When you think of Kyoto, what comes to mind? Probably temples, shrines, and maybe some beautiful old streets, right?
While all that is true, there’s another amazing thing to do in Kyoto that you might not know about. Let’s talk about sake tasting! If you want to try some fantastic Japanese rice wine, Kyoto is one of the best places in Japan to do it.
The most famous spot is the Fushimi Kyoto sake district, a whole neighbourhood full of historic breweries. But there are also fantastic individual breweries tucked away in other parts of the city. You can walk around, see how it’s made, and of course, taste lots of different kinds.
So, if you’re ready to explore a different side of Kyoto, come along. We’re going to discover the city’s best sake spots!
Personalised Japan Travel Planning
Planning a trip to Japan can feel overwhelming — so many temples, train lines, and sake breweries to choose from! That’s where we come in. We’ll design a day-by-day itinerary just for you, making sure every moment reflects what you truly enjoy, whether that’s foodie adventures, culture, or hidden gems.
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Why Fushimi? The Secret is in the Water
So, what makes Fushimi so special for sake? It’s not just about the old buildings. The real secret is the water.
To make sake (which the Japanese call Nihonshu), you only need a few things, like rice and special mould. But a huge part of what you’re drinking is actually water. And Fushimi has some of the best water in all of Japan for making sake.
For hundreds of years, people knew that the natural spring water here was different. It’s very soft and clean, with just the right stuff in it to help the fermentation process.
What does that mean for your drink? It helps create sake that is smooth, gentle, and often a little bit sweet. That clean taste is what Fushimi sake is famous for. So when you take a sip, you’re tasting a little piece of local magic.
How to Get to the Fushimi Sake District
Ready to go? Getting to Fushimi is super easy, which makes it a perfect day trip from Fushimi‘s main city centre. The best way to go is by train from Kyoto Station.
Here’s a simple guide on how to get to the Fushimi sake district:
You have two main choices, and both work great.
Option 1: Take the Kintetsu Line (A little closer)
1. At Kyoto Station, look for signs for the Kintetsu Kyoto Line.
2. Hop on a local or semi-express train. Just don’t get on a Limited Express train, as it might skip the station!
3. Get off at Momoyama-Goryo-mae Station.
4. From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the main brewery area. Just follow the signs (or the other happy-looking tourists!).
Option 2: Take the JR Line
1. At Kyoto Station, find the platforms for the JR Nara Line.
2. Make sure to get on a Local train, because the rapid trains won’t stop there.
3. Get off at Momoyama Station.
4. The walk from here is a little bit longer, maybe about 10 minutes, but it’s a nice, flat walk.
Must-Visit Sake Breweries & Museums in Kyoto
Okay, you’re ready for a drink! Kyoto is full of amazing breweries, but they aren’t all in one place. Here’s a guide to the best spots in the famous Fushimi district and beyond.
In the Fushimi Sake District
Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
You can’t miss this one – Gekkeikan is one of the biggest and most famous names in the sake world. The Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum is a great place to learn about how sake is made.
Inside, you’ll see all the old tools and equipment they used hundreds of years ago. After you’ve had a look around, you get to the tasting room. The Gekkeikan sake tasting price is usually just a few hundred yen, and you get to try several different types of their sake. You even get a little sake cup to take home as a souvenir!
Kizakura Kappa Country
Looking for something a bit different? Head to Kizakura Kappa Country. This place is a lot of fun. It’s named after the “Kappa,” a funny little water creature from Japanese folklore, and you’ll see cartoons of them everywhere.
What’s cool about Kizakura is that they have a great restaurant where you can sit down and have a proper meal with your drinks. And if someone in your group isn’t a huge sake fan, no problem – they also make their own craft beer!
Other Little Breweries
Honestly, the best part of Fushimi is just walking around. The area is packed with other smaller Kyoto sake breweries open to public. You’ll see little shops with a few bottles outside or a sign inviting you in for a taste. Be brave and pop in! You might just discover your new favourite drink in one of these hidden gems.
Elsewhere in Kyoto
Matsui Sake Brewery (Matsui Shuzo)
If you look up any Matsui Shuzo brewery tour review, you’ll see why people love this place. Matsui Sake Brewery is a fantastic spot to start. It’s a bit smaller than some of the giant breweries, which makes the experience feel really personal.
You can pop in for a tasting and try some of their unique sake. Make sure to look for their special brand called “Kagura,” which is delicious. The staff are super friendly and happy to tell you about what you’re drinking. It’s a great, no-fuss way to try some top-quality sake.
