From Kyoto: Old Port Town and Ultimate Sake Tasting Tour

Step back in time on this captivating Kyoto tour, exploring the historic Chokenji-temple and enjoying the sake culture of Fushimi. You’ll sample 18 different varieties at a renowned sake brewery, uncovering the region’s ideal brewing conditions. With just 9 participants, this intimate experience promises an in-depth look at Kyoto’s old port town and its treasured traditions. What secrets await as you venture through this timeless landscape?

Key Points

• Explore the historical Fushimi district, known for its natural springs ideal for sake production, on this 3-hour tour from Kyoto.
• Visit the Gekkeikan Ōkura Sake Museum to learn about traditional sake brewing methods and the history of the industry.
• Enjoy an extensive sake tasting experience, sampling 18 different sakes, at the Fushimi Saka Gura Kouji.
• Discover the cultural significance of sake brewing at the Gokonomiya Shrine, an important site for sake brewers.
• Tour is limited to 9 participants, features free cancellation, and offers a reserve now, pay later option.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "From Kyoto: Old Port Town and Ultimate Sake Tasting Tour" is priced from $127.64 per person and lasts for 3 hours.

The tour is limited to 9 participants and offered in English. It features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

The tour starts at Keihan Chushojima Station and includes visits to Chokenji-temple, Gekkeikan Ōkura Sake Museum, Kizakura Kappa Museum, Fushimi Saka Gura Kouji, and Gokonomiya Shrine.

Guests will learn about sake history and brewing, taste 18 different sakes, and enjoy a complimentary bar snack from a local sakagura.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at Keihan Chushojima Station, the tour takes guests on a journey through Fushimi’s historic sites and sake culture.

First, they visit Chokenji-temple for a quick stop.

Next, they explore the Gekkeikan Ōkura Sake Museum to learn about sake history and brewing methods.

At the Kizakura Kappa Museum, they discover the brewery’s unique advertising.

The highlight is a 1.5-hour visit to Fushimi Saka Gura Kouji, where guests enjoy an 18-sake tasting and a complimentary bar snack.

The tour culminates at the Gokonomiya Shrine, historically significant for sake brewers.

Sake Experience

Visitors on the tour can expect to deepen their understanding of sake through various engaging experiences.

They’ll learn about sake’s history and traditional brewing methods at the Gekkeikan Sake Brewery, a leading producer.

Exploring the Kizakura Kappa Museum will showcase the unique advertising for this famous brand.

The highlight is the sake tasting at Fushimi Sake Village, where they’ll sample 18 different sakes. A complimentary bar snack from the sakagura is included, enhancing the tasting experience.

With Fushimi’s natural springs ideal for sake production, the tour offers an immersive introduction to this revered Japanese drink.

Cultural Insights

Fushimi is renowned for its natural springs, which are ideal for sake production. These pure, mineral-rich waters are essential for creating the region’s renowned sake.

Visitors can explore the Shotengai Covered Market, browsing the local shops and wares. This cultural experience offers a glimpse into the daily life of Fushimi residents.

The tour also includes a visit to the Gokonomiya Shrine, which has historical significance for sake brewers seeking blessings for quality sake. The shrine’s Momoyama-style architecture and intricate woodcarvings provide a scenic and culturally immersive backdrop to this sake-focused excursion.

More Great Tours Nearby

Important Information

The tour begins at the Keihan Chushojima station, where you will meet the guide in front of the sake barrel located at the north exit. Guests should wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera, as well as cash for any additional purchases. It’s important to note that the legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old. This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, or respiratory issues.

What to Bring	Legal Drinking Age
Comfortable shoes	20 years in Japan
Camera
Cash

Meeting Point and What to Bring

Where does the tour begin? The tour starts at the Keihan Chushojima station, north exit, in front of the sake barrel.

Guests should come prepared with comfortable shoes and a camera. Cash is also recommended, as there may be opportunities to purchase local wares or additional sake tastings.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, heart problems, or respiratory conditions. Participants must be at least 20 years old, as that’s the legal drinking age in Japan.

With these essentials in mind, guests can look forward to an immersive sake tasting experience in Fushimi.

Legal Drinking Age

Although the legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, heart problems, or respiratory conditions.

This is to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. The extensive sake tasting, while a highlight of the experience, may pose risks for those with certain health concerns.

Tour organizers prioritize responsible enjoyment and ask that guests consider their personal well-being before joining.

Restrictions

Aside from the legal drinking age, there are a few other restrictions for this sake tasting tour.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, or respiratory issues. This is due to the nature of the activities and environments you will experience.

For example, navigating uneven ground and stairs at the various sake-related sites could pose challenges for those with mobility concerns. Plus, the sake tasting itself may not be advisable for those with certain medical conditions.

Participants are advised to consider these restrictions carefully before booking the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Fit My Interests?

While the tour has a set itinerary, travelers can likely request customizations to focus on specific interests, such as spending more time at a particular sake brewery or cultural site. The tour company may accommodate requests if feasible.

Is There an Option to Book a Private Tour Instead?

Yes, the tour operator offers a private option for those who prefer an exclusive experience. Guests can customize the itinerary to suit their interests and enjoy the sake tasting at their own pace with a dedicated guide.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Sake Glass for the Tasting?

No, participants don’t need to bring their own sake glass. The tour includes complimentary use of tasting cups for the 18 different sake samples at the Fushimi Sake Village.

Is the Tour Available Year-Round or Only During Certain Seasons?

The tour is available year-round, allowing visitors to experience the sake culture and heritage of Fushimi regardless of the season. While some outdoor activities may be weather-dependent, the core sake-focused elements are offered consistently throughout the year.

Can I Purchase Sake Directly From the Breweries We Visit?

Yes, visitors can purchase sake directly from the breweries visited on the tour. The tour includes stops at the Gekkeikan Sake Brewery and Fushimi Sake Village, where participants can buy sake to take home.

The Sum Up

This immersive tour offers a captivating glimpse into Kyoto’s rich history and vibrant sake culture. Visitors can explore the historic Chokenji-temple, discover the art of sake-making at the Gekkeikan Ōkura Sake Museum, and savor an extensive sake tasting in the renowned Fushimi district. With its intimate group size and expertly curated experiences, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Kyoto’s timeless heritage and time-honored traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: