Kyoto Ume Liqueur Experience with CHOYA Make Your Own Souvenir

If you’re exploring Kyoto and want a break from temples and traditional sights, the Kyoto Ume Liqueur Experience with CHOYA offers a fascinating, interactive look into Japan’s beloved ume (plum) culture. This short, yet memorable workshop allows you to create a personalized bottle of umeshu (plum wine) or non-alcoholic ume syrup, perfect for taking home and sharing as a unique souvenir.

What makes this experience stand out? Firstly, the expert guidance by CHOYA’s Ume Concierge ensures you learn not just how to make your own drink but also about the heritage behind this legendary beverage. Second, the opportunity to sample various types of umeshu and syrups makes it both educational and delicious. Lastly, the personalized craft session means you leave with a one-of-a-kind bottle, crafted to your taste—something you won’t find in typical souvenir shops.

The only potential hiccup? At just over an hour, the experience is quite brief, so it’s best suited for travelers who want a quick but authentic activity. It’s ideal for those with limited time in Kyoto looking for a taste of local tradition with a fun, hands-on twist.

This workshop is perfect if you’re curious about Japanese alcohol and culture without committing to a full-day tour, or if you want an engaging way to learn about Kyoto’s unique relationship with ume. It’s especially great for small groups and solo travelers eager for a memorable, authentic experience they can take home.

Key Points

• Hands-on experience: Craft your own umeshu or syrup, making it a memorable souvenir.
• Expert guidance: Learn from CHOYA’s knowledgeable Ume Concierge, receiving personalized attention.
• Educational: Discover the history and cultural significance of ume in Japan.
• Tasting variety: Sample different umeshu and syrup options to find your favorite.
• Flexible scheduling: Choose a start time that fits into your Kyoto itinerary.
• Compact but meaningful: Perfect for travelers with limited time but eager for an authentic activity.

Introduction: A Delightful Blend of Tradition and Fun in Kyoto

While Kyoto is famous for its stunning temples and historic districts, it also offers delightful surprises for those who want to go beyond sightseeing. The Kyoto Ume Liqueur Experience with CHOYA provides a rare glimpse into the world of umesh (plum) culture—something deeply woven into Japanese life for over a thousand years.

This experience is designed to be interactive and accessible, even for those who don’t drink alcohol. You’ll get to create your own personalized bottle of umeshu or ume syrup with guidance from knowledgeable experts. The fact that it only takes about an hour makes it a practical choice for travelers trying to pack in as much as possible without missing out on local traditions.

What we love about this tour is its focus on personalization and tasting—you can explore over 100 different combinations of ume and sugars, or opt for a non-alcoholic version if you prefer. Plus, the small-group setting provides a relaxed environment where questions are encouraged, and your instructor, often a knowledgeable guide, ensures you have a fun, informative time.

One thing to keep in mind: this activity is limited to those 20 years and older for the alcoholic version, though younger participants can join to make ume syrup. It’s a perfect choice for curious travelers wanting an authentic, memorable souvenir—and a fun story to tell.

What to Expect During the Workshop

Meeting Point and Duration

The workshop begins at 87 Nakajimach, in Kyoto’s Nakagyo Ward, a convenient location close to public transport options. The entire experience lasts approximately an hour, making it easy to slot into a busy sightseeing schedule.

Learning about Ume Culture

The session kicks off with an introduction to Japanese ume culture, emphasizing the significance of ume in culinary and medicinal traditions. Your guide, often a member of CHOYA’s Ume Concierge team, will explain how umeshu is made and its long-standing history in Japan.

Tasting and Selection

Next, you’ll sample a variety of umeshus and ume syrups, experiencing the different flavors and aromas based on the type of ume, sugar, and aging process used. This tasting is both fun and informative, helping you decide which combination best suits your palate.

According to one reviewer, “You get to sample various types of umeshu, or ume syrup for the younger crowd,” which highlights the inclusive nature of the experience.

Making Your Own Bottle

Once you’ve chosen your preferred mix, you will participate in the hands-on crafting process. Using a special kit provided by CHOYA, you’ll combine your selected ingredients, seal your bottle with a leak-proof cap, and pack it safely for air travel.

