Aug. 31, 2020 UPDATE
Fushimi District
- 伏見地区 -Traveler Friendly
This is heaven for those who love sake. Tasting a variety of kinds is available at museums and bars. It is also easy to access from the center.
Information
Japanese, some English
Languages spoken
No staff at location
Story & Recommendation
Fushimi district is famous for its breweries; drink sake while you enjoy historic Kyoto
Fushimi District has three distinct sides to it. First it is known for its sake breweries making use of the clear water of Fushimi, second it is famous as a connecting port between Kyoto and Osaka, and third it is famous for the Battle of Toba-Fushimi that took place here; a battle that can be said to have been the end of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Still, Fushimi is most famous for its sake breweries. There are many famous breweries based in Fushimi like Gekkeikan and Kizakura. These breweries can be visited and some even have museums and have become popular sightseeing spots. You can take a sightseeing boat down the canal and admire the traditional Japanese houses and factories that line it; the canal gives you a glimpse into the industrial history of Kyoto. Here you can see another part of Fushimi besides Fushimi Inari-taisha, the world-famous shrine with countless tori gates.
1Highlight
Sake Breweries
The breweries are a landmark of Fushimi. Their fame swept all over Japan after the shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi built his castle here in Fushimi. Even this day you can see Fushimi Castle in Fushimi, though it is only a concrete replica. What makes brewing sake here possible is the great water of Fushimi. You can taste the sake made using this great water at the breweries, and look around and feel the history like in this picture with the walls blackened by the rain.
2Highlight
A Blind Corner
This is a blind corner you come to no matter from what direction you come from. It was designed to trap the enemy trying to attack the castle. You can see remnants of the town that was built around the castle here. A lot of cars and bicycles pass this road so be careful!
3Good Experiences
Enjoy Fushimi Jikkokubune boat ride
A one hour Jikkokubune boat tour takes you to an exciting excursion. It runs from the end of March to early December. Fushimi was a port town for ships transporting goods between Kyoto and Osaka from the Edo Period (1603-1868) to the end of the Meiji Period (1868-1912). It still has that atmosphere.
4Good Experiences
Stroll in the Midst of Beautiful Nature
You can spend a relaxing moment here walking along the trees lining the canal. In spring you can see cherry blossoms, in summer everything is green, in fall you can enjoy the foliage, and in winter you can enjoy the crisp air. The rays of sunlight coming from between the leaves were so beautiful I just had to take out my camera.
- Manner & Tips -
To preserve the original scenery there are almost no traffic lights, so be careful when crossing the road.
