Fushimi Sake Guide: A Comprehensive Introduction to Kyoto's Famous Sake District
Fushimi in Kyoto is a dream destination for sake enthusiasts. The unique atmosphere created by sake-making traditions passed down since the Edo period, rich water sources, and charming townscapes captivates visitors. I've lived in the Kansai region for over 10 years, and Fushimi's appeal never ceases to amaze me.
However, Fushimi's charm isn't limited to sake alone. The world-famous Fushimi Inari Taisha with its thousands of torii gates, historical temples and shrines, and beautiful natural scenery throughout the seasons make this area a special tourist destination. Fushimi, where Japanese traditional culture and sake-making history harmonize beautifully, offers a unique experience that can't be found elsewhere.
To be honest, there are some challenges. During peak tourist seasons, it can get crowded and difficult to move around. Also, some sake breweries have limited English guidance, which may create a language barrier for foreign tourists.
In such cases, using MagicalTrip's "Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Tour in Fushimi" allows you to enjoy sake brewery tours without feeling the language barrier, and the "Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour" lets you enjoy the Fushimi Inari area using "back roads" without worrying about crowds.
In this article, based on my perspective as a local and experiences touring Fushimi with foreign friends, I'll introduce hidden gems and recommended spots that only locals know about.
I hope this guide will help you on your special journey to discover the depth of sake and experience Japanese traditional culture.
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Takashi Nakadomari
Table of Contents
・What is Fushimi? The Holy Land of Sake in Kyoto
・Enjoying Sake Brewery Tours in Kyoto's Fushimi
・Tour to Fully Enjoy Fushimi's Sake: Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Tour in Fushimi
・Enjoying Gourmet Food that Pairs Well with Fushimi's Local Sake
・Don't Forget to Hike Inari Mountain When You Come to Fushimi
・Other Ways to Enjoy Kyoto's Fushimi Besides Sake
・Spots to Visit Along with Fushimi's Sake Breweries
・Author's Recommended One-Day Model Course to Fully Enjoy Fushimi's Sake and Tourist Spots
・Recommended Spots to Visit Along with Fushimi
・Frequently Asked Questions About Kyoto Fushimi Tourism
What is Fushimi? The Holy Land of Sake in Kyoto
Located in the southern part of Kyoto, Fushimi is known as one of Japan's three major sake-producing regions. I can confidently say that it's one of the most attractive sake districts in the Kansai region where I've lived for over 10 years.
The most distinctive feature of this area is the high-quality groundwater known as "Fushimi's Famous Water," which is ideal for sake brewing. This water contains just the right amount of minerals and is characterized by its mellow and soft taste, which is one of the reasons why Fushimi's sake is loved by many people.
Fushimi is dotted with historic sake breweries that have been around since the Edo period, and you can feel the deep history and culture of sake just by walking around the town. What particularly impresses me is the townscape where modern buildings and old sake breweries coexist in perfect harmony. You can experience an atmosphere as if you've traveled back in time.
Moreover, Fushimi is not just a sake-brewing town. It's also an area where numerous historical buildings and tourist spots are concentrated, including the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. It's a unique area where you can experience a perfect fusion of Kyoto's traditional culture and sake-brewing culture, which you can't experience anywhere else.
Enjoying Sake Brewery Tours in Kyoto's Fushimi
Sake brewery tours in Kyoto's Fushimi offer a special experience where you can feel the culture of traditional Japanese sake brewing firsthand. I'll introduce you to some sake breweries that I often visit with my foreign friends.
Fushimi Sake Village
First, I'd like to recommend "Fushimi Sake Village." Here, you can taste sake from as many as 18 different breweries, making it an irresistible place for sake lovers.
Not only can you enjoy tasting, but there's also a rich food menu that pairs well with sake. You can spend a relaxing time enjoying sake tasting. I'm sure you'll be able to fully appreciate the charm of sake here.
Website: https://fushimi-sakagura-kouji.com/
For foreigners, I recommend the English-guided tour provided by MagicalTrip. This tour allows you to learn in detail about the history and production process of sake, and also includes a visit to Fushimi Sake Village.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Tour in Fushimi
Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
When it comes to representative sake breweries in Fushimi, "Gekkeikan" comes to mind. At the "Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum," you can learn about the history of Gekkeikan and sake brewing.
Inside the museum, there are extensive exhibits where you can learn about the sake brewing process in detail.
