The Suntory Kyoto Brewery is a modern facility dedicated to the production of Suntory's popular Premium Malt's beer. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the brewing process, from raw ingredients to the finished product, through an engaging factory tour. While Suntory is also famous for its whiskey, this location specifically focuses on beer, providing a distinct experience from their Yamazaki distillery.
Visitors consistently highlight the quality of the tour itself, noting that it is well-organized and informative. Many appreciate the generous beer tasting at the end, often including three full glasses of different varieties, which is a significant draw. The friendly and helpful staff receive frequent praise, with many reviewers mentioning their efforts to accommodate non-Japanese speakers with audio guides or even personal assistance. The clean, modern facilities and the pleasant aroma of hops and malt throughout the brewery also contribute to a positive experience.
To make the most of your visit, it is crucial to book your tour online in advance, as tours are size-limited and reservations are mandatory. Several visitors mentioned that tours can be fully booked, especially for popular times. While the main tour is in Japanese, English audio guides are provided, and some guides may even speak English. Allow approximately two hours for the entire experience, including the tour and tasting. Don't forget that Japan has strict DUI laws, so if you plan to enjoy the tasting, public transportation is highly recommended.
The brewery is conveniently located between Osaka and Kyoto. It is easily accessible via public transportation, with shuttle buses available from two designated train stations: JR Nagaokakyo Station and Hankyu Nishiyama-Tennozan Station. Reviewers emphasize the ease of using these shuttle services. The brewery encourages visitors to use public transport due to the beer tasting. If arriving by car, be aware of the strict drinking and driving laws in Japan.
A common point for visitors is the language barrier, as the main presentation is in Japanese. However, this is largely mitigated by the provision of audio guides in multiple languages, including English. Some visitors also noted that Google Maps might provide incorrect directions to the factory, so it's best to rely on the shuttle bus information provided by Suntory or confirmed by other reviewers. Arriving a bit early for your shuttle or tour is a good practice to avoid any last-minute stress.
