Kyoto Fushimi: The Roots of Sake – 90-Minute Highlights

Winter in Fushimi, where the air is crisp and clear as the sake brewing season reaches its peak. Blessed with abundant water—so much so that the place name itself is said to derive from words meaning "water sleeping underground"—this town has flourished as a capital of sake brewing since ancient times. This 90-minute tour is a walk designed for sake lovers. We trace the roots of why Fushimi sake is so delicious and experience it with all five senses.

We begin by drawing the "water"—the life of sake—at a shrine, then walk through lively shopping arcades before arriving at the brewery district. From the bustling scenery of daily life to the historic landscape of white-walled storehouses and willow trees. Experience the town’s atmospheric transition as you savor premium sake born from these celebrated waters. By connecting with the source of the water and the history of the streets, every sip takes on a deeper resonance. This is a focused 90-minute experience designed for adults — a smart immersion into the heart of a living legacy.

Learn about the history and culture of Gekkeikan, a sake brewery with 380 years of history, and enjoy sake tasting. Please enjoy the culture of Fushimi Sake to your heart's content amidst the crisp winter air.

Here, you can draw "Gokosui," chosen as one of Japan's "100 Famous Waters." This place was once the guardian of Fushimi Castle for Toyotomi Hideyoshi and has deep ties to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Filtered by the earth over centuries, this high-quality soft water possesses a perfect mineral balance, serving as the source of Fushimi's smooth and mellow sake. In these tranquil grounds, experience the "lifeblood" of sake brewing and connect with the profound history of the land.

At this museum, operated by a Kyoto sake brewery with a 380-year legacy, you will explore the evolution and profound culture of sake. Through a collection of historic tools and archives, discover the spirit and craftsmanship passed down through generations. The original ochoko (sake cup) you receive as a gift becomes a small memento of your journey. After uncovering the stories behind the craft, enjoy a guided tasting. You will discover a depth of flavor and a historical resonance that goes far beyond a simple drink.

◎ English-speaking local guide
◎ Admission fee for the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
×Transportation costs

9:50 Meeting Meet in front of the ticket gate at Kintetsu "Momoyama-Goryomae" Station

10:00 Gokonomiya Shrine

10:45 Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

11:20 Tour ends

・Your reservation will be confirmed once you receive a reply from Sharing Kyoto.
・Please book at least 2 day in advance.
・As this tour involves the consumption of alcohol, persons under 20, those planning to drive, and pregnant or breastfeeding women may not participate.
・The experience may be modified or postponed due to traffic or other unforeseen conditions.
・Survey responses or reviews may be shared on our website or social media.

・Free of charge for cancellations up to 3 days prior to the tour date, 100% for cancellations 2 days or less prior to the tour date.
・Special Cases (Natural disaster, virus, etc.): Full refund.
・Transaction fees for refunds in the event of cancellation will be borne by the customer.
・Please contact us if you will be more than 5 minutes late. If you are late without notice, we may have to treat your booking as a cancellation. Please be aware of this policy.