There's also a sake tasting corner where you can thoroughly enjoy the taste of Gekkeikan. Furthermore, sake brewery tours are held, allowing you to delve deeper into the world of sake.
The Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum is just a short walk from Chushojima Station on the Keihan Main Line. I think it's one of the must-visit spots if you're going on a sake brewery tour.
Website: https://www.gekkeikan.com/museum/
Fushimi Yume Hyakushu Cafe
Source: Google Map by Chima Kichi
"Fushimi Yume Hyakushu Cafe," a renovated former sake brewery, is also worth checking out. It's currently used as a restaurant where you can compare and taste a wide variety of sake.
The light meal menu that you can enjoy with sake is also popular, perfect for when you want to have a quick drink. It's close to the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, so why not drop by during your sake brewery tour?
It's about an 8-minute walk from Chushojima Station on the Keihan Main Line. You can enjoy an adult atmosphere in a pleasant space.
Website: https://kyoto-fushimi.or.jp/sake/
Kizakura Sake Brewery
Source: Google Map by Mitsu Honda
Lastly, I'd like to introduce "Kizakura Sake Brewery," an established sake brewery in Fushimi. It's a famous brewery that has been preserving traditional techniques since its establishment in 1925.
At Kizakura Sake Brewery, you can participate in brewery tours. It's a chance to see the sake brewing process up close. Of course, there's also sake tasting, so you can fully enjoy Kizakura's famous sake.
Moreover, Kizakura Sake Brewery has its own restaurant. You can enjoy sake along with meals, ensuring both your stomach and heart will be fully satisfied.
It's about a 20-minute walk from Chushojima Station on the Keihan Line. It takes a bit of time, but I think it's well worth the visit.
Website: http://kizakura.co.jp/husimigura/
Tour to Fully Enjoy Fushimi's Sake: Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Tour in Fushimi
To fully enjoy Fushimi's sake, I recommend our MagicalTrip's "Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Tour".
It offers a luxurious experience of tasting 18 types of Kyoto-produced sake in 3 hours. The price is $87.08 (about 13,000 yen), which is very reasonable considering the content provided.
A notable point of this tour is that you can learn in detail about the sake production process and history in English, not just tasting. The program includes a visit to the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum and a tasting time at a hidden sake bar.
What I particularly recommend is the opportunity to learn about the depth of sake in a friendly atmosphere. Even sake beginners can participate with peace of mind thanks to the careful explanations by experts. Also, snacks and light meals are provided for those under 20, so families can participate as well.
The tour also includes elements other than sake culture, such as Fushimi's clear groundwater and shrine visits, allowing you to experience Japanese culture comprehensively. It's a popular tour that has already been experienced by over 2,200 people and has received more than 40 high-rated reviews.
Click here for details: Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Tour in Fushimi
Enjoying Gourmet Food that Pairs Well with Fushimi's Local Sake
Around Fushimi's sake breweries, there are many establishments offering menus that pair well with local sake. While you're here, why not taste some delicious dishes along with the sake?
Tsuki no kurabito
Source: Tabelog by Tsuki no kurabito
First, I'd like to recommend "Tsuki no kurabito." It's a restaurant renovated from a former sake brewery, located right next to the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum.
Their specialty is a hot pot dish made with Gekkeikan's daiginjo sake. It pairs perfectly with sake, and you might find yourself drinking more than you intended.
The budget is about 5,000 yen per person. Why not indulge a bit and enjoy Fushimi's delicacies? I encourage you to experience a blissful moment with local sake.
<Store Information>
Address: 185-1 Kamiaburakakecho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-8047
Closed: None
Phone: 075-623-4630
Hours (Mondays to Fridays): 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, 5:00–10:00 PM
Hours (Saturdays, Sundays): 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, 4:00–10:00 PM
Website: https://www.tsukinokurabito.jp/english.html
Torisei
Source: Tabelog by Torisei
Next is a restaurant called "Torisei." This is also an izakaya (Japanese pub) renovated from a sake brewery, with a fantastic atmosphere.
Of course, they have a wide variety of sake. But their specialty is chicken dishes. They have an array of exquisite menu items that pair well with sake.
A pleasant point is that they offer reasonably priced set meals during lunchtime. You can enjoy voluminous and delicious meals for about 1,000 to 3,000 yen. I think it's a convenient place to casually drop by during your sightseeing.
<Store Information>
Address: 186 Kamiaburakakecho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-8047
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 050-548-61416
Hours: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Website: https://k006500.gorp.jp/
Kizakura Kappa Country
Lastly, there's "Kizakura Kappa Country," a restaurant directly managed by Kizakura Sake Brewery. It's reputed for its authentic cuisine that pairs well with Kizakura's sake.
They offer course meals, of course, but also have a rich selection of set meal menus at reasonable prices. During lunchtime, you can eat nutritionally balanced and delicious meals for about 1,000 to 1,500 yen.
I recommend visiting in conjunction with a tour of Kizakura Sake Brewery. After learning about the charm of sake during the brewery tour, why not spend some luxurious time here leisurely enjoying the food and sake?
<Store Information>
Address: 228 Shioyamachi, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-8046
Closed: Tuesdays
Phone: 075-611-9919
Hours: 11:30 AM–2:00 PM, 5:00–8:50 PM
Website: https://kizakura.co.jp/restaurant/country/
Don't Forget to Hike Inari Mountain When You Come to Fushimi
The charm of Fushimi is not just about sake. Hiking on Inari Mountain, world-famous for its thousands of torii gates, is another highlight of Fushimi sightseeing. You can have a wonderful experience where nature and culture are in harmony.
"Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour" by Magical Trip
This Magical Trip tour, which I confidently recommend, is a 3-hour hiking tour that takes you around Fushimi Inari through back roads that most tourists don't know about. The fee is 64.84 USD (about 9,500 yen), and it's a popular tour that ranked 3rd in the 2024 TripAdvisor tour ranking.
The feature of this tour is that you can walk through hidden bamboo forests and nature that general tourists don't know about.
What I particularly like is the unique route that starts from Tofukuji Station, passes through local residential areas and small shrines, and continues along hidden mountain paths to the mountain. You can take photos at your leisure while avoiding crowds.
The approximately 7 km course is of a difficulty level that can be thoroughly enjoyed with average physical fitness. While you can avoid direct sunlight by walking through the forest, I recommend wearing a hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts and pants in summer.
For more details, click here: Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour
Other Ways to Enjoy Kyoto's Fushimi Besides Sake
While Fushimi is famous as the holy land of sake, there are many other attractive tourist spots. I have visited Fushimi many times, and each time I discover something new, continually drawn to its charm. Here, I'll introduce some ways to enjoy Fushimi beyond its sake.
Now, what kind of enjoyment does the Fushimi area offer? Here, I'll pick up and introduce some of its charms.
Strolling Through Fushimi and Photo Spots
First, you can't miss strolling through Fushimi's old townscape. The scenery along the Hori River, which flows between sake breweries, gives you a feeling of having traveled back in time.
Furthermore, I recommend enjoying a cruise on a boat called "Jikkokubune." The view of Fushimi from the river is especially magnificent. However, note that reservations are required for the cruise, and it's closed from mid-December to mid-March.
The reservation site is only in Japanese and might be a bit troublesome, but you can select a date and time to reserve and pay in cash on the day. The fee is 1,500 yen per person, and the cruise lasts about 50 minutes. I'm sure it will be a wonderful experience to leisurely enjoy Fushimi's townscape.
Website: https://airrsv.net/fushimi-fune/calendar
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Visiting Historical Sites
When visiting Fushimi, I highly recommend stopping by its historical sites.
Particularly famous is Fushimi Inari Shrine. The sight of countless torii gates lined up, known as Senbon Torii, is truly breathtaking.
In fact, Fushimi has many other attractive historical sites. There are plenty of spots where you can feel the history, such as the ruins of Fushimi Castle and Jonangu Shrine, known for its plum blossoms.
Since you've come all the way to Fushimi, I encourage you to visit several of these sites. I'm sure you'll discover new aspects beyond Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Spots to Visit Along with Fushimi's Sake Breweries
After enjoying the sake brewery tours in Fushimi, let's visit some other attractive spots in the area. I'll introduce you to a few places that have particularly left an impression on me during my many visits to Fushimi.
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Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Japan's representative shrines, and its iconic "Senbon Torii" (thousand torii gates) fascinates tourists from all over the world.
The vibrant vermilion torii gates continuing to the top of Mt. Inari offer a spectacular view, especially suitable for photography. The unique culture of worshipping foxes as messengers of the gods is also interesting, with numerous fox statues placed throughout the shrine grounds.
