Kyoto Fushimi: Tracing Sake’s Roots from Water to Cup

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 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, concluding with a tasting of delicate sweets that carry the subtle aroma of the brew. By connecting with the source of the water and the history of the streets, every sip takes on a deeper resonance. Beyond a mere tour, this is a refined three-hour experience designed for adults — a sophisticated 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 finally, take a breath in an atmospheric space converted from their former head office.　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.

A building with over 100 years of history, renovated from Gekkeikan's former head office. Take a break in the open space with high ceilings, feeling the atmosphere of days past. Here, enjoy refined sake ice cream and coffee or tea brewed with the famed Fushimizu spring water. It is the perfect place to spend a soothing moment to conclude your journey.

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

13:00 Meeting Meet in front of the ticket gate at Kintetsu "Momoyama-Goryomae" Station

13:10 Gokonomiya Shrine

14:15 Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

15:30 Fushimi Yume Hyakushu

16:00 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.