Kyoto Fushimi Guide: Exploring Historical Sites and Sake Breweries
Fushimi in Kyoto is an attractive area known for its famous sake production, with many sake breweries scattered throughout.
Water plays a crucial role in determining the taste of sake. While Japanese water is generally soft, Fushimi's water is medium-hard and rich in minerals. This characteristic makes fermentation easier, resulting in sake with a pronounced acidity and a robust yet mellow flavor.
However, Fushimi's appeal isn't limited to sake alone. Fushimi Inari Shrine is a famous shrine even overseas, and the sight of countless torii gates lined up is breathtaking.
From the mountaintop, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto city. There are also many other historical sites, such as Jonangu Shrine with its elegant Japanese garden.
Strolling through Fushimi's townscape is also an enjoyable experience. The scenery along the river flowing between sake breweries feels like a step back in time. In cafes and restaurants renovated from old sake breweries, you can enjoy local cuisine that pairs well with Fushimi's sake.
In this guide, I'll introduce all the charms of the Fushimi area for foreign tourists. It's packed with recommended spots not only for sake enthusiasts but also for those interested in history and culture.
I encourage you to use this guide to plan your Fushimi tour. I'm sure it will make for wonderful memories.
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Table of Contents
・What is Kyoto's Fushimi?
・How to Enjoy Kyoto Fushimi
・Visiting Historical Sites in Kyoto Fushimi
・Enjoying Sake Brewery Tours in Kyoto Fushimi
・Gourmet Food and Shopping in Fushimi
・Recommended Spots to Visit Along with Fushimi
・Tours to Fully Enjoy Kyoto Fushimi
・Frequently Asked Questions About Kyoto Fushimi Tourism
What is Kyoto's Fushimi?
First, let me explain what kind of place the Fushimi area is.
Fushimi is located in the southern part of Kyoto City and can be reached in just about 15 minutes by train from Kyoto Station. It has a history of developing as a castle town of Fushimi Castle, built during the Edo period.
Today, it's known as a famous sake-producing region, with numerous sake breweries lining the streets. It's also characterized by many historical sites, including the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine.
In fact, Fushimi is quite a large area within Kyoto City. You might be wondering where to sightsee. But don't worry. In this article, I'll introduce maps and major attractions, so you'll be able to fully enjoy Fushimi's charms efficiently.
How to Enjoy Kyoto Fushimi
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.
Sake Brewery Tours
When touring Fushimi, you absolutely can't miss the sake brewery tours.
In fact, Fushimi's water is medium-hard and rich in minerals. This makes it suitable for sake brewing. The sake brewed with this water is characterized by its crisp yet mellow and rich flavor.
If you participate in a sake brewery tour, you can closely observe the process of sake making and even enjoy sake tasting. Finding your favorite sake is part of the fun.
It's bound to be an irresistible experience for sake lovers. However, reservation methods vary depending on the brewery, so I recommend checking in advance. If you're worried about the language barrier, I suggest joining a sake brewery tour that I'll introduce later.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Tour in Fushimi
Visiting Historical Sites in Kyoto Fushimi
As I mentioned earlier, the Fushimi area has many historical sites worth seeing. However, Fushimi is quite a large area. It might be difficult to conquer all of them.
So here, I'll introduce places that are easily accessible and have many attractions, carefully selected.
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Fushimi Inari Shrine
First, you can't miss "Fushimi Inari Shrine." It's one of Japan's representative shrines and a famous tourist spot even overseas.
The sight of thousands of vermilion torii gates lining up from the foot to the top of Mt. Inari is simply breathtaking. As foxes are enshrined as messengers of the gods in this shrine, there are many fox statues in the precincts. It's a popular photo spot for foreign tourists.
And the view from the mountaintop is spectacular. The panoramic view overlooking Kyoto city is truly a magnificent sight. It's well worth the extra effort to climb up.
Access is immediate upon getting off at Inari Station on the JR Nara Line. It's also about a 5-minute walk from Fushimi Inari Station on the Keihan Main Line. It's no exaggeration to say that this is the highlight of Fushimi sightseeing. I definitely recommend visiting.
Website: https://inari.jp/en/
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Gokounomiya Shrine
"Gokonomiya Shrine," about a 5-minute walk from Fushimi Inari Shrine, is also not to be missed.
This shrine is said to have been founded in the 9th century and has a long history. It's particularly known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage, attracting many tourists.
The name "Goko" means "beautiful fragrance." The origin of the name comes from the pleasant aroma wafting from the shrine grounds. I encourage you to enjoy the beautiful scenery created by nature and history.
Gokonomiya Shrine is just a short walk from Fushimi-Momoyama Station on the Keihan Line. As it's also easily accessible from Fushimi Inari Shrine, I recommend visiting both together.
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/
Fujinomori Shrine
"Fujinomori Shrine" is also one of the representative historical spots in Fushimi. Incredibly, this shrine is said to have been founded about 1,800 years ago, making it a place of great historical significance.
Throughout its long history, Fujinomori Shrine has been worshipped as a shrine for praying for victory in battles. The many horse-related monuments in the precincts are due to this origin.
