Suntory Kyoto Brewery サントリー 京都ブルワリー

If you need a break from exploring the shrines and temples of Kyoto , consider stopping by the Suntory Kyoto Brewery. A longtime producer of fine beer and whisky, Suntory was founded in Osaka . Factory tours are the order of the day here, so come thirsty. Admission is free.

You can get to the brewery by train and shuttle bus.

From Kyoto Station , take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line to Kyoto Station. From there, you can take a shuttle bus to the brewery. Alternatively, shuttle buses also stop at Nishiyama-Tennozan Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line.

Suntory operates a whisky distillery, and even produced the first whisky to be registered in the U.S. (In fact, you can also tour the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, 30 minutes south of the brewery by train.)

After their success with whiskey, Suntory began brewing its own beer, and soon became one of the most popular breweries in the country.

Hour-long tours are available at the brewery, with corresponding pamphlets in English, Korean and Chinese. A guide will take you around the rather industrial factory, where you can learn about the beer-brewing process from beginning to end.

After the tour comes the best part—a tasting session where you can try Suntory's beers for free. Juice, tea and water are also available. A pouring demonstration is held while you imbibe.