1. 🍶 Immerse yourself in the profound depths of Japanese sake
🍶 Main experience programs at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
– A sake brewery tour to experience tradition and culture –
Mellow and rich sake brewed with the famous water of Fushimi. Experience a freshly brewed cup of sake that can only be enjoyed at the brewery.
1. Guided tour of the sake brewery (reservations required)
- Content : Learn about the history and process of sake brewing, sample three types of premium sake, and fill a 300mL sake bottle.
- Duration : Approximately 80 minutes
- Time : 14:15~ (Once a day, excluding weekends and holidays)
- Capacity : Maximum 8 people
- Age : 20 and up
- Price : ¥3,000 (tax included)
- How to book : Advance reservations are required via the official website.
2. Free tour and sake tasting experience
- Contents : Approximately 400 sake brewing tools and materials are on display, and after the tour you can sample three types of sake.
- Duration : About 40 minutes to 1 hour
- Admission fees : Over 20 years old: 600 yen, 13-19 years old: 100 yen, 12 years old and under: free
3. Komo-maki demonstration (weekdays only)
- Contents : You can observe a demonstration of the traditional technique of wrapping straw around sake barrels, called "Komomaki."
- Date: Weekdays only, once a day
📍 Access and Basic Information
- Business hours : 9:30-16:30 (last entry 16:15)
- Closed : New Year's holiday (December 28th to January 4th), Obon (August 13th to 16th), and other temporary closures
- Official website：gekkeikan.co.jpgekkeikan.co.jp
The Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum is a valuable spot where you can learn more about the history and culture of sake brewing. If you have an interest in Japanese sake, why not visit?
2. 🍺 You'll get hooked on the refreshing taste of beer!
🍺Suntory Natural Water Beer Factory Tour: The Premium Malt's Deliciousness Discovery Tour
– A premium beer made with natural water and technology –
Fresh beer delivered directly from the factory, with a freshly brewed aroma. A taste comparison that highlights the professional attention to detail, with delicious foam even.
In Kyoto, you can enjoy freshly brewed beer while learning about the beer brewing process. Why not visit as part of your Kyoto sightseeing?
- Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
- Admission fee: ￥1,000
- (tax included) *Free for those under 20 years old
🏭 Factory highlights
- Huge fermentation tanks : The sight of the 20-meter-tall tanks lined up in an orderly fashion is truly impressive.
- Interactive exhibits : The exhibits make use of video and lighting effects to clearly explain the beer brewing process.
📍 Access Information
- Access
- Take the free shuttle bus from JR Nagaokakyo Station
- Also accessible from Hankyu "Nishiyama Tennozan Station"
📝 How to make a reservation
Tours require prior reservations. Reservations can be made online through the official website.
📘 Plan 1 | Enjoy a day trip full of sake and beer
📍Check the route on Google Maps
We have compiled the sightseeing route for the day on Google Maps. You can check the route and highlights of each spot at a glance on the map. Please use it to make your sightseeing smooth.
⭕️Villa Kyoto Saiin → 8 minutes walk → Saiin Station → 6 minutes on the Hankyu Kyoto Line → Kyoto Kawaramachi Station → 10 minutes walk → Gion-Shijo → 12 minutes on the Keihan Main Line → Nakashojima → 6 minutes walk → Gekkeikan Kokura Memorial Museum
①Villa Kyoto Saiin▶︎Hankyu Saiin Station▶︎Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi Station▶︎Cross Shijo Bridge to Keihan Gion-Shijo▶︎Keihan Nakashojima▶︎Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum (Fushimi)▶︎Walk around Fushimi (Teradaya, Jikkokubune, Gokonomiya Shrine)▶︎"Momoyama Goryomae" Station Kintetsu Kyoto Line → "Kyoto" Station → JR Kyoto Line "Nagaokakyo" Station → Take the free shuttle bus▶︎
② Take the free shuttle bus to JR Nagaokakyo Station → Stroll around Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine ▶ Cafe Fleur ▶ Hankyu Saiin Station ▶ Villa Kyoto Saiin
🗺️Route overview (route and brief introduction)
Villa Kyoto Saiin (Departure)
▶ Start your adventure to the sake-producing region from the quiet streets of the morning!
↓ Hankyu Saiin Station → Kyoto Kawaramachi Station → Walk to Gion-Shijo → Take the Keihan train to Chushojima Station (approximately 40 minutes)
▶︎Hankyu Line: 4 minutes from Nishinokyo Station to the city
Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum (Fushimi)
▶ A long-established sake brewery that represents the sake capital of Fushimi. Learn about the history and culture of sake brewing and enjoy a fun tasting experience.
↓ Walking around Fushimi (Teradaya, Jikkokubune, Gokonomiya Shrine)
Lunch: Lunch at a sake brewery in Fushimi or a Japanese restaurant
▶ Popular restaurants such as Uo Sanro, where you can enjoy local ingredients, are also recommended!
↓ 10-minute walk → Momoyama-Goryou-mae Station Kintetsu Kyoto Line → Kyoto Station → JR Kyoto Line Nagaokakyo Station → Use the free shuttle bus
Suntory Kyoto Brewery (Natural Water Beer Factory)
▶ A factory tour where you can see the behind-the-scenes of authentic beer production. After the tour, you can sample beer made with natural water!
↓
Take the free shuttle bus to JR Nagaokakyo Station → Stroll around Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine
Cafe Fleur (Nagaokakyo)
▶ Take a break in a retro Showa-era atmosphere. The homemade pudding and blended coffee are excellent.
↓ Hankyu Nagaoka Tenjin Station → To Saiin Station (return trip)
🕰️Recommended Itinerary
| time | Content |
|---|---|
| 9:00 | Villa Kyoto Saiin (Departure) |
| 10:00 | Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum Tour and Tasting |
| 11:00 | Walking around the Teradaya and Fushimi areas |
| 12:00 | Lunch (brewery meal, Japanese food) |
| 13:30 | Transfer (Kintetsu → JR) |
| 14:30 | Start tour of Suntory Kyoto Brewery (reservation required) |
| 16:00 | Take a break at Cafe Fleur |
| 17:30 | Return to Villa Kyoto Nishiin |
📘 Plan 2 | Half-day tour of each brewery (ideal for separate dates)
Suntory Natural Water Beer Factory Tour and Nagaokakyo Gourmet & Gion Walking Tour Plan
📍Check the route on Google Maps
We have compiled the sightseeing route for the day on Google Maps. You can check the route and highlights of each spot at a glance on the map. Please use it for a smooth sightseeing.
⭕️Villa Kyoto Saiin → 8 minutes walk → Saiin Station → 18 minutes on the Hankyu Kyoto Line → Nishiyama Tennozan Station → 18 minutes walk → Suntory Kyoto Beer Factory
①Villa Kyoto Saiin▶︎Hankyu Saiin Station▶︎Hankyu Nishiyama Tennozan Station▶︎Suntory Factory▶︎Take the free shuttle bus to JR Nagaokakyo Station▶︎Yakiniku Enzo▶︎Hankyu Nagaoka Tenjin Station▶︎Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi Station→②
②▶︎Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi Station▶︎Pontocho▶︎Yasaka Shrine▶︎Maruyama Park▶︎Nene no Michi▶︎Kodaiji Temple▶︎Yasaka Pagoda Ninenzaka▶︎Sannenzaka▶︎Kiyomizu-dera Temple▶︎③
③Sannenzaka ▶︎Walk around Kiyomizu-dera Temple area ▶︎Walk around Gion area ▶︎Shijo Kawaramachi ▶︎Villa Kyoto Saiin
🗺️Route overview (route and brief introduction)
Villa Kyoto Saiin (Departure)
▶ Excellent access via the Hankyu Line! Today is a day trip by train and on foot.
↓ Get off at Hankyu Nishiyama Tennozan Station, about 10 minutes walk
Suntory Kyoto Brewery (Natural Water Beer Factory)
▶ Special beer made in Kyoto, the city of water. Learn and experience the fresh taste! (Reservation required)
↓ Take the free shuttle bus to JR Nagaokakyo Station
Yakiniku Enzo (Hormone Lunch)
▶ A famous restaurant popular among locals. Enjoy a filling lunch with plump horumon and special sauce!
↓ A few minutes walk
Cafe Fleur (After-meal coffee)
▶ Enjoy a relaxing after-meal moment at a retro Showa-era coffee shop. Cream soda and pudding are also popular!
Western Restaurant AKIRA
▶︎ Hamburg steak restaurant. The juicy meat juices ooze out and the perfectly cooked meat is irresistible. The sauce is perfectly balanced and goes great with rice or bread. If you want to taste Western food in Kyoto, this is a place you can't miss.
↓ Take the JR or Hankyu line to Kyoto city (Kawaramachi Station, etc.)
Walk around Gion and Yasaka
▶ Take a leisurely stroll along the stone-paved Hanamikoji Street, Yasaka Shrine, and the Kamo River. There are also plenty of Japanese goods and sweet shops!
