Exciting Kyoto tour destinations for adults - Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

　Even as an adult, taking a tour to see how something is made and learning about its history can be very exciting. And being able to touch and try things out for yourself, sampling the newly produced foods and drinks, makes it even more fun, right? Today we will introduce such a tour destination: A flagship of Japan, the long-established Kyoto sake brewery 「Gekkeikan」.

■「Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum」 displays various sake manufacturing tools, and lets you experience Japanese sake culture.

　Here in Fushimi in Kyoto, one of the three main sake manufacturing districts, and where Gekkeikan has been producing sake for over 380 years, the 「Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum」 offers an opportunity to observe and experience the history and culture of Japanese sake, traditional production methods, and the various tools used. Entry is 600 Yen, including a sake tasting and souvenir.

▲The exhibition room introduces the history of Gekkeikan's challenges and creativity since its foundation.

▲The picture shows tools for steaming rice.

■Following the tour of Japanese sake culture and history, there is a sake tasting experience in the tasting corner, and you can buy souvenirs in the brand shop.

▲As souvenirs, we recommend the 「Retro bottle Ginjo sake」
720 ml-2,750 Yen that comes with a sake cup (pictured left), and the 「In-house freshly pressed Junmai Daiginjo nama-genshu」 300 ml-1,650 Yen prepared in the adjacent brewery (※prices include tax).

　With the sake cup that you receive as a souvenir, you can partake in a sake tasting of 3 types of sake from a selection of 10 different sakes (including sake museum limited edition sakes). Our recommendation is the 「In-house freshly pressed Junmai Daiginjo nama-genshu,」 letting you enjoy the fresh aroma of newly pressed undiluted sake from the adjacent in-house brewery (※depending on the period, it may not be available for tasting or purchase). The water used for sake in Fushimi, Kyoto is medium-hard, low in iron, and suitable for sake brewing.

■A message for our international visitors
　Japanese sake is currently enjoying popularity overseas as well. By studying the history, production method, process and tools used, then finishing off with a tasting of sake that is only available here, you will have become somewhat of a sake connoisseur by the time you leave. And your fondness for sake will only increase. Please enjoy this opportunity for something slightly different from the customary Kyoto tourist route of temples etc.

■Museum location
　247 Minami-Hamacho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto　　　Closest station: Keihan Main Line Chushojima Station About 5 min walk
　　　※Please see the website for further details.