To get to Fujinomori Shrine, it's about a 5-minute walk from Fujinomori Station on the JR Nara Line, and also about a 5-minute walk from Sumizome Station on the Keihan Main Line. As it's easily accessible, I recommend stopping by during your Fushimi tour.
Website: https://x.com/fujinomori505
Fushimi Momoyama Castle Ruins
The last place I'd like to introduce is the "Fushimi Momoyama Castle Ruins." This castle, built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, occupies an important position in the history of Japanese castles.
The current replica castle tower was originally part of an amusement park that once stood on this site. Now it's maintained as Fushimi Momoyama Castle Sports Park, and you can't enter the castle.
However, its majestic appearance reminds us of those times. I think history fans will find it irresistible to stroll through the park imagining the "Warring States period."
To get to the Fushimi Momoyama Castle Ruins, it's about a 15 to 20-minute walk from either Tanbabashi Station on the Kintetsu and Keihan lines, or Momoyama Station on the JR Nara Line. Access is a bit inconvenient, so I suggest visiting if you have some extra time.
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Enjoying Sake Brewery Tours in Kyoto Fushimi
The highlight of Fushimi sightseeing is undoubtedly the sake brewery tours. From here, I'll delve deeper into their charm.
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/
In fact, there's a tour that visits Fushimi Sake Village. It's a tour offered by our company, Magical Trip, and I highly recommend it to sake enthusiasts. With a guide's explanation, you can fully experience the charm of sake breweries. If you're interested, please check it out.
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/
Gourmet Food and Shopping in Fushimi
Delicious food and souvenir hunting are essential parts of Fushimi sightseeing. From here, I'll introduce you to these charms of Fushimi.
Enjoying Cuisine 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/
Souvenir Shopping in Fushimi
When it comes to the joys of sightseeing, souvenir shopping is a must. The representative souvenir from Fushimi is, of course, sake.
Sake is sold at the direct sales stores of each brewery. Sake sets from famous breweries like Gekkeikan and Kizakura are sure to be well-received. They're perfect as gifts too.
Besides sake, there are also delicious souvenirs like Japanese sweets made with sake lees. These are also recommended as gifts for sake enthusiasts.
However, there's one point to be careful about. Sake is heavy, fragile, and some types require temperature control, making it difficult to carry around. Many shops only offer domestic shipping services, so if you want to travel light, I recommend checking if the shop can deliver to your hotel.
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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Tours to Fully Enjoy Kyoto Fushimi
For your Fushimi sightseeing, you probably want to enjoy it efficiently and thoroughly. That's where I recommend joining a tour. Here, I'll introduce three attractive tours.
"Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour" by Magical Trip
First, let me introduce our pride at Magical Trip. Amazingly, this tour ranked 3rd in TripAdvisor's ranking for activity experiences in Japan.
You'll explore hidden hiking trails of Fushimi Inari Shrine with a local guide. The delightful point is that you can visit scenic spots that most tourists don't know about. You can fully experience the charm of the Fushimi Inari area over a solid 3 hours.
The fee is about 58 USD per person. I highly recommend this tour for those who want to discover new aspects of Fushimi Inari.
Click here for more details: Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour
Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Tour in Fushimi
Here's another Magical Trip tour I mentioned earlier, which takes you around the sake breweries in Fushimi.
You'll visit "Fushimi Sake Village" where you can compare and taste up to 18 types of sake. The charm lies in enjoying sake tasting while learning about sake brewery culture. You'll also visit nearby Gokonomiya Shrine, so you can combine historical exploration.
The fee is about 78 USD per person. I think this tour is irresistible for sake lovers. Please come and fully enjoy the delicious sake of Fushimi!
Click here for more details: Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Tour in Fushimi
"10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour" by EE tour
Source: Viator
Lastly, I'd like to introduce a tour with a slightly different approach. This plan covers Kyoto's main spots, including Fushimi Inari Shrine, in one day.
Over 8 hours, you'll visit representative tourist spots in Kyoto such as Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama, and Gion. The pleasant point is that the guide will explain the highlights of each spot in detail. I recommend this for those who want to enjoy Kyoto sightseeing efficiently.
The fee is 317 USD for up to 3 people, with additional charges for more participants. Besides the guide fee, you'll need to pay for actual expenses like taxi fares separately, so it might be a bit over budget. However, I think it's worth considering for those on a short stay.
Click here for more details: 10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour
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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.
In this article, I've introduced the charms of the Kyoto Fushimi area.
From famous Fushimi Inari Shrine to historic shrines and temples like Jonangu Shrine and Fujinomori Shrine. And the atmospheric townscape lined with sake breweries. This area, where history and culture breathe, has a special presence even within the ancient capital of Kyoto.
But the real charm of Fushimi is, without a doubt, its sake. The sake nurtured by Fushimi's rich water captivates those who drink it.
Experiencing the brewing process through brewery tours and tasting sake along with meals at restaurants - such Fushimi-specific experiences are sure to become good memories of your Kyoto trip.
Please use this article as a reference to plan your own Fushimi trip. I hope your Fushimi journey will be wonderful!
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