From Kyoto: Old Port Town and Ultimate Sake Tasting Tour

Enjoy the rich history and traditions of Kyoto’s Fushimi district on this captivating 3-hour tour. You’ll explore the old port town, dive into the intricate process of sake brewing, and indulge in an extensive tasting of 18 unique sake varieties. Guided by an English-speaking expert, this small-group experience offers a unique opportunity to uncover the cultural significance of Japan’s national beverage. From the renowned Gekkeikan Sake Brewery to the historic Gokonomiya Shrine Honden, you’ll be transported to a world where centuries-old traditions are seamlessly woven into the modern-day experience. Get ready to embark on a journey that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the art of sake.

Key Points

• Explore the historic Fushimi district of Kyoto, known for its old port town and rich sake brewing heritage.
• Discover the intricate sake-making process and sample a diverse selection of 18 unique sake varieties.
• Visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum and Kizakura Kappa Museum to gain insights into sake production and Japanese folklore.
• Immerse in the vibrant Fushimi Saka Gura Kouji and uncover the cultural significance of sake in Japanese society.
• Conclude the tour at the Gokonomiya Shrine Honden, a revered Shinto shrine dating back to the 8th century.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The 3-hour tour of Kyoto’s Fushimi district offers participants a chance to explore the old port town and indulge in a sake tasting experience, accommodating a small group of up to 9 people with the guidance of an English-speaking guide.

Guests will meet at the Keihan Chushojima station, where they’ll embark on a journey to discover the rich history and traditional methods of sake brewing.

The tour includes visits to the renowned Gekkeikan Sake Brewery and the Kizakura Kappa Museum, as well as an immersive experience at the Fushimi Sake Village, where they can sample 18 different sake varieties and enjoy a complimentary bar snack.

Key Highlights

Along the tour, guests can expect to learn about the history and traditional methods of sake brewing as they visit the renowned Gekkeikan Sake Brewery, a leading producer, and the Kizakura Kappa Museum.

The tour also includes:

• Discovering the Fushimi Sake Village, where visitors can enjoy 18 different sake tastings
• Exploring the Shotengai Covered Market and the Gokonomiya Shrine
• Gaining insight into the old port town’s rich cultural heritage
• Savoring a complimentary bar snack to accompany the sake tasting experience

Through this immersive tour, guests will have the opportunity to explore Kyoto’s vibrant sake scene and uncover the centuries-old traditions that have shaped this beloved Japanese beverage.

Itinerary

The tour kicks off with a 30-minute guided visit to the Chokenji temple, providing participants an insightful introduction to Kyoto’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Afterward, the group heads to the renowned Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum for a 25-minute guided tour, where they’ll explore the traditional methods of sake brewing.

Next, the tour takes visitors to the Kizakura Kappa Museum for a 20-minute guided exploration, shedding light on the unique role of the kappa – a mythical Japanese water imp – in the sake-making process.

The highlight of the tour is the 1.5-hour guided exploration of the Fushimi Saka Gura Kouji, where participants can enjoy 18 different sake tastings at the Fushimi Sake Village before finishing at the Gokonomiya Shrine Honden.

Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

As part of the tour, visitors venture to the renowned Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, where they embark on a 25-minute guided exploration that delves into the traditional methods and rich history behind sake brewing.

The museum offers a captivating glimpse into the centuries-old craft, allowing guests to:

• Discover the intricate process of brewing Japan’s national beverage, from rice polishing to fermentation.
• Learn about the evolution of sake production techniques and the role of skilled brewmasters.
• Peruse a collection of antique sake-making tools and equipment, showcasing the industry’s timeless heritage.
• Gain an appreciation for the cultural significance of sake in Japanese society and its enduring traditions.

This immersive experience sets the stage for the ultimate sake tasting journey that lies ahead.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Kizakura Kappa Museum

Following the tour’s visit to the renowned Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, guests then venture to the Kizakura Kappa Museum, where they embark on a 20-minute guided exploration that delves into the fascinating world of the kappa, a mythical water creature deeply rooted in Japanese folklore. Visitors are captivated as they learn about the unique characteristics and cultural significance of this beloved figure. To enhance the experience, the museum features an engaging three-column, five-row table that showcases the various kappa-related artifacts and interactive exhibits. This insightful stop on the tour offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich mythology and traditions, complementing the journey through Kyoto’s historic sake-brewing district.

Exhibit	Description	Significance
Kappa Statues	Intricate carvings and figurines depicting the kappa	Represent the mythical creature’s physical attributes
Kappa Legends	Interactive displays sharing traditional kappa folklore	Explore the origins and cultural impact of the kappa
Kappa Apparel	Traditional Japanese clothing and accessories associated with the kappa	Illustrate the kappa’s integration into everyday life
Kappa Crafts	Handmade kappa-themed pottery, paintings, and other artworks	Showcase the creativity inspired by the kappa legend
Kappa Interactive	Hands-on activities that allow visitors to engage with kappa-related elements	Encourage deeper understanding and appreciation of the mythical creature

Fushimi Saka Gura Kouji

After exploring the captivating world of the kappa at the Kizakura Kappa Museum, the tour group now moves on to the highlight of the experience – Fushimi Saka Gura Kouji, where they’ll embark on a 1.5-hour guided tour and tasting.

This sake-centric district serves as the epicenter of Kyoto’s rich brewing heritage, offering visitors an immersive exploration of the traditional methods and flavors that have defined the region for centuries.

During this segment, the group will:

• Discover the intricate process of sake production through interactive exhibits and demonstrations
• Sample a diverse selection of 18 unique sake varieties, each with its own distinct aroma and taste profile
• Gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of sake in Japanese society

Explore the historic Shotengai Covered Market, a bustling hub of local artisans and cuisine.

Gokonomiya Shrine Honden

The tour culminates at the Gokonomiya Shrine Honden, a tranquil sanctuary nestled amidst the bustling sake district.

Visitors can explore the ornate main hall of this revered Shinto shrine, which dates back to the 8th century and serves as a hallowed space for rituals and celebrations honoring the local deities.

The elegant architectural features and serene atmosphere offer a peaceful respite from the previous stops on the sake-focused tour.

After indulging in numerous tastings, guests can reflect on the rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance of the Gokonomiya Shrine Honden as the perfect finale to this immersive journey through Kyoto’s historic Fushimi district.

Important Information

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring cash for any additional purchases or souvenirs during the tour.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility, heart, or respiratory issues, as the itinerary involves extensive walking and standing.

It’s important to be aware that the legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old.

The tour includes several key highlights:

• Learning about the history and traditional methods of sake brewing
• Visiting renowned sake breweries like Gekkeikan and Kizakura
• Enjoying 18 different sake tastings at the Fushimi Sake Village
• Exploring the Shotengai Covered Market and Gokonomiya Shrine

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, participants cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes sake tastings and a complimentary bar snack, so outside food and beverages are not permitted. The tour give you a focused sake experience.

How Do I Get to the Meeting Point at Keihan Chushojima Station?

To get to the meeting point at Keihan Chushojima station, you can take the Keihan Main Line train. The station is located just a short walk from the tour’s starting point, making it a convenient meeting location.

Is There Storage Available for Our Belongings During the Tour?

The tour does not provide storage for belongings during the experience. Participants are advised to bring only essential items and keep them with them throughout the 3-hour tour as no secure storage is available at the meeting point or during the tour stops.

Can I Purchase Sake to Take Home at the End of the Tour?

Yes, participants can purchase sake to take home at the end of the tour. The tour includes a stop at the Fushimi Sake Village, where visitors can purchase various types of sake from the local breweries.

What Happens if I Need to Use the Restroom During the Tour?

The tour guide will be flexible and accommodate restroom breaks as needed. Participants can simply notify the guide, who will pause the tour briefly to allow for a restroom visit. The tour’s pace and itinerary allow for such flexibility.

Recap

This captivating Kyoto tour immerses visitors in the rich history and traditions of the Fushimi district.

From exploring the old port town to delving into the intricate sake-brewing process, the experience offers a unique opportunity to uncover the cultural significance of Japan’s national beverage.

Guided by an expert, the small-group tour includes an extensive tasting of 18 diverse sake varieties, providing an unforgettable glimpse into Kyoto’s vibrant heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: