🕓 2025/6/15
#Japanese sake
Kyoto is a city where history and delicious sake meet. Would you like to experience the depth of Japanese sake?
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table of contents
- Recommended sake breweries in Higashiyama
- History and highlights of Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Recommended selection of sake around Kiyomizu Temple
- Model course to visit Kiyomizu Temple and sake breweries
Introduction
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, located in Higashiyama, Kyoto, is a tourist attraction representing Japan and is registered as a World Heritage Site. Many people from Japan and abroad visit here to admire its historic scenery and architectural beauty. Around Kiyomizu Temple, you can not only immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the ancient capital, but also experience the rich sake culture of Kyoto.
In this article, we will introduce you to the history and highlights of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, an introduction to sake breweries you should visit, recommended sake you can taste at sake breweries, and even a model itinerary that combines sightseeing and sake brewery tours, all in the form of a travel guide where you can fully enjoy the charms of sake and Kyoto culture.
- 1. Recommended sake breweries in Higashiyama
- Sake breweries in Fushimi, a famous place for sake, that you should visit after visiting Kiyomizu Temple
- 1. Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Museum | A long-established sake brewery museum where you can experience history and culture
- 2. Masuda Tokubei Shoten (Tsuki no Katsura) | An innovative brewery that originated nigori sake, a fusion of tradition and challenge
- 3. Kinshi Masamune | A classy sake brewery that is particular about handicrafts from Kyoto and sake rice called “Shuku”
- 2. History and highlights of Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 3. Recommended Sake Selection at Kiyomizu Temple
- 1. Laurel wreath “Traditional Master” | Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Museum
- 2. Kizakura “Hanakizakura” | Kizakura Kappa Country
- 3. Tamanohikari “Junmai Daiginjo” | Tamanohikari Sake Brewery
- 4. Yamamoto Honke “Sacred Junmai Ginjo” | Yamamoto Honke
- 5. Masuda Tokubei Shoten “Tsuki no Katsura Nigori Sake” | Masuda Tokubei Shoten
1. Recommended sake breweries in Higashiyama
Sake breweries in Fushimi, a famous place for sake, that you should visit after visiting Kiyomizu Temple
There are not many sake breweries in the Higashiyama area, especially around Kiyomizu Temple, but there are many sake breweries located in the southern part of Kyoto City.Fushimi Wardis a sacred place for local sake, famous throughout the country as one of Japan’s three major sake breweries. It can be accessed from Kiyomizu-dera in about 30 to 40 minutes using the Keihan train.
Here, we will select representative sake breweries in Fushimi that you can enjoy tours and tastings, and introduce the characteristics and access information for each.
1. Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Museum | A long-established sake brewery museum where you can experience history and culture
Exhibitor:https://www.gekkeikan.co.jp
A long-established sake brewery that produces the famous sake “Gekkeikan” that represents Fushimi, Kyoto. It boasts a history dating back to 1637, and the museum exhibits sake-making tools and materials, allowing you to learn about the depth of sake culture and techniques. Sake brewing using Fushimi’s famous water “Fushimizu” and combining tradition and modern technology is something everyone from beginners to connoisseurs can enjoy. With good access from Kiyomizu-dera Temple, it is a valuable facility that allows you to balance sightseeing and learning.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Gekkeikan Co., Ltd. (Okura Memorial Museum) |
| Founding year | 1637 |
| Main brands | Laurel wreath, jade fountain, traditional craftsmanship, etc. |
| Features | Uses Fushimi’s famous water “Fushimi”. A fusion of tradition and modern technology. A wealth of exhibit materials. |
| visit | Possible (reservation required) / Price: 600 yen for adults / Required time: approximately 40-60 minutes |
| Tasting | Included in admission fee (several types including sake and plum wine) |
| Direct sales office | Available (shop inside the memorial hall) |
| access | Kiyomizu Gojo Station → Keihan Chushojima Station (about 15 minutes) → 5 minutes walk / about 40 minutes in total |
2. Masuda Tokubei Shoten (Tsuki no Katsura) | An innovative brewery that originated nigori sake, a fusion of tradition and challenge
Exhibitor:https://tsukinokatsura.co.jp
Founded in 1675, Masuda Tokubei Shoten is an innovative sake brewery that created Japan’s first “nigorizake” and “sparkling sake.” Although we are particular about traditional sake brewing, our unique sake brewing that is ahead of the times is appealing. We also focus on long-term aged sake, and we have a wide selection of unique sakes that are hard to find at regular sake breweries. It is easily accessible within walking distance from Fushimi-Momoyama Station.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Masuda Tokubei Shoten Co., Ltd. |
| Founding year | 1675 |
| Main brands | Tsuki no Katsura, nigori sake, sparkling sake, etc. |
| Features | The originator of nigori sake. We also focus on long-term aged sake. The fusion of innovation and tradition is attractive. |
| visit | Possible at Tippsy Sake Tour etc. (confirmation required) |
| Tasting | included in the tour |
| Direct sales office | can be |
| access | Kiyomizu-Gojo Station → Fushimi-Momoyama Station (Keihan Line approx. 20 minutes) → 5 minutes walk/Total approx. 30 minutes |
3. Kinshi Masamune | A classy sake brewery that is particular about handicrafts from Kyoto and sake rice called “Shuku”
Exhibitor:http://kinshimasamune.com/
Founded in 1781, Kinshi Masamune is a sake brewery that uses the famous waters of Fushimi, Kyoto, “Momo no I” and “Tokiwa I,” to pass on the old-fashioned, careful hand-crafted sake brewing techniques. They also put a lot of effort into brewing sake using Kyoto-produced sake rice, “Iwai,” and the flavor is characterized by a sense of local love. We also accept tours, and free tastings are available after the tour. If you want to enjoy authentic Kyoto sake with the atmosphere of Fushimi, you can’t miss this place.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Kinshi Masamune Co., Ltd. |
| Founding year | 1781 |
| Main brands | Kinku Masamune, Junmai Daiginjo, Shukumaishikomi, etc. |
| Features | Made using Kyoto’s sake rice “Holi”. Sake brewing is centered around careful manual labor, including hand-washing and hand-malting. |
| visit | Possible (reservation required, Shin Tokiwa Kura) / Duration: 30-40 minutes |
| Tasting | Free tasting available after the tour |
| Direct sales office | can be |
| access | Kiyomizu-Gojo Station → Fushimi-Momoyama Station or Chushojima Station (Keihan Railway approx. 20 minutes) → Short walk |
2. History and highlights of Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, located in Higashiyama, Kyoto, was founded in 778 and is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. The founder was the monk Enchin. It is said that he was guided by the clear spring Otowa Falls and built a temple in this area, following a message from a dream. The temple name “Kiyomizu-dera” comes from the famous water of this waterfall.
After that, military commanders of the early Heian periodTamuramaro Sakanouebuilt the main hall to enshrine Kannon Bodhisattva on this land. It developed under the patronage of the Emperor, and in the Edo period.Tokugawa IemitsuThe current main hall was rebuilt. In 1994, Kiyomizu-dera Temple was registered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,” and has received high praise worldwide.
・Highlights 1｜Shimizu Stage
The symbol of Kiyomizu-dera Temple is the “Kiyomizu Stage” in the main hall. It was built using an architectural technique called Kake-zukuri (kake-zukuri) without using a single nail, and the structure jutting out from the steep slope of Mt. Otowa is a sight to behold. It is approximately 13 meters high and offers a panoramic view of Kyoto city from the stage.
It is also known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall, allowing you to enjoy beautiful scenery in each season.
・Highlight 2｜Otowa Falls
located under the main hallOtowa Fallsis a sacred place that served as the starting point for the founding of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The water, which is divided into three streams, is said to have the blessings of “extended life,” “achievement in school,” and “marriage.” Visitors drink the water with a ladle and make a wish.
・Highlight 3｜Niomon and Three-storied Pagoda
The Niomon Gate, which stands in front of the approach, is a two-story gate with an impressive bright vermilion color, and can be called the gateway to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Statues of Nio are placed on either side of the gate to protect the temple from evil spirits.
Also,three-storied pagodaWith a height of 31 meters, it is one of the tallest towers in Japan. The vermilion-painted exterior and elaborate decorations catch the eye, and it is also a popular photo spot.
・Highlight 4 | Jishu Shrine
Located right next to the Shimizu stageJishu Shrineis a shrine famous for its blessings on marriage. It is said that love will come true if you walk to the “Love Fortune-telling Stone” within the shrine grounds, making it a popular spot among young worshipers.
・Highlight 5｜Special night viewing/light-up
During special times of spring, summer, and autumnNight viewing and illuminationwill be held, and you will be surrounded by a fantastic atmosphere that is different from the daytime. The night view of Kyoto city and the illuminated main hall and stage are spectacular views that you should see at least once.
[Basic information about Kiyomizu-dera Temple]
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| location | 1-294 Shimizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture |
| access | Take the city bus from Kyoto Station and get off at Gojozaka, then walk for about 10 minutes. |
| Visiting hours | 6:00-18:00 (extension may apply during special night viewings) |
| Admission fee | 400 yen for adults, 200 yen for junior high and high school students, free for elementary school students and younger |
| Estimated time required | Approximately 1.5-2 hours |
| Barrier-free compatible | Some areas are barrier-free (slopes and stairs are many) |
3. Recommended Sake Selection at Kiyomizu Temple
The sake produced in Fushimi’s sake breweries is a masterpiece that reflects the uniqueness of each brewery and the climate of Kyoto. Here, we will introduce recommended sake from the perspectives of “taste”, “how to drink”, and “compatibility with food” from among the representative brands produced at sake breweries that are easily accessible from Kiyomizu Temple. This selection will also serve as a reference when choosing meals and souvenirs while sightseeing.
1. Laurel wreath “Traditional Master” | Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Museum
Established in 1637, Gekkeikan, a long-established sake brewery representing Fushimi, is proud of its “Densho”, a special pure rice sake made by fusing traditional and modern techniques. Made with Fushimi’s famous water “Fushimizu,” it has a soft, elegant texture and a sharp aftertaste. It is easily accessible from Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and the attached memorial hall has exhibits that let you experience the history and culture of sake brewing, as well as a tasting experience.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Gekkeikan Co., Ltd. (Okura Memorial Museum) |
| type | Special pure rice sake |
| taste | Soft sweetness and acidity, sharp aftertaste |
| How to drink | Good balance between cold sake, room temperature, and lukewarm sake |
| Compatible dishes | Delicate Kyoto cuisine such as boiled tofu, white fish sashimi, and rolled eggs |
2. Kizakura “Hanakizakura” | Kizakura Kappa Country
“Hanakizakura”, offered by Kizakura Sake Brewery, which was founded in 1925, is a gorgeous ginjo sake made with cherry blossom yeast. Made using Fushimi’s groundwater, it is characterized by its fruity and gentle sweetness. At Kizakura Kappa Country, you can enjoy not only sake but also craft beer, making it an extremely attractive tourist facility. You can also eat at the Kappa Museum and the attached restaurant, making it a popular facility where you can enjoy sightseeing and tasting at the same time.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Kizakura Co., Ltd. |
| type | Ginjo sake |
| taste | A gorgeous aroma and a slightly sweet, light taste |
| How to drink | Best to chill well and enjoy with cold sake. |
| Compatible dishes | Perfect as an aperitif or to pair with Japanese sweets made with fruit. |
3. Tamanohikari “Junmai Daiginjo” | Tamanohikari Sake Brewery
Founded in 1673, Tamanohikari Sake Brewery is the first long-established brewery in Kyoto to specialize in pure rice sake. Among them, “Junmai Daiginjo” uses in-house rice polishing to eliminate unpleasant tastes and achieves the original flavor of rice and a transparent taste. Drinking it cold brings out the refreshing flavor, and it goes great with Kyoto cuisine. Sake brewery tours are not available, but you can sample and purchase sake at the attached direct sales store.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Tamanohikari Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. |
| Type | Junmai Daiginjo |
| taste | The flavor of rice and elegant acidity, with a refreshing aftertaste |
| How to drink | Cold sake is best. Enjoy the delicate scent |
| Compatible dishes | Goes well with dishes that are light and bring out the flavor of the ingredients, such as sushi, tempura, and yuba dishes. |
4. Yamamoto Honke “Sacred Junmai Ginjo” | Yamamoto Honke
“Shinji” is produced by Yamamoto Honke, a long-established brewery in Fushimi that was founded in 1677, and as its name suggests, it is a sake typical of Kyoto with a divine aroma and crispness. This bottle uses the famous water “Shiragikusui” and has an excellent balance of aroma and taste. Tours and tastings are also available, and it is conveniently located within walking distance from Fushimi-Momoyama Station. Its gentle and gorgeous aroma goes very well with fish dishes and light Kyoto cuisine.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Yamamoto Honke Co., Ltd. |
| Type | Junmai Ginjo |
| taste | Elegant fruit aroma, soft yet sharp aftertaste |
| How to drink | Cold sake to room temperature. We recommend a temperature range that brings out the scent. |
| Compatible dishes | Boiled fish, Kyoto-style stew, salt-grilled chicken, etc. |
5. Masuda Tokubei Shoten “Tsuki no Katsura Nigori Sake” | Masuda Tokubei Shoten
“Tsuki no Katsura Nigori Sake” produced by Masuda Tokubei Shoten, an innovative sake brewery founded in 1675 and the first in Japan to produce “Nigori Sake”, is attractive for its slight sparkling and fruity aroma. It has a good balance of sweetness and acidity, and goes great with aperitifs and sweets. You can tour it on the Tippsy Sake Tour, etc., and it is also easily accessible from Fushimi-Momoyama Station.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Masuda Tokubei Shoten (Tsuki no Katsura) |
| Type | sparkling nigori sake |
| taste | Fruity, gentle sweetness, slight foam for a refreshing drinking experience |
| How to drink | Chill well. Perfect for a toast or after-dinner drink |
| Compatible dishes | Japanese-style sweets, camembert cheese, salty appetizers, etc. |
