Fushimi, the stage for the prominent figures like Sakamoto Ryoma and Shinsengumi police force during the late Edo period is also known as the town of sake. The rows of willow trees with the distinctive white walls of traditional sake breweries has been one of Kyoto’s representative sceneries. The neighborhood near the white-walled Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum preserved an abundance of precious documents related to sake brewing―here you can delve deep into the history of Japanese Sake. After visiting the sake brewery, try out some sake products such as Ginjo sake and plum wine at“Kikisake-Dokoro (Sake Tasting Place)”. Why not bring some of the collections displayed at the shop home as a souvenir?
Since the 17th century, a low-temperature environment has been regarded as preferable for sake brewing and thus sake was often brewed in the coldest season (a method known as Kanzukuri). Thanks to the advancement in technology, sake is now being made all year round.The Gekkeikan Brewery was the first to brew in every season in the industry and is known as a pioneer of technological innovation.
Appreciating the seasonal flowers and go on a Jikkokubune Boat Ride around the sake brewery where you will be embraced by the scent of fermented rice and steamed rice―Fushimi’s sake-brewing district surely has a lot more to offer even in seasons other than winter.
