Fushimi, Kyoto is famous for sake! Why are there so many sake breweries? Where is the best place to visit?

Suddenly, do you have a favorite drink?

There are various sake breweries in Tohoku and other areas of Japan where rice and water are delicious. Nada in Hyogo, Saijo in Hiroshima, and Fushimi in Kyoto are known as the "three major sake breweries of Japan," so a sake tour is a must when visiting Fushimi on a sightseeing tour of Kyoto.
In fact, Hyogo and Kyoto produce more than 501 tp3 tons of sake in Japan, so there are many famous brands and delicious sake that will make even the most discerning connoisseur swoon.
In this article, we would like to introduce some of the sake breweries in Fushimi, Kyoto, one of the most famous sake brewing areas in Japan, and some spots where you can enjoy the taste of sake.

Table of Contents

■Why is Fushimi in Kyoto famous as a sake brewery in the first place?

■Well-known sake breweries and characteristics in Fushimi, Kyoto

■Recommended Sake Tour Spots in Fushimi

1. Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Hall

2. Fujioka Sake Brewery

3. Fushimizu Sake Brewery Alley

4. Ginjo Sakebou Yucho

5. Okinaya Kitagawa Honke

■ Summary

■Why is Fushimi in Kyoto famous as a sake brewery in the first place?

Fushimi in Kyoto is famous for being one of the best sake brewing areas in Japan. There are numerous sake breweries in Fushimi, Kyoto, where sake brewing is thriving.
So why is Fushimi in Kyoto famous for sake?

First of all, the location of Fushimi in Kyoto has a lot to do with why sake brewing has flourished there.
Fushimi is located in the southern part of Kyoto City. As the southern gateway to the city, Fushimi has plains along three rivers: the Kamo, Katsura, and Uji Rivers.
Furthermore, the area was composed of mountain ranges such as the Momoyama Hills and Mount Inari, and was rich in underground water veins from which water gushes.

Historically, sake brewing using koji had already begun in the Yayoi period. In the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600), Toyotomi Hideyoshi built Fushimi Castle and a town was formed, and demand for sake increased at that time. Then, when the port of Fushimi was built, it developed as a base for water transportation connecting Osaka. Here, the number of vessels carrying sake and rice, the raw material for sake, increased.
This led to the prosperity of water and land transportation not only in Kyoto, but also in Yamato, Otsu, and Osaka.
Many travelers and landed visitors came to the area in search of alcoholic beverages, forming the foundation of the present day.  

Fushimi is also blessed with good quality water. Water is the most important element in sake brewing.
Sake is made up of 80% water, so the aroma, flavor, and water quality play a major role in determining the taste of sake. The higher the mineral content of sake, the faster it ferments and the richer the flavor. Fushimi has high-quality underground water flowing through it, as it has been called "fushimizu.
It is a medium-hard water that contains a moderate amount of minerals such as potassium and calcium, and is characterized by its fine and smooth quality.
This allows for slow fermentation and thus mellower sake.
The fact that this fine water continues to spring up even today makes it indispensable for sake even today.
The reason why sake breweries lined the streets of Fushimi was because of the abundance of land, water, and other resources.
Today there are over 20 sake breweries in Fushimi, Kyoto.

■Well-known sake breweries and characteristics in Fushimi, Kyoto

Even if one says, "There are many sake breweries in Kyoto," it is hard to know the details unless one is a local or a sake enthusiast.
Therefore, here we summarize well-known sake breweries and famous sake brands in Kyoto.

XX Yellow Cherry Blossom Co.

Kizakura Corporation was founded in 1925. The founder, Jirokuro Matsumoto, started the company independently from his family's sake manufacturing business, and the image character of Kappa is well-known throughout Japan.
There are many sake brands loved by many generations, such as the typical "Kizakura" (yellow cherry blossom), Junmai Daiginjo and Sparkling Sake.

Address: 53 Kajiwara-cho, Yoko-oji-Shimomisu, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto

Kitagawa Honke Co.

Kitagawa Honke Co., Ltd. was founded in Meireki 3 and has been brewing sake for over 360 years since the early Edo period, and is famous as one of the oldest sake breweries in Fushimi, Kyoto.
Among them, "Tomiou" is a junmai sake made from 1001 TP3T Yamada-Nishiki, which is a rice suitable for sake brewing, and it expresses the company's desire to create sake that enriches even the hearts of those who drink it.

Location: 370-6 Murakami-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto

Kyohime Brewery Co.

Kyohime Sake Brewery was established in 1918. The brewery uses fresh water from a well on the premises to make its sake, which is characterized by a soft and delicious taste.
Yamadanishiki Daiginjo Takumi is made from 100% Yamadanishiki, the highest grade of rice suitable for sake brewing, and is a dry sake with a gentle ginjo aroma and fine flavor.

Location: 368-1 Yamazaki-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto

○Kinshi Masamune Co.

Kinshi Masamune Corporation, founded in 1876, commercialized paper cartons for alcoholic beverages in 1977, and is credited with pioneering a container revolution in the industry.
Kinshi-Masamune" has been famous since 1894 as a brand named after the Order of the Golden Kite.