Can’t get enough of sake breweries? Here are others from all over the country:
Private Walking Tours in Japan
So many districts, so many tiny alleyways… planning where to start in a place like Kyoto can feel overwhelming. That’s why exploring with a local makes all the difference. On our private walking tours, an expert guides you through the hidden breweries, authentic food spots, and culture that you’d struggle to find on your own.
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A Beginner’s Guide: How to Taste Sake
Never tried sake before? No worries at all! It’s easy and fun. Here’s how to do a proper sake tasting without feeling like you need to be an expert.
It’s a lot like tasting wine. Just follow these three simple steps:
1. Look: Pour a little into your cup. What colour is it? Most sake is clear, but some might have a slight yellow or golden tint.
2. Smell: Give it a little swirl and bring it up to your nose. What do you smell? Don’t overthink it! It might smell fruity like bananas or apples, or maybe just like clean, fresh rice.
3. Sip: Take a small sip and let it roll around in your mouth for a second. Is it sweet or dry? Is it smooth and silky or a bit sharp?
That’s it! The most important part of your sake tasting notes is simply deciding if you like it or not. Here’s Venese of Flip Japan enjoying sake tasting elsewhere in Japan:
Quick Guide to Sake Types
You’ll see a few common words on menus. Here’s what they mean in a super simple way:
- Junmai (純米): This means “pure rice.” It’s made with only rice, water, yeast, and koji (a special kind of mould). It often tastes rich and full, with a good rice flavour.
- Ginjo (吟醸): For this type, the rice grains have been polished down quite a bit. This makes the sake lighter, smoother, and often more fruity or floral smelling.
- Daiginjo (大吟醸): This is the fancy stuff! The rice is polished even more. Daiginjo is super smooth, elegant, and fragrant. It’s a real treat.
The main takeaway? The more the rice is polished (from Junmai to Daiginjo), the lighter and more fragrant the sake usually becomes. Just have fun trying them and see what you prefer!
Authentic Japanese Cultural Experiences
Reading about Japan’s culture is one thing, but joining in is something else entirely. Taste sake with a brewer in Fushimi, fold paper in an origami class, or sit down for a tea ceremony. These hands-on experiences let you see Japan from the inside.
→ Browse Our Cultural Experiences in Japan
Beyond the Breweries: What Else to Do in Fushimi
Once you’ve had a few samples, you’ll find there’s more to see and do. Here’s what to do in the Fushimi district besides just drinking.
Walk Along the Canals
Fushimi is famous for its beautiful canals lined with weeping willow trees. You’ll see traditional flat-bottomed wooden boats, called jikkokubune, floating by. It’s incredibly pretty and makes for amazing photos. Just taking a peaceful walk along the water is one of the best things to do here.
Explore the Local Shops
The main street, which feels like a classic old-school Japanese shopping arcade, is full of little shops. You can buy bottles of sake to take home, of course, but you can also find local snacks, sweets, and crafts. It’s a great place to pick up a unique souvenir.
Speaking of souvenirs, here’s a guide on where to go and what to buy once you’re back in Tokyo:
Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine!
Here’s a huge tip: Fushimi is right next door to one of the most famous sights in all of Japan! The Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its thousands of bright red torii gates winding up the mountain, is just a short walk or one quick train stop away. And we have just the itinerary for that:
This makes for a perfect day plan. You can do some sake tasting near Fushimi Inari Shrine after a morning of walking through the amazing gates. They are so close, you can easily do both in one trip.
1-Day Japan Itineraries
Love the sound of a day exploring Fushimi, but worried about planning the rest of your time in Kyoto? We’ve done the work for you! Our self-guided 1-day itineraries are packed with the best spots and hidden local favourites. Just download the PDF to your phone and go.
→ Get Your Instant Itinerary Here
Kyoto Sake Tasting FAQs
What’s the best place for sake tasting in Kyoto?
The Fushimi sake district. It has the highest number of breweries in one place and is famous for its uniquely smooth sake, thanks to the quality of the local water.
How do you get to the Fushimi sake district?
From Kyoto Station, take either the Kintetsu Line to Momoyama-Goryo-mae Station or the JR Nara Line (local train) to Momoyama Station. Both take around 15 minutes.
Are Kyoto sake breweries open to the public?
Yes, many are. The most popular ones for visitors in Fushimi are the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, Matsui Sake Brewery (Matsui Shuzo), and Kizakura Kappa Country.
How much does a sake tasting cost?
It is very affordable. Entry to a museum with a tasting, like Gekkeikan, is often around ¥600. Tastings at smaller shops can range from free to a few hundred yen.
Can you do sake tasting near Fushimi Inari Shrine?
Yes. The sake district is only one train stop away (on the JR Nara Line) or about a 20-minute walk from Fushimi Inari Shrine, making it easy to visit both on the same day.
