\",\" class=\"wp-image-5326 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"highlight-box\">\r\n<p><strong>4 things you must write down<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><strong>Desired date and time<\/strong> \u2014 Write down 2 to 3 items in order of priority. If you write them down for only one day, you have to exchange emails again if that day doesn&#039;t work.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>personnel<\/strong> \u2014 Write the number clearly.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Guide language<\/strong> \u2014 If you need English instructions, be sure to write them down. If you do not write them down, they will be prepared in Japanese.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>nationality or place of residence<\/strong> If you let them know that you are a guest from overseas, it makes it easier for the brewery to coordinate the language and schedule.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I created example sentences that can be copied exactly and used by simply changing the date and number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"tip-box\">\n<p><strong>English application example<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Subject: Brewery Tour Reservation Request<\/p>\n<p>Hello,<br>\nI would like to request a brewery tour.<\/p>\n<p>Preferred dates (in order of preference):<br>\n1) Tuesday, October 21, around 14:00<br>\n2) Wednesday, October 22, around 14:00<br>\n3) Thursday, October 23, around 11:00<\/p>\n<p>Number of guests: 2<br>\nLanguage: English guidance, please<br>\nWe are visiting from South Korea.<\/p>\n<p>We understand the tour fee is 3,300 yen per person, paid on site.<br>\nThank you very much.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The business hours are from 10:00 to 18:00, and the tour takes 60 to 70 minutes, so it is better to avoid writing down times that are too early or close to closing time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">STEP 4. Confirm Reply and Confirmation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/drunkencapybara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/\uc2a4\ud06c\ub9b0\uc0f7-2026-10-29-124441-scaled.png\" alt=\",\" class=\"wp-image-5320 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">I received an email reply letting me know my available times because the timing didn&#039;t work out.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/drunkencapybara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/\uc2a4\ud06c\ub9b0\uc0f7-2026-10-29-124554.png\" alt=\",\" class=\"wp-image-5321 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Reply confirming 4 o&#039;clock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/drunkencapybara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/\uc2a4\ud06c\ub9b0\uc0f7-2026-10-29-124725.png\" alt=\",\" class=\"wp-image-5323 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Reply email regarding schedule confirmation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you send the form, the brewery will reply via email. Since it is a handwritten reply rather than an automated one, it does not arrive immediately. It may take a few business days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">so <strong>It is best to send it 2 to 3 weeks before departure.<\/strong> If your desired date doesn&#039;t work, you have to reschedule, which takes several more days for the round trip. If you apply when your schedule is tight, you will eventually end up giving up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The reply contains the confirmed date, time, and meeting location. Capture this email or save it offline. You need to be able to show the confirmed details in case there is no local data connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The tour fee is not paid in advance. <strong>It is an on-site payment.<\/strong> Pay 3,300 yen per person on the day. Check the reply email to see if card payment is accepted, and if it is not listed, it is safer to bring cash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Things to observe on the day of the field trip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A tour of Matsui Shuzo involves entering the actual manufacturing site rather than touring a tourist exhibition hall. Therefore, there are more restrictions than at other breweries. Failure to comply may result in being denied entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"highlight-box\">\n<p><strong>Prohibited items on the day of the tour<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Prohibition of fermented foods<\/strong> \u2014 Do not eat fermented foods such as natto or yogurt on the day of the tour. Bacteria attached to the body can affect the brewing process.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Incense prohibited<\/strong> \u2014 Do not apply perfume, strong-scented body cream, or skin oil. Since this is a workplace for checking the scent of alcohol, other smells must not mix.<\/li>\n<li><strong>No smoking<\/strong> \u2014 Do not smoke right before a field trip.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ban on gum and candy<\/strong> \u2014 Cannot enter with it in the mouth.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fur clothing is prohibited.<\/strong> \u2014 Avoid clothes that shed hair.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the site <strong>Wear a hat and shoe covers.<\/strong> Since it is provided by the brewery, you don&#039;t need to prepare anything separately. The production site is maintained at 10\u201320\u2103, so it is a good idea to bring a jacket even in summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Even if you are late, the tour starts on time.<\/strong> It is within walking distance from Demachiyanagi Station, so there is little chance of getting lost, but it is a good idea to allow about 15 minutes to spare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is one limitation. <strong>People using wheelchairs or canes cannot enter the brewery.