There's a scenic spot at the summit where you can overlook the entire Kyoto city, which is my favorite view.
Access is convenient, right after getting off at JR Inari Station on the Nara Line, or about a 5-minute walk from Fushimi Inari Station on the Keihan Main Line. It's also good to drop by between sake brewery tours. However, it can get very crowded during peak tourist seasons, so I recommend visiting early in the morning or in the evening.
Website: https://inari.jp/en/
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Gokounomiya Shrine
Gokonomiya Shrine, founded in the 9th century, is a precious shrine that conveys the history of Fushimi to the present day.
What I particularly like is the profound atmosphere of the shrine grounds and the beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, and autumn leaves color the grounds in fall.
There's an interesting anecdote about the origin of the name "Gokonomiya". It's said that the name was given because a fragrant scent wafted from the shrine grounds. Walking through the quiet shrine grounds, you can feel the weight of history.
Access is very convenient, about a 5-minute walk from Fushimi-Momoyama Station on the Keihan Electric Railway. It's in a perfect location to stop by between sake brewery tours, so please do visit.
Website: https://gokounomiya.kyoto.jp/
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Jonangu Shrine
Another place I'd like to recommend is "Jonangu Shrine." It's a shrine that exudes history, founded in 794 during the Heian period.
Elegant buildings influenced by aristocratic culture are scattered throughout the precincts. Also, the Japanese garden where you can enjoy beautiful scenery in all four seasons is one of the highlights.
The beauty of plum blossoms in spring and autumn foliage is especially exceptional. How about immersing yourself in the romance of history while feeling the breath of nature?
To get to Jonangu Shrine, it's about a 15-minute walk from Takeda Station on the Karasuma Subway Line. It takes a bit of time, but the advantage is that you can pray leisurely, avoiding the crowds.
Website: https://www.jonangu.com/
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Author's Recommended One-Day Model Course to Fully Enjoy Fushimi's Sake and Tourist Spots
To maximize the enjoyment of Fushimi's charms, it's important to balance sake brewery tours with visits to tourist spots. I'll introduce you to the model course that I've found to be the most efficient and enjoyable after visiting Fushimi many times.
This course incorporates the “Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Tour in Fushimi” that I introduced earlier. The big advantage of using this tour is that you can experience Fushimi's sake culture more deeply and efficiently.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
The start of Fushimi sightseeing should definitely be Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Early morning is the best time for taking photos of the thousand torii gates as there are fewer visitors. When I visited, the scenery of the torii gates shrouded in morning mist was mystical and breathtakingly beautiful.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is famous as the god of prosperity in business, and the sight of the vermilion torii gates lined up is spectacular. If you want to enjoy the thousand torii gates and the main shrine, about an hour is enough for worship, but if you want to go to the summit, you'll need about 2 hours round trip.
I recommend going to the summit. The view of Kyoto city from the top is exceptional, and the scenery is so spectacular that it blows away your fatigue.
Here's an important piece of advice. If you want to enjoy hiking through the "back roads" that only locals know, I recommend using MagicalTrip's “Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour”. This tour can be used from 9:00 AM and allows you to visit hidden attractive spots that most tourists don't visit.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Lunch
After enjoying Fushimi's sake culture, it's time to recharge with a delicious lunch. I recommend having lunch at one of the Japanese restaurants that pair well with Fushimi's local sake, which I introduced in this article.
My recommendation is "Tsuki no kurabito". Here, you can enjoy specially prepared dishes designed to pair with Fushimi's local sake. In particular, the dishes using seasonal ingredients are exquisite and allow you to fully savor the taste of Fushimi.
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Tour in Fushimi
For the afternoon, I recommend participating in MagicalTrip's "Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Tour in Fushimi". This tour allows you to efficiently visit sake breweries and other sake spots in Fushimi in 3 hours.
The wonderful point of this tour is that you can not only visit sake breweries but also learn deeply about the sake production process and history. Also, being able to taste 18 types of Kyoto-produced sake is a big attraction.
Furthermore, this tour also visits Gokonomiya Shrine. In other words, you can efficiently enjoy not only the sake culture but also the historical aspects of Fushimi.
