10 of the best places to sip sake in Kyoto

January 1, 2020 // By Jillian Dara

By Jillian Dara
January 1, 2020

Garner a newfound appreciation for this fermented rice spirit Photo courtesy of iStock / Thongchai

Garner a newfound appreciation for this fermented rice spirit

Considered one of the sake capitals of Japan, Kyoto emphasizes the importance of the spirit, produced from fermented rice, throughout Japanese culture. Within the Kyoto Prefecture, Fushimi shines as a brewing district withstanding the test of time, renowned for its production of high-quality sake.

With a reliable source of spring water from the Horikawa River, an essential ingredient in fine sake, Fushimi isn’t just a historically practical location for a cluster of sake breweries, but also an aesthetically appealing destination for visitors.

While sipping sake throughout Japan will introduce you to the flavors of the country’s favorite spirit, a trip to Fushimi will showcase the rich history and heritage of the spirit. Your enjoyment and appreciation of sake will undoubtedly heighten forevermore.

Here are 10 breweries, bars and restaurants to inspire your sake journey through Kyoto and Fushimi.

There are more than 400 sake-related articles on display throughout the museum. Photo courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

You may want to begin your sake journey with a more in-depth introduction to the spirit, as well as the Fushimi district. A trip to the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum explains sake’s history and production background before concluding with a tasting experience.

Operated by the oldest brewery in the district, Gekkeikan Sake Company, the museum showcases more than 400 sake-related items, including tools used in the assembly line, as well as a collection of drinking vessels throughout history, and a courtyard filled with the original wooden containers that were used in sake production up until the 1930s.

Pro tip: Along with tasting the original Gekkeikan sakes, don’t miss out on their fruit sake offering and plum wine.

Torisei's chicken skewers are some of the most popular snacks. Photo courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

Torisei Honten

This Izakaya restaurant, the term for a casual Japanese bar or pub, serves up stuffed bento boxes, chicken, pork and mushroom skewers, along with a variety of traditional small bites to accompany their selection of local sake.

Torisei’s servers are well-versed in pairing a sake to your food order, but don’t miss out on tasting freshly brewed sake from the Yamamoto Honke brewery (the 300-year old company which manages the restaurant).

Food & Travel: Kawagoe's candy alley outside Tokyo, Japan should not be missed

The sake breweries minimalist exteriors are traditional for the Fushimi area. Photo courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

Kizakura

Established in 1925, Kizakura is one of the younger breweries in Fushimi, yet an emblem in the production of top-quality sake. The company adheres to the regulation that requires rice grains to be milled to less than 50 percent of their weight.

In addition to producing their most regarded sake (Karakuchi Ikkon, Kimoto Yamahai and Honzukuri), Kizakura has a sparkling sake called Kizakura Piano.

Tour the brewery facilities, attend a panel on the company’s mission or simply opt straight for the minimalist restaurant and bar for an overview of Kizakura’s offerings.

The tasting counter is a great way to try a variety of sakes and meet new friends. Photo courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

Aburacho

This local liquor store doubles as a sake tasting counter, with an English-speaking bartender to coach you through the 90 brands of sake sold here.

Whether you're a sake connoisseur or are still learning your preferred tastes, the Aburacho bartender will present you with sake samples based on your preferred flavor profiles. Try as many sake brands as you wish (prices range from 150 to 800 yen per sample), then purchase your favorite bottle to enjoy or take home.

Take your sake education a step further, so you can order a flight at your next brewery stop and be able to explain the difference. Photo courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

Fushimi University

For the overly curious, Fushimi University offers a sake lecture for a true immersion into sake culture. The university is more of a social hub than academic university, allowing visitors to interact with locals, as well as other tourists with the shared interest of sake.

Though it’s a more rigorous experience than a casual brewery visit (you must register in advance), you’ll 'graduate' with a deeper appreciation of the spirit.

The Fushimi Yume Hyakushu Cafe is a colorful stop from its pairings to its decor. Photo courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

Fushimi Yume Hyakushu Cafe

Located in the former Gekkeikan headquarters (the oldest brewer in the district), Fushimi Yume Hyakushu provides the chance to swap sipping sake for local coffee, made with the same water used in their sake production.

If you prefer to remain on track with sake, the charming cafe offers a unique approach to sake tastings, providing a number of sweet treats that pair with sake.

Pro tip: One of their famed pairings is vanilla ice cream with sake.

The white facade of Kitagawa Honke stands outs amidst the wooden-clad neighborhood. Photo courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

Kitagawa Honke

This brewery-shop combo is ideal for the sake enthusiast looking to purchase some of the freshest sake – and with a history dating back to 1657, some of the oldest – in Fushimi.

Taste your way through the brewery, with sake straight from the barrel, then stop into the Okina-Ya shop and purchase your favorite sample by weight. One of the brand’s most famous labels is Tomio, which has won 15 gold awards for its quality and freshness.

All of the breweries source water from Fushimi's natural sources. Though the river flows past breweries like pictured here, it's worth visiting actual sources outside the main center. Photo courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

Fushimi's natural springs

As another option for adding some downtime in between sake tastings, plan a visit to the natural water sources, said to be the secret ingredient to Fushimi’s award-winning sakes.

Japan has an entire list dedicated to 100 acclaimed natural water sources – based on "history, uniqueness, and local effort to protect the sources"– so it’s a noteworthy addition to your itinerary. Some of the most popular natural sources within Fushimi include Gokosui (number 54 on the 100 remarkable waters list), Shiragikusui, Kinmeisui and Ginmeisui.

Yamorido exudes Japanese zen and hospitality with an indoor-outdoor seating plan that makes you feel like you're in a local home. Photo courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

Yamorido

The cozy, wooden interior and lush courtyard at Yamorido embrace Japanese zen and hospitality, welcoming diners into the likes of a local home.

Styled after a traditional machiya, a typical Kyoto townhouse, Yamorido serves up local sake, beer and tea (like matcha) alongside light snacks or hearty hot pots, for what could turn into an all-afternoon affair.

The intimate space of Sakagura Bar En. Photo courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

Fujioka Shuzo

One of the smaller breweries in Fushimi, Fujioka Shuzo has one of the most profound stories. Established in 1902, the now microbrewery was forced to close as Fushimi developed and larger breweries took over.

In 2002, the original owner’s great-grandson reopened the brewery and attached bar, to honor his family and give the brand a second chance. After listening to the brand’s history and revival, stop by Sakagura Bar En to taste a variety of sake with views of the barrel room and perhaps meet Fujioka, the great-grandson, himself.

Pro tip: Be sure to taste the muroka, a type of unfiltered sake which is Fujioka Shuzo’s specialty.

Next Up