Location: 11-337-1 Shinmachi, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto

○Gekkeikan Co.

Gekkeikan Corporation was founded in Kan'ei 14. Many of you may have heard of the company name from commercials and other media.
The company was named after the laurel wreath, which means victory and glory.
Gekkeikan is characterized by its mild taste and refreshing aftertaste.

Location: 247 Minamihama-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto

Saito Sake Brewery Co.

Founded in 1895, Saito Shuzo Co. Eikun, a representative of Fushimi, a sake brewery, can be said to be a sake that can be found at any izakaya in Kyoto.
Eikun is a renowned sake that has won the gold medal at the National New Sake Competition for 14 consecutive years, and was awarded the fifth prize and the honorable mention in the Junmai Ginjo Sake category at the 98th Nanbu Touji Sake Competition.
It is highly recommended for those who like a clean, dry taste.

Location: 105, Yoko-oji Misuyama Jyoshiki-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan

Shotei Shuzo Brewery Co.

Founded in Shoho 2, Shotoku Shuzo K.K. is a company that focuses on junmai sake and offers fun and delicious sake.
Shoutoku" is characterized by its gorgeous aroma and delicate taste. The rice used is grown under contract with farmers, and the ingredients are carefully selected.

Location: 16 Butai-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto

○Takara Shuzo Brewery Co.

Founded in 1838, Takara Shuzo Co.
Some of you may be familiar with "Shochiku-bai" (pine, bamboo, and plum), as it is used in commercials and other media.
Shochiku Ume has an appealing rich flavor and is well known for its smoothness through the throat.

Location: Karasuma Higashi-iru, Shijo-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto

○Tamanomitsu Sake Brewery Co.

Tamanomitsu Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. was founded in Enpo-gen (1858) and will celebrate its 350th anniversary in 2023. The company operates under the concept of using only good ingredients and brewing "honest sake".
One of the most popular is "Tamanohikari" (tamanohikari). It is said to be perfect for Kyoto cuisine, with its delicious rice flavor and sharp acidity.

Location: 545-2 Higashi Sakai-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto

○Toyosawa Honten Co.

Toyosawa Honten Co. Ltd. began brewing sake in the early Meiji period under the concept of "making delicious sake that makes everyone who drinks it happy and joyful.
The main brand name is Houshuku, which is characterized by its gentle flavor.

Location: 59 Minami-Nezakoyacho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto

Heiwa Brewery Limited Partnership

Heiwa Shuzo Joint-Stock Company was founded in Enkyo 1.
The main brands are "Keicho Fushimi no Sake" and "Keicho Koban," high-quality sake sold at reasonable prices.

Location: 698 Higashigumi-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto

Tokubei Masuda Shoten Co.

One of the oldest breweries in Fushimi, Kyoto with a history of more than 340 years, Tokubei Masuda Shoten Co.
Tsukinokatsura" is named after an old Chinese legend that says, "There is a laurel in the moon, and there is always a man 500 meters high who cuts it. It has almost no bitterness or astringency, and its gentle pungency and concentrated rice flavor make it an excellent match for Kyoto cuisine.

Location: 135, Shimotoba Nagata-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto

○Matsumoto Sake Brewery Co.

Founded in Kansei 3, Matsumoto Sake Brewery Co. is a wooden sake brewery built in the Taisho era (1912-1926).
Momonoshizuku" is named after Matsuo Basho's haiku, "A drop of Fushimi peach on my robe," and is brewed with the utmost care. The aroma is only faintly fragrant, and it is characterized by a pleasant bitterness and sourness.

Location: 7 Yoko-oji Misu-Daikoku-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto

Miyako Tsuru Sake Brewery Co.

Founded in 1970, the Miyakotsuru Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. is unique in that it conducts traditional winter brewing, producing a full year's worth of sake between mid-December and early April.
Miyakotsuru, the main brand name, has a refreshing taste.

Location: 151 Gokago-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto

Yamamoto Kanzo Shoten Co.

Yamamoto Kanzo Shoten Co. was established in 1936.
The company continues to maintain its old-fashioned traditions, with "Takatori" as its representative brand.

Location: 1-285 Kyomachi, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto

Yamamoto Honke Co.

Yamamoto Honke Co., Ltd. was founded in Enpo 5, and has been involved in sake brewing for over 300 years, using the famous "Shirakikusui" water for brewing.
Sacred" and "Matsu no Midori" are the main brands, with an appealing mouthfeel typical of Fushimi sake.

Location: 36-1 Kamiyukake-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto

■Recommended Sake Tour Spots in Fushimi

1. Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Hall

First is Gekkeikan, a sake brewery representing Fushimi. The Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Museum is a space where visitors can learn about the history of sake brewing in Fushimi, Kyoto and the spirits of Gekkeikan's creation. Visitors can learn about Gekkeikan's sake brewing techniques developed in Fushimi, one of Japan's leading sake-producing regions. At the Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Museum, visitors can learn about the history of sake brewing in Fushimi and see the brewing tools, which are designated as tangible folk cultural assets by the city of Kyoto, without making a reservation. At the end of the tour, you can enjoy sake tasting at the sake tasting room in the lobby!

We recommend "Hatsu Shibori Shinshu Shu Shu Shuku Rice Daiginjo" (new sake for the first time)

We recommend the limited time-only Hatsushibori Shinshu Celebration Rice Daiginjo, which can only be enjoyed during the new sake season. This valuable sake is made from 100% Kyoto-produced celebratory rice and is the first sake "hatsushibori" to be squeezed out of the new brew. This is the first sake brewed and the first sake squeezed. If you cool it down a little, you can enjoy the fresh taste and gorgeous aroma of freshly made sake.

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Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Hall
Address: 247, Minamihama-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Access: Approx. 10-minute walk from Momoyama-Goryomae Sta. on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line

HP:https://www.gekkeikan.co.jp/enjoy/museum/

2. Fujioka Sake Brewery

Next is the Fujioka Sake Brewery, founded in the Meiji Era. Fujioka Sake Brewery was built in October of 1905. The brewery originally started its sake brewing business in Higashiyama-ku, followed by the establishment of production facilities in Otsu and Fushimi. With a commitment to producing all sake by hand, the sake made with Fushimi's famous water and high-quality rice is superb.

I recommend "Soukuu" (blue sky)

Fujioka Shuzo's representative brand, "Souku," as the name suggests, is impressive for its refreshing ginjo aroma and soft mouthfeel. Its fresh, easy-drinking flavor is recommended for women who are new to sake. Fujioka Sake Brewery does not offer tours of the brewery throughout the year, but visitors can enjoy freshly brewed Souku at Sake Brewery Bar En, located next to the brewery, while viewing the brewery through a glass window. Please enjoy the limited edition "Aozora" that can only be tasted here with delicious snacks.

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Fujioka Sake Brewery
Address: 672-1 Imamachi, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: about 5 minutes on foot from Keihan "Fushimi Momoyama" station

HP:https://www.sookuu.net/

3. Fushimizu Sake Brewery Alley

Fushimizu Sake Brewery Alley, a 4-minute walk from Keihan Fushimi Momoyama Station, is another spot that cannot be missed in this neighborhood. Here you will find a "sake brewery" where you can enjoy more than 100 brands of Fushimi's sake, as well as 8 restaurants of various kinds. In addition, Fushimizu Shuzo Koji has a delivery system that allows you to order food and sake from any of the other restaurants. This is a great way to relax even if you are not sure which restaurant to go into.

We recommend the "18 Breweries' Kikizake Sake Set".

The most popular menu item at Fushimizu Sake Brewery Alley is the "18 Breweries Sake Tasting Set" offered by the Sake Brewery! Each of the 18 sake breweries in Fushimi has one brand selected, and by ordering this set, you can enjoy a taste of all of Fushimi's sake breweries. Please try to find your favorite sake brewery through sake tasting.

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■Fusui Sake Brewery Alley
Address: 82-2 Hirano-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: about 7 minutes walk from Momoyama-Goryomae Sta. on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line 

HP:https://fushimi-sakagura-kouji.com/

4. Ginjo Sakebou Yucho

This is a sake shop called "Ginjo Shubou Aburacho" with a long history in the Otesuji Shopping Arcade. It carries a wide variety of Fushimi's sake, including seasonal products. It has a bar counter, which is rare for a sake shop, and if you order three or more kinds of sake, you can compare a cup of sake with each other.

Ginjo Shubou Aburanaga recommends "Fushimi Local Sake Tasting".

You can try about 90 kinds of sake from all 18 breweries in Fushimi, mainly ginjo-shu and daiginjo-shu. By comparing Fushimi's sake, you will be able to learn the charm of each flavor.
Sake is also sold on site and can be purchased if you like.

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■Ginjo Sakebou Yucho
Address: 780 Higashioitemachi, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: about 5 minutes on foot from Momoyama-Goryomae Sta. on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line 

HP:http://aburacho.jp/

5. Okinaya Kitagawa Honke

Last but not least is Okinaya Kitagawa Honke. This store is under the direct management of the Kitagawa family and was created to promote the appeal of sake "Tomio" and freshly pounded rice. The popular sales method is to bottle sake directly from the tank by weight.

Okinaya Kitagawa Honke recommends Tomiou Junmai Daiginjo Yamadanishiki 49 720ml

Junmai Daiginjo-shu is carefully brewed using only Yamadanishiki. It is made with Kyoto's own yeast, "Kyo no Koto", and is brewed with high quality natural water from Fushimi, Kyoto. It is heated only once, giving it a fresh taste.

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Okinaya Kitagawa Honke
Address: 370-6 Murakami-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: A short walk from Keihan "Fushimi Momoyama" station

HP:https://www.tomio-sake.co.jp/okinaya/

■ Summary

December through March is the season for delicious new sake. The fresh taste of new sake, which can only be enjoyed once a year, is recommended not only for sake lovers but also for those who do not usually drink sake. Why not discover the charms of Kyoto through a tour of sake breweries in Fushimi?