The charm of this model course is that it balances Fushimi's sake culture with historical sites. Starting the morning at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine to feel nature and history, enjoying Fushimi's food culture at lunch, and then enjoying authentic sake brewery tours and historical exploration in the afternoon - this flow allows you to fully savor the charms of Fushimi.
In particular, using Magical Trip's tour allows you to gain deep knowledge and experiences without feeling the language barrier, which is a big advantage. Even foreign visitors who don't understand Japanese can fully enjoy the charms of Fushimi with English-speaking guides.
Recommended Spots to Visit Along with Fushimi
I'd like to introduce some nearby spots that I recommend visiting during your Fushimi tour.
Gion
When you think of Kyoto, Gion comes to mind. It's an area where World Heritage-class spots are concentrated, including Yasaka Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, and Kodaiji Temple.
It's also famous for the chance to see maiko (apprentice geisha) and geiko (fully-fledged geisha), allowing you to fully experience the essence of Kyoto.
I recommend using the Keihan Railway for access. If you transfer from Fushimi Inari Station to Gion-Shijo Station, you can arrive in about 10 minutes. You'll be able to feel the refined charm of Kyoto, which is different from Fushimi.
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Uji
Uji is a representative matcha-producing area in Kyoto. The sweets and dishes using matcha are exquisite, and cafe-hopping is also enjoyable.
There are numerous historic temples, including the World Heritage site Byodoin Temple.
Access from Fushimi by train is convenient. You can either head to Uji Station on the JR Nara Line, or if using the Keihan Railway, transfer at Chushojima Station from Fushimi Inari Station to Uji Station. It's an attractive town that you can fully enjoy even on a day trip.
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Kyoto Station
It might be surprising, but Kyoto Station itself is a tourist spot. The modern station building and Kyoto Tower exude a charm different from the ancient capital.
Historical temples like Higashi Honganji and Toji are scattered around the station. The station building is also filled with restaurants and shops, making it convenient for dining and souvenir shopping.
Access from Fushimi is excellent. From Fushimi Station on the JR Nara Line, you can reach Kyoto Station in just a few minutes. I definitely want you to keep this spot in mind as a base for sightseeing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kyoto Fushimi Tourism
Finally, I'll answer some common questions about Fushimi sightseeing.
Do I need reservations for sake brewery tours?
Basically, you can visit major breweries like Gekkeikan and Kizakura without reservations. However, as they're popular spots, you might have to wait during busy times.
If possible, I recommend making online reservations in advance. Especially if you're short on time, it's reassuring to include the tour in your schedule.
If you're worried about the language barrier, try joining the sake brewery tour I introduced earlier. With English guidance available, you should be able to enjoy the tour smoothly.
Can I visit Inari Shrine at night?
Yes, Fushimi Inari Shrine is basically open for worship 24 hours a day. It's also illuminated at night, so you can enjoy a fantastical atmosphere different from daytime.
However, the shrine office where you can buy charms is open from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. The hours may vary slightly depending on the season, so it's safer to check in advance.
At night, Fushimi Inari Shrine is wrapped in silence, in stark contrast to the bustle of daytime. I encourage you to experience this mystical atmosphere.
What should I be careful about regarding clothing when sightseeing in Fushimi?
In Fushimi, walking is the main activity, so comfortable shoes are most important. Especially for sake brewery tours, you'll do quite a bit of walking, so I recommend sneakers or other shoes you're used to wearing.
Also, when visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine, you'll be walking on mountain paths, so avoid high heels.
One more thing, try not to bring large luggage like suitcases. The alleys are narrow, so it'll be hard to move around. I recommend using coin lockers and sightseeing lightly.
Fushimi is not just a sake holy land, but also an attractive tourist destination where rich history and culture thrive.
You can experience traditional Japanese sake culture through sake brewery tours, feel the mystical atmosphere of Japan at Fushimi Inari Taisha famous for its thousand torii gates, and spend quiet time at Gokonomiya Shrine and Jonan-gu Shrine. Through these experiences, you can fully feel the multifaceted charms of Fushimi.
In particular, by using the "Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Tour in Fushimi" and "Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour" provided by Magical Trip, you can enjoy the charms of Fushimi more deeply and efficiently. These tours provide opportunities to visit hidden gems known only to locals and experience authentic sake tasting that is usually difficult to access.
I hope you can enjoy your own special Fushimi experience by referencing the spots, tours, and local advice introduced in this article!
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