<\/strong> This is due to the condition of the floor and the width of the aisles in the actual workspace. In this case, you will have to wait inside the store, so if you have a companion, it is best to write it down on the inquiry form in advance to discuss it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to go without a reservation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if you haven&#039;t made a tour reservation or the schedule doesn&#039;t work out, you can still taste Matsui Shuzo&#039;s sake. The tasting bar and retail section attached to the brewery... <strong>You can enter without a reservation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tasting Bar Sch\u00fcssen<span class=\"hanja\">\u9152\u4e2d\u4ed9<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is a tasting bar operated by a brewery. You can sample about 20 varieties by the glass, and sets allowing you to compare three types start from the 1,000 yen range. It is a great place to check the differences between Kagura grades all in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table class=\"comparison-table\">\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr><th>item<\/th><th>detail<\/th><\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr><td>Business Hours<\/td><td data-label=\"\ub0b4\uc6a9\">11:00~18:00 (Last order 17:30)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<tr><td>reservation<\/td><td data-label=\"\ub0b4\uc6a9\">otiosity<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<tr><td>Types of products handled<\/td><td data-label=\"\ub0b4\uc6a9\">About 20 types<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<tr><td>Comparison set<\/td><td data-label=\"\ub0b4\uc6a9\">3 types starting from the 1,000 yen range<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Retail Department Chitose Store<span class=\"hanja\">\u5343\u6b73\u5546\u5e97<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the retail section where you can purchase bottles to take away. It is open from 9:00 to 18:00, opening earlier than the tasting bar. Since Kagura focuses on unfiltered, undigested sake, many products require refrigerated distribution. It is safer to stop by and purchase them on the last day of your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Directions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The name of Matsui Shuzo&#039;s brewery is <strong>Kamogawakura<span class=\"hanja\">\u8cc0\u8302\u5ddd\u8535<\/span><\/strong>It is within walking distance of Demachiyanagi Station on the Keihan Railway, and you can simply walk along the Kamo River. Its location makes it easy to incorporate into a sightseeing itinerary in downtown Kyoto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"place-box\" href=\"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/?q=%E6%9D%BE%E4%BA%95%E9%85%92%E9%80%A0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\r\n<span class=\"place-name\">Matsui Shuzo <span class=\"hanja\">\u677e\u4e95\u9152\u9020<\/span> Kamogawakura<\/span>\r\n<span class=\"place-addr\">Yoshidakawaramachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City<\/span>\r\n<span class=\"place-info\">Walking distance of Demachiyanagi Station \u00b7 Closed on Sundays and public holidays<\/span>\r\n<\/a>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"tip-box\">\n<p><strong>Things You Should Know<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Founded in 1726<\/strong> \u2014 It is the oldest sake brewery in downtown Kyoto.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Resumed in 2009<\/strong> We stopped brewing for a long time due to urban development and have started again.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hieizan groundwater<\/strong> \u2014 It uses groundwater from the Hieizan side, not water from Fushimi. Even within Kyoto, the water is different.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The clan head land<\/strong> \u2014 The clan head directly owns land<span class=\"hanja\">\u675c\u6c0f<\/span>He\/She takes charge of it. The person you meet on the field trip is someone who actually brews alcohol.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Matsui Shuzo is a brewery that produces sake in the heart of downtown Kyoto. By the Kamo River\u2026<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5326,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"0","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[233],"tags":[],"dc_series":[234],"class_list":["post-5180","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-233","dc_series-234"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/drunkencapybara.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5180","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/drunkencapybara.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/drunkencapybara.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drunkencapybara.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drunkencapybara.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5180"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/drunkencapybara.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5180\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5327,"href":"https:\/\/drunkencapybara.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5180\/revisions\/5327"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drunkencapybara.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5326"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/drunkencapybara.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5180"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drunkencapybara.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5180"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drunkencapybara.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5180"},{"taxonomy":"dc_series","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drunkencapybara.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/dc_series?post=5180"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}