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Matsui Sake Brewery: A Taste of Kyoto's Liquid History

Discover Kