Kyoto Sake Tour
Strolling through historic Fushimi
In the afternoon I set out on a sake tour of Kyoto, heading first to Fushimi. I got off at Momoyama-Goryo-mae on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line.
I walked along a lively shopping street and, stepping into a side lane, saw the impressive Genku-ji Sanmon gate from the outside. (Visiting inside requires a reservation.)
It seems the gate was created by relocating a building from within Fushimi Castle and converting it into a temple-style gate.
“This gate was made by moving part of the buildings from Fushimi Castle when it was dismantled and converting them into a temple-style two-storied gate.” No. 15 Genku-ji – Introduction to the sacred sites | The 25 Sacred Sites of Honen Shonin
I continued walking through Fushimi. The streets lined with wooden kura (storehouses) have a lovely atmosphere.
And this pitch-black kura is my first destination.
Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Museum
This is Gekkeikan’s facility, the Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Museum.
At the time of my visit it was undergoing renovations, so some exhibits were closed and admission was free.
The exhibits covered Gekkeikan’s company history and explained traditional sake-brewing methods.
There were artifacts you don’t often see—very evocative of history.
A courtyard lined with barrels — it even looked picnic-friendly.
At the end I sampled two types of sake. I might come back once the full tour reopens!
The famous Fushimi waterway looked nothing like I had pictured—there was hardly any water! Right?! (laughs)
I had no idea the water level could be so low depending on the season, so this felt like a rare sight in its own way!?
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