A Quick Guide to Kyoto's Sake District, Kyoto, Japan

The Fushimi area in southern Kyoto is one of Japan’s major sake production sites. Located at the junction of the Uji, Katsura, and Kamo Rivers, it’s blessed with high-quality springs ideal for brewing delicious rice wine. The town was originally built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a samurai and daimyo of the Sengoku period. Its location made it an important trade hub since a network of canals could be used to transport sake, rice, and people. Today, it’s still thriving—as a charming historical district with plenty to enjoy and explore. Here’s a quick guide to help you plan your visit.

The Fushimi Sake District can be easily reached from Fushimi-Momoyama Station (伏見桃山駅) on the Keihan Main Line, Momoyamagoryo Mae Station (桃山御陵前駅) on the Kintetsu-Kyoto Line, or Momoyama Station (桃山駅) on the JR Line. Coming from Kyoto Station, you can be there in just under 30 minutes. 

Once you exit, you’ll find yourself on Otesuji Shopping Street (伏見大手筋商店街)(unless you’re coming from the JR Station, in which case you’ll have to walk an extra 10 minutes). The arcade is filled with cafes, restaurants, shops, and conbini. Kick off your day with a cup of coffee, or loop back later for a bite of lunch. There’s even a Kaldi Coffee Farm to explore if you’re missing the taste of home. In addition to coffee, there’s a decent selection of imported goods here on offer. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).