Matsui Sake Brewery — Attraction in Kyoto

We’ve been a long patron of their sake ever since we tried it during our trip to Kyoto before Covid. We can easily say this was our favorite sake in Japan because of its amazing taste. However, our first visit to their brewery since the pandemic has been nothing but disappointment. While the Japanese staff tried their best to communicate and did an amazing job trying to explain the nuances of the sake rice, their operation, their rich history, etc., the English-speaking staff, George, was incredibly arrogant. Since he was the first person to greet us, we had lots of questions regarding different aspects of the brewery, the sake differences. He, being the only fluent speaker, did not care to provide us with any meaningful information regarding the brewery and its sake. When asked about the sake differences we will be tasting in their machines, his response was “try it and you will know”. Being a representative of this sake brewery, his attitude was downright unprofessional. What was even more disgusting was there happened to be Japanese/ English bilingual exporters that visited and his attitude did a full 360 towards them. We sat with the exporters at the bar, and he was enthusiastically explaining every aspect of the sake. To treat one customer with rudeness and to treat another with respect, the encounter with this staff soured our first and last visit to this brewery. As we left, we lodged a complaint to their manager as one person’s attitude marring the face of a fine establishment...

When my husband and I arrived, an American member of staff greeted us and asked if we were there for the 3pm tour. I informed him we hadn't booked but would love to book now if possible. He laughed at us and exclaimed that it was impossible and their tours booked up way in advance (how on earth were we meant to know that?! In fact I did look online earlier and couldn't see anything to suggest this). He then said it was possible to have a sake tasting which we thought sounded good. I asked if we should sit at the bar and he laughed again saying he was going to use the entire bar area for the tour group coming for 3pm and offered us a place in the corner out the way (so we didn't inconvenience them we felt like). The entire attitude of this guy was condensing and entitled. He was also notably nicer to Americans (my husband and I are British). Furthermore I have experienced a sake tasting before and this is not a sake tasting. It's a self service - there is no explanation as to what you're having, the region it is from, the flavour profile etc. It's basically a pour your own sake bar and work it out yourself. Not a friendly or personalised experience at all. Other than one member of staff (and the robot) the majority were rude and disinterested in serving us. The sake and bar snacks were tasty but the attitude left a sour taste in our mouths. It is a shame because I was really looking forward to visiting...

Our favourite sake brewery! We absolutely love the sake here, and return every time we are in Kyoto. They make some of the fruitiest, most vibrant nama sake we have ever tasted and have bottles for sale that match any budget. We especially love the 38% sake made from rare rice that they do. The floral notes are exquisite and are a real treat for the senses.

For anyone coming for the first time, please make sure to try the sake tour and tasting. It is extremely well run, and is conducted by the brewer himself. It gives a very good insight into the sake making process and gives you a real sense of the history of the brewery. After, you get a self conducted tasting with the staff on hand to help out if you need anything. It is always a vibe. They are very English friendly here, and explain everything very well.

Edit : Please note that reservations are essential

For cooks, do note that they also sell their sake lees, which has the exact same fruity and floral notes that the sake itself has. This is my personal favourite for sake lees, and have found it exceptionally good for making soup, pickles, and marinating chicken, fish and making...