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Gekkeikan Ōkura Sake Museum: A Journey into Japan's Soul

Discover the art of sake brewing at Kyoto's Gekkeikan Ōkura Sake Museum. Explore exhibits, sample fine sake, and immerse yourself in Japanese tradition.

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Explore the history, production, and cultural significance of sake at the Gekkeikan Ōkura Sake Museum in Kyoto's Fushimi district, home to one of Japan's oldest and most renowned sake breweries. Discover the secrets behind this traditional rice wine and enjoy a tasting of Gekkeikan's finest brews.

A brief summary to Gekkeikan Ōkura Sake Museum

  • Monday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets in advance online, especially during peak seasons, to ensure priority access and avoid potential waits.
  • Visit during the winter months to experience the peak of sake production and enjoy the rich aroma of fermenting sake.
  • Take advantage of the free Museum Guide on your own device to learn the stories behind the exhibits.
  • Check the official Instagram account (@gekkeikansakemuseum) for the latest information on any temporary closures or construction that may affect your visit.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll around the Fushimi district to explore other sake breweries, historic sites, and local shops.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kyoto Station, take the Kintetsu Kyoto Line to Momoyamagoryo-Mae Station. The one-way trip takes about 15 minutes and costs approximately ¥300. From there, it's a 10-minute walk to the museum. Alternatively, take the JR Nara Line to Momoyama Station, a 12-minute ride costing around ¥200, followed by a 15-minute walk. Another option is to take the Keihan Line to Chushojima Station, followed by a 5-minute walk to the museum. From Sanjo Keihan to Chushojima Station, the fare is approximately ¥270. Kyoto City Buses 201 or 202 from Kyoto Station will take you to the Fushimi Sake Village bus stop in about 30 minutes for ¥230. From there, it is a short 5-minute walk to the Gekkeikan Ōkura Sake Museum.

  • Walking

    From Keihan Line Fushimi-Momoyama Station or Kintetsu Kyoto Line Momoyamagoryo-Mae Station, the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum is about a 10-minute walk. From JR Nara Line Momoyama Station, it is an 18-minute walk. Follow signs and local maps to Minamihamacho. The museum is located at 247 Minamihamacho.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Kyoto, including at Kyoto Station. A taxi ride from Kyoto Station to the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum typically costs between ¥2,200 and ¥3,200, depending on traffic and the exact route. The base fare for a small-sized taxi is ¥600 for the first 2 kilometers, with an additional ¥80 for every 415 meters. Be aware that a 20% surcharge may apply for taxi rides between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM.

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Discover more about Gekkeikan Ōkura Sake Museum

Delve into the captivating world of sake at the Gekkeikan Ōkura Sake Museum, nestled in Kyoto's historic Fushimi district, a region celebrated as one of Japan's primary sake-producing areas. This museum, housed in a beautifully renovated brewery established in 1909, offers an immersive experience into the legacy of Gekkeikan, a sake brewery with roots tracing back to 1637. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing the history of sake production in Fushimi and the evolution of Gekkeikan, which was formerly known as Kasagiya. The museum displays a fascinating array of traditional tools and equipment used in the sake-making process, some of which have been designated as Tangible Folk Cultural Properties by Kyoto City. These include wooden buckets, sake barrels, and paddles, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship of sake brewing. The exhibits are labeled in English, and an online guide is accessible on smartphones. The museum complex includes a hall with a video explaining sake production, a sake exhibit displaying old pictures and sake vessels, and an inner garden. A well on the grounds provides fresh, high-quality water, and the courtyard showcases sake containers used for fermentation. The tour concludes with a tasting of three types of sake, allowing visitors to savor the distinct flavors and aromas of Gekkeikan's renowned products. Gekkeikan remains a family-owned business, managed by the Okura family for 14 generations. The museum stands as a testament to their commitment to quality and tradition, offering a unique insight into a vital aspect of Japanese culture.

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