Guests often comment on how personalized and rewarding this step is. One reviewer mentioned, “After a brief but detailed discussion, you get to make your own to take home,” which underscores the value of creating a true custom souvenir.

Photo Opportunity and Final Touches

The workshop also offers a chance to capture the moment with photos, adding a fun, memorable element to the experience. The bottles are packed in durable boxes, ensuring safe shipping or carry-on transport.

The Authenticity of the Experience

One of the biggest draws of this workshop is the authenticity. You’re not just buying a pre-made souvenir; you’re actively participating in a tradition that is central to Japanese culture. The guided explanations, tastings, and personal crafting give you a deeper understanding than any generic gift shop could offer.

The reviews confirm this. Sam_B raved, “Very good English speakers so no barrier. You get to sample various types umeshu, or ume syrup for the younger crowd.” The personalized attention in a small group means every participant can ask questions and learn at their own pace.

Value for Money

Priced at around $32.37 per person, this workshop offers a good deal considering the personal attention, tastings, and the souvenir bottle you get to take home. For those interested in Japanese culture and beverages, it’s a memorable, hands-on way to connect with local traditions.

Practical Details and Tips

• Group Size: Limited to 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.
• Booking: Confirmations are instant, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before.
• Age Restrictions: Umeshu making is for those 20 and over; underage participants can still join for syrup-making.
• Timing: Choose a start time that fits your day; sessions start promptly, so plan to arrive a few minutes early.
• Transport: The meeting point is near public transportation, making it easy to reach from most parts of Kyoto.
• Post-Workshop: The bottles are packed for air travel, but you’ll need to arrange shipping if you’re not taking them home immediately.

A reviewer pointed out, “Late arrivals may miss part of the experience,” so arriving on time is a small but important tip.

Who Will Love This Experience?

Travelers interested in Japanese food culture will find this workshop a fun, engaging way to understand the importance of ume in Japan. It’s especially perfect for those who enjoy DIY activities and want a tangible souvenir.

If you’re short on time but want a meaningful local experience, this is a well-paced activity that fits into an hour while offering plenty of cultural insight. It also caters to a variety of preferences—alcoholic or non-alcoholic—making it suitable for a range of visitors.

It’s an excellent choice for solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking for a memorable, authentic activity that results in a custom souvenir.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This workshop shines for anyone curious about Japanese traditions, especially if they love trying new flavors or want a personalized souvenir. The expert guidance, combined with the tasting and crafting, makes it more than just a tourist trap; it’s a genuine cultural experience.

The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the high-quality guidance from CHOYA’s Ume Concierge makes learning about umeshu both fun and informative. Plus, the chance to create your own bottle of umeshu or syrup means you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind item that truly reflects your taste.

If you’re a fan of authentic, hands-on experiences with a cultural twist, this tour will be a highlight of your Kyoto trip. It offers excellent value—fun, education, and a keepsake all rolled into one hour.

FAQ

Can I participate if I am under 20?
Yes, Umeshu making is limited to those 20 and older, but guests under 20 can join to make ume syrup.

What should I expect to learn during the workshop?
You’ll learn about Japanese ume culture and the history of umeshu, along with tasting different types to find your favorite pairing.

Are the instructions in English?
Yes, the experience is conducted in English, with guidebooks available in Chinese and Japanese for added context.

Will I be able to take my bottle home?
Absolutely, your finished bottle is packed in a durable box to make air travel safe. You can also purchase additional bottles on-site.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to and from the meeting point is not included, but it’s near public transit options.

What if I arrive late?
Late arrivals may miss part or all of the workshop since sessions start promptly. Contact the store if you’re running late.

In summary, the Kyoto Ume Liqueur Experience with CHOYA offers an engaging, authentic way to connect with Japanese tradition. It’s a perfect pick for those wanting a quick, meaningful activity that results in a unique, handcrafted souvenir—plus, you get to taste some of Japan’s favorite flavors along the way.