Fushimi Walking Tour + Sake Tasting & Canal Boat Ride

Tour Details

On the day of the activity, we'll meet at Keihan Chushojima Station, specifically at the North Exit, at the designated time. Once we're all gathered, we'll start our guided walking tour of Fushimi, Kyoto's historic sake-brewing district and Japan's second-largest area in sake production. Let's go!

First, we'll discover Choken-ji Temple, a quiet, lesser-known local temple that offers a moment of serenity before our next stop. After visiting the temple, we'll hop on board a traditional Jikkoku-bune boat for a peaceful cruise along Fushimi's historic canals, which were crucial for transporting sake barrels in the past. You'll love admiring the willow trees, stone bridges, and charming old warehouses that surround the canals.

After our boat ride, we'll learn about Kyoto's sake heritage by visiting the nearby Gekkeikan Sake Brewery. Did you know that the particular type of sake brewed in Fushimi is thanks to the soft characteristics of Fushimi's water? In this brewery, you'll dive into the centuries-old brewing techniques and see traditional tools. The best part is that you'll have the chance to taste a variety of premium sake crafted with pure Fushimi spring water!

Then, we'll head to Fushimi Yume Hyakushu

09:00 AM: Meeting at Keihan Chushojima station North exit 09:10 AM: Visit Chokenji Temple 

09:45 AM: Horikawa Canal Walk 

10:15 AM: Visit Gekkeikan Sake Brewery 

11:00 AM: Coffee break at Fushimi Yume Hyakushu 

11:30 AM: End of tour

Step into the timeless beauty of Fushimi, Kyoto’s historic sake-brewing district, on this relaxing half-day walking tour. Meander through peaceful temples, glide along scenic canals, and uncover the rich flavors and culture of one of Japan’s most beloved sake-producing regions.

Start your journey at a quiet local temple tucked away from the crowds. With its elegant wooden gate and tranquil grounds, this lesser-known gem offers a moment of serenity before your adventure begins.

Next, hop aboard a traditional Jikkoku-bune boat for a gentle cruise along Fushimi’s historic canals. Once vital for transporting sake barrels, these waterways now offer a picturesque escape lined with willow trees, stone bridges, and charming old warehouses.

Back on land, dive into Kyoto’s sake heritage with a visit to the Gekkeikan Sake Brewery. Learn about centuries-old brewing techniques, browse vintage tools and exhibits, and sample a variety of premium sake crafted with pure Fushimi spring water.

End your tour with a peaceful coffee break at a lovely café set in a beautifully restored Meiji-era building. Take in the warm atmosphere, enjoy a locally roasted brew, and reflect on your journey through one of Kyoto’s most storied neighborhoods.

• Glide through Fushimi’s historic canals on a traditional Jikkoku-bune boat and take in the charming scenery of willow trees and old sake warehouses.
• Step into the peaceful grounds of Chokenji Temple, a hidden local gem where history and serenity meet in the heart of Kyoto.
• Explore the Gekkeikan Sake Brewery to uncover the centuries-old traditions of sake making and sample some of Kyoto’s finest brews.
• Relax in the nostalgic atmosphere of Fushimi Yume Hyakushu, a former merchant house turned café, offering a perfect taste of old Kyoto charm.

The water of Fushimi has particularly soft characteristics, making it an essential component to the particular type of sake brewed in Fushimi. This also explains why the area developed as a sake-brewing center in Kyoto. Today, Fushimi is the second greatest area of Japan in terms of sake production,^[1] and is where the sake company Gekkeikan was founded.^[2]