For over 400 years, the tradition of brewing sake has flourished in the charming Fushimi Sake District of Kyoto. With nearly 40 sake breweries benefiting from the exceptionally soft and pure water in the area, Fushimi Sake District is a must-visit for Japanese sake lovers from around the world.

As Kyoto’s natural spring water contains less magnesium and calcium, the subtle flavors made by the sake fermentation process can really shine through, a testament to the high-quality of sake here. During tour, you’ll learn to discern these flavors during a sake tasting. You’ll also get to stroll around the area, admiring the traditional Japanese architecture, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

First, you’ll visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, home to a sake brewery established in 1637, where you can learn all about the history of sake with a local tour guide. You will find out about the sake brewing process and the essential components of water, malt, yeast, and rice. A slight variation in these components, such as using a different type of rice, can significantly impact the sweetness, flavor, and clarity of the sake.

You’ll also have the opportunity to sample many different kinds of sake after the tour. Equipped with the knowledge you’ve learned, you’ll become a Japanese sake connoisseur within the day! And, as a souvenir, you can even purchase a bottle of one of the 80 different types of sake that they offer, if you choose. Then, take a walk around the Fushimi Sake District and explore traditional shops at a local shopping arcade.