Kyoto Ume Liqueur Experience with CHOYA Make Your Own Souvenir

Thinking about adding a uniquely Japanese touch to your Kyoto trip? This Kyoto Ume Liqueur Experience with CHOYA offers an engaging, hands-on workshop where you’ll craft your own bottle of umeshu (Japanese plum liqueur) or non-alcoholic ume syrup to take home. It’s not just about the end product—it’s a chance to learn about a tradition that stretches back over a thousand years, all while enjoying tastings and personalized guidance.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is its balance of fun, education, and practicality. You’ll love how accessible it is, even for first-timers—plus, the chance to taste a variety of umeshu types before creating your own. The workshop is intimate, with small groups that promise a more personalized experience, and it’s excellent for travelers with limited time who want something more meaningful than a standard tour.

One possible consideration is that the session is strictly limited to those aged 19 and older for alcohol-related options, so it’s less suitable for families with younger children, though non-alcoholic options are available. Also, since the experience focuses on creating souvenirs, it doesn’t include post-creation shipping—so plan accordingly if you want to send your bottle home.

This workshop is ideal for curious travelers who appreciate authentic cultural experiences, enjoy tasting and customizing things themselves, and want a tangible, memorable souvenir of Kyoto. Whether you’re a foodie, a craft lover, or simply intrigued by Japanese traditions, this experience will likely tick all those boxes.

Good To Know

• Authentic Japanese tradition: Learn about the heritage of ume and umeshu, a staple in Japanese culture.
• Hands-on experience: Make your own personalized bottle of umeshu or ume syrup, creating a meaningful souvenir.
• Tasting variety: Sample multiple types of ume and sugars, discovering your favorite flavor combinations.
• Flexible scheduling: Choose a start time that fits your Kyoto itinerary.
• Small group setting: Enjoy personalized attention from knowledgeable guides, making the session more engaging.
• Value for money: For around $32, you get tasting, learning, creating, and a take-home bottle—great value for such an authentic experience.

A Deep Dive into the Kyoto Ume Liqueur Workshop

What is this experience really about?

This workshop, led by CHOYA—the world’s leading umeshu producer—aims to give you a thorough understanding of Japanese ume culture. Ume, or Japanese plums, have been cultivated in Japan for centuries, and making umeshu has become an integral part of its culinary tradition. You’ll learn how this beloved drink is crafted and its cultural significance.

The itinerary: what does your hour look like?

The experience begins at the designated meeting point in central Kyoto, specifically at 87 Nakajimach, Nakagyo Ward. The session lasts approximately one hour, making it ideal for travelers with tight schedules. Once seated, a friendly guide from CHOYA’s Ume Concierge introduces the history and heritage of umeshu—a story as fascinating as the taste.

You then get to sample a selection of different umeshu varieties and related syrups. This tasting phase is an eye-opener: you’ll find that the flavors are quite diverse, ranging from sweet to more tart options, with a variety of sugar pairings on offer. One reviewer, Sam_B, called it “lots of fun,” emphasizing the engaging tasting experience.

Making your personalized bottle

After the tasting, you select your preferred flavor profile—choosing from over 100 possible combinations of ume and sugar types. The instructor guides you step-by-step as you craft your own umeshu or non-alcoholic syrup.

The process involves pouring your selected ingredients into a special kit, sealing it with a leak-proof cap, and packing it carefully in a box for air travel. You can even take a photo while making it, capturing the moment of creation.

Customization and advice from experts

Participants have praised the personalized attention offered by the guides, who speak fluent English and are very knowledgeable about umeshu. They also provide guidebooks in English, Chinese, and Japanese, which help deepen your understanding.

What’s included and what isn’t?

You’ll receive an English-speaking guide, tasting samples, and your custom-made bottle, which is packed securely for travel. Extras like shipping or post-creation storage are not included, so plan to bring your bottle back with you or arrange shipping separately.

The experience’s pros and cons

Pros include the chance to taste multiple varieties, the personalized touch, and the creative process. Many reviewers, like Sam_B, found it “very good English speakers so no barrier” and appreciated the opportunity to make their own souvenir.

A potential limitation is that the experience is limited to those aged 19 and up for alcoholic options, and it doesn’t include hotel pick-up or drop-off, so you’ll need to plan your transportation.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At roughly $32, this workshop packs a lot of cultural insight and fun into just an hour. The tasting alone introduces you to the nuances of umeshu, which can be quite different from commercially available versions. Making your own bottle transforms this from a passive tasting into a personal craft, resulting in a meaningful souvenir—something you won’t find in typical gift shops.

The small group size ensures you get plenty of individual attention, which is crucial for beginners or those wanting to understand the nuances of flavor pairing. The inclusion of guidebooks and bilingual explanations further enhances your experience, especially if you’re a curious traveler eager to learn.

The value for those interested in authentic Japanese customs can’t be overstated. Instead of a generic tour, this offers a hands-on way to connect with local traditions, making your Kyoto trip more memorable.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for foodies eager to explore Japan’s traditional drinks, or those who love craft activities. Travelers who enjoy tasting different flavors before creating their own will find it especially rewarding. It’s also well-suited for visitors short on time but wanting a genuine cultural activity.

If you’re traveling with older children, the syrup-making option provides a fun, non-alcoholic alternative. However, those traveling with younger kids should note that the alcohol-based umeshu option is restricted to 19+.

This experience is less suitable if you’re looking for a comprehensive tour of Kyoto’s sights—it’s meant as a quick, enriching escape from sightseeing that leaves you with a tangible souvenir.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I participate if I am under 19?
Yes, you can join by making ume syrup, which is non-alcoholic and suitable for younger participants.

Is transportation provided to the meeting point?
No, the experience does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off. You should plan your own transportation to 87 Nakajimach in Kyoto.

How long does the experience last?
The workshop takes about 1 hour, making it ideal for those with limited time.

Can I send my bottle home or buy additional bottles?
You can pay for additional bottles on-site if you want more, but shipping or storage after the workshop is not included.

What is the maximum group size?
The experience is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring personalized guidance.

Is the experience available in languages other than English?
Guidebooks are available in Chinese and Japanese, in addition to English, to aid understanding.

What should I do if I am running late?
Contact the store via email as soon as possible. Sessions start promptly, and late arrivals might miss part or all of the workshop.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience. Full refunds are available if you cancel within this window.

Final Thoughts

This Kyoto Ume Liqueur Experience with CHOYA offers travelers a chance to connect with a beloved Japanese tradition in a fun, approachable way. The workshop balances tasting, learning, and creating, all within a small group environment that guarantees individual attention. The ability to craft your own umeshu or syrup makes this more than just a tour—it’s a meaningful souvenir and a story to tell.

For those who enjoy culinary crafts, cultural insights, and authentic Japanese flavors, this experience is a fantastic pick. It’s especially suited for curious travelers who value quality and authenticity over generic sightseeing. Plus, at around $32, it delivers great value for such a memorable, hands-on activity.

Whether you’re a foodie, a craft lover, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, this workshop will leave you with both new knowledge and a special bottle of Kyoto’s famous ume liqueur—or syrup—to enjoy long after your trip ends.