↓ Hankyu Kawaramachi Station → Return to Saiin
Villa Kyoto Saiin (return)
▶ Relax in a quiet inn while reflecting on the day
🕰️Recommended Schedule (Model)
| time | Content |
|---|---|
| 8:30 | Villa Kyoto Saiin (Departure) |
| 9:30 | Arrive at Hankyu Nishiyama Tennozan Station → Walk to the Suntory Factory |
| 10:00 | Suntory Factory Tour (approx. 70 mins) *Reservation required |
| 11:30 | Transfer to JR Nagaokakyo Station by shuttle bus |
| 12:00 | Have a horumon lunch at Yakiniku Enzo |
| 13:00 | Take a break at Cafe Fleur (coffee or sweets) |
| 14:00 | Transfer to Kyoto city by Hankyu or JR |
| 14:30〜17:30 | Walk around Yasaka Shrine, Gion, and Kamogawa River, shop, etc. |
| 18:00頃 | Return to Villa Kyoto Nishiin |
📌Key points of this plan
- 🍺 In the morning, take a tour of the popular Suntory Beer Factory! Free tastings too!
- 🍖 Enjoy a hearty and satisfying lunch at the famous horumon yakiniku restaurant "Enzo"
- ☕ After the meal, enjoy a nostalgic coffee break at the coffee shop "Fleur"
- 🌸 In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Kyoto-style town of Gion and Yasaka
- 🚃 Easy access by train and walking, safe for beginners
📝Reservations and Notices
- Suntory factory tours require a reservation (tastings available)
▶ Reservations must be made on the Suntory official website (available in English and other languages) - It's best to avoid busy times at Enzo Fleur. Lunchtime is especially popular.
- The Gion/Kawaramachi area is a place where you can wander around freely, so it's a good idea to use a map or GPS app.
🍶【 Tour of Fushimi sake breweries and waterfront streets 】 ~ Experience Japanese sake culture at Gekkeikan and take a half-day walk along the Horikawa River ~
💡 concept
Fushimi, the "other face" of Kyoto. An adult trip where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the historic sake breweries and the water city at your own pace. In the afternoon, if you wish, we recommend that you extend your trip to Fushimi Inari Shrine and experience the world of vermilion.
📍Check the route on Google Maps
We have compiled the sightseeing route for the day on Google Maps. You can check the route and highlights of each spot at a glance on the map. Please use it to make your sightseeing smooth.
①Villa Kyoto Saiin▶︎Hankyu Saiin Station▶︎Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi Station▶︎Keihan Gion-Shijo Station▶︎Keihan Nakashojima Station▶︎Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum▶︎Keihan Nakashojima▶︎Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine▶︎Villa Kyoto Saiin
🗺️ Route overview (route and brief introduction)
Villa Kyoto Saiin (Departure)
▶ A quiet base in the west of Kyoto City. Start your trip from a suitable inn!
↓ 5-minute walk + Hankyu Kyoto Line (get off at Kyoto Kawaramachi Station)
Transfer to Keihan Railway → get off at Chushojima Station
▶ Unlike the subway, this is a local line that lets you feel the town. The charming scenery is appealing.
↓ 5-minute walk
Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum (reservation required)
▶ A long-established brewery that has been in operation since the Edo period. Sake brewing tools and materials are on display, and you can also try sake tasting.
↓ A few minutes walk
Strolling through the townscape along the Horikawa River
▶ White-walled sake breweries, cobblestone streets, and tokkoku boats on the waterfront - a beautiful area where time flows slowly.
↓ Take a break at the cafe ◎
Fushimi Inari Taisha
▶ If you want to visit the world-famous shrine with its "1,000 Torii", do it in the afternoon. It's about a 10-minute train ride away.
↓ Return home on Keihan + Hankyu
Villa Kyoto Saiin (return)
▶ Enjoy the sake culture and charm of the town before heading to the inn.
🕰️ Recommended Schedule (Model)
| time | Content |
|---|---|
| 9:00 | Villa Kyoto Saiin (Departure) |
| 9:15 | Move to Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi Station |
| 9:40 | Take the Keihan train to Nakashojima Station |
| 10:00 | Visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum and enjoy sake tastings (reservations required) |
| 11:00 | Stroll along Horikawa River (including Sake Brewery Street) |
| 11:45 | Take a break at a cafe or sweet shop |
| 12:30 | Go to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (Keihan train) |
| 14:00頃 | Return to Kyoto city / Return to Villa Kyoto Saiin |
✨Travel Tips
- A special experience to touch on sake culture: You can taste some of Fushimi's famous sakes.
- A retro stroll along the waterfront: Enjoy a relaxing time taking in the sights of the Jikkokubune boats and the white-walled townscape.
- Great for combining with sightseeing spots: In the afternoon, you can easily travel to Fushimi Inari Shrine or around Kyoto Station.