Last updated: December 11, 2025
Kyoto Fushimi Sake Brewery Tour: Taste Japanese Sake and Discover Samurai History
Introduction
Fushimi, located in southern Kyoto, is widely known as the city’s sake district. Blessed with pure groundwater from the Fushimi underground water system, the area has been home to sake brewing for centuries. Today, Fushimi ranks as one of Japan’s leading sake-producing regions, with more than 20 breweries offering visitors a chance to explore the rich traditions of Japanese sake.
But Fushimi is not only about sake. The district also carries deep historical significance, especially during the late Edo period. Teradaya Inn, for example, is famously connected to the samurai Sakamoto Ryoma, a key figure in Japan’s modernization. This unique blend of sake culture and samurai history makes Fushimi a fascinating destination where travelers can enjoy tastings, learn about brewing techniques, and step back into Japan’s past.
Starting Point – Chushojima Station (Access Information)
Chushojima Station on the Keihan Honsen Line is the ideal starting point for exploring Fushimi’s sake breweries. If you are already in central Kyoto near Gion-Shijo or Kiyomizu-Gojo, you can take the Keihan Line directly to Chushojima without any transfers.
For travelers coming from Kyoto Station, please note that there is no direct Keihan Line connection. A transfer is required, and the total travel time is usually around 20–25 minutes depending on the route and schedule.
Once you arrive at Chushojima, make sure to exit from the North Exit (Kita-deguchi). From here, you are immediately immersed in the atmosphere of Fushimi, with easy walking access to the historic breweries and cultural landmarks that define the district.
Stop 1 – Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
The first stop on your Fushimi sake brewery tour is the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, one of the most famous and historic breweries in Kyoto. Founded in 1637, Gekkeikan is a household name in Japanese sake, and its museum offers visitors a chance to step into centuries of brewing tradition.
Conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Chushojima Station (North Exit), the museum is easy to access for travelers starting their tour of Fushimi.
For a small admission fee, you can explore exhibits that showcase the history of sake brewing, traditional tools, and the evolution of Gekkeikan’s techniques. The highlight of the visit is the sake tasting, where you can sample different varieties of Gekkeikan sake. As a special souvenir, guests receive a small tasting cup to take home.
The museum also features a shop where you can purchase bottles of sake, as well as unique local treats such as sake manju (sweet buns filled with sake flavor). Whether you are a casual traveler or a dedicated sake enthusiast, the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum provides the perfect introduction to Fushimi’s rich brewing culture.
👉 Official website: https://www.gekkeikan.com/museum/
Stop 2 – Kizakura Brewery and Restaurant
The second stop on your Fushimi sake brewery tour is the Kizakura Brewery and Restaurant, a popular destination that combines traditional sake culture with modern dining. Conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, it is the perfect next stop after exploring Gekkeikan’s history and tasting experience.
At Kizakura, visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences. The on-site restaurant offers delicious meals paired with sake and craft beer, making it a perfect spot for lunch or dinner during your brewery tour. One of the highlights is the tasting set, where you can sample different types of sake and locally brewed beer.
The shop is also worth exploring, with shelves full of sake, craft beer, and many other unique products. Whether you are looking for a bottle to take home or simply want to browse, Kizakura provides a lively and welcoming atmosphere that showcases the diversity of Fushimi’s brewing culture.
👉 Official websites:https://kizakura-brewery.com/
Stop 3 – Teradaya Inn (for History Lovers)
The third stop on your Fushimi tour takes you beyond sake and into the world of samurai history. Teradaya Inn is a historic site famously associated with Sakamoto Ryoma, one of Japan’s most influential samurai during the late Edo period.
Conveniently located just a 2–3 minute walk from Kizakura Brewery and Restaurant, Teradaya is easy to include in your tour route after enjoying sake and local cuisine.
For a small admission fee, visitors can explore the preserved rooms of the inn, where Ryoma once stayed and where dramatic events unfolded. Inside, you will find displays of artifacts, historical documents, and even sword marks left behind from samurai battles. Walking through the inn feels like stepping back in time to the turbulent years leading up to Japan’s modernization.
Teradaya is a must-visit for history lovers, offering a rare glimpse into the life of Ryoma and the samurai who shaped Japan’s future. Combined with the sake brewery experience, it adds a cultural depth to your Fushimi journey, making the tour not only about tasting but also about understanding the spirit of Kyoto’s past.
Stop 4 – Kitagawa Honke Okina-ya
The fourth stop on your Fushimi sake journey is Kitagawa Honke Okina-ya, one of the most traditional and historic breweries in the district. Located about a 10-minute walk from Teradaya Inn, it offers travelers a chance to experience the deep heritage of Kyoto’s sake culture.
Rather than a brewery tour, Okina-ya features a small direct sales shop, where visitors can purchase a wide range of sake as well as various food products made with sake. Several varieties of sake are available for tasting, allowing you to discover the brewery’s refined flavors before choosing your favorite bottle to take home.
Inside the shop, there is also a special tap for sake sold by volume, a unique feature that adds to the charm of Kitagawa Honke.
👉 Official website: https://www.kitagawahonke.jp/
Stop 5 – Ginjo Shubo Aburacho
The fifth stop on your Fushimi sake journey is Ginjo Shubo Aburacho, a cozy sake bar and shop that specializes in premium ginjo-style sake. Located about a 10-minute walk from Kitagawa Honke Okina-ya, it provides the perfect setting to relax after visiting the breweries and historic sites.
At Aburacho, visitors can enjoy a wide selection of carefully curated sake, with tasting options that highlight the delicate aromas and flavors unique to ginjo brewing. The bar offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal place to sit down, savor a glass, and reflect on your tour.
In addition to tastings, the shop sells bottles of sake and related products, allowing you to take home a piece of Fushimi’s brewing culture. Whether you are a seasoned sake enthusiast or a curious beginner, Aburacho provides a memorable way to conclude your exploration of Kyoto’s sake district.
👉 Official website: https://aburacho.com/
(Japanese only, but helpful to get a feel for the shop’s atmosphere)
Getting Back – Convenient Stations
- For those heading toward Osaka or central Kyoto via the Keihan Honsen Line, the nearest station is Fushimi-Momoyama Station.
- If you prefer to go directly to Kyoto Station, the Kintetsu Kyoto Line’s Momoyama-Goryo-mae Station is the most convenient option.
Conclusion – A Journey Through Fushimi’s Sake and History
Your Fushimi tour has taken you through a rich blend of tradition, taste, and history. From the heritage of Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum to the lively atmosphere of Kizakura Brewery and Restaurant, the samurai legacy at Teradaya Inn, the authentic charm of Kitagawa Honke Okina-ya, and finally the refined experience at Ginjo Shubo Aburacho, each stop offers a unique perspective on Kyoto’s sake culture.
Together, these destinations showcase the diversity of Fushimi: a district where centuries-old brewing techniques meet modern hospitality, and where history and everyday life intertwine. Whether you are a sake enthusiast, a history lover, or simply a curious traveler, this tour provides a memorable way to explore Kyoto beyond its temples and gardens.
As you leave Fushimi, you carry not only bottles of sake or souvenirs, but also a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and spirit that define this historic district.
Practical Note
Before visiting, please check each location’s official website for the latest opening hours and closing days. This ensures you have the most up-to-date information and can enjoy your tour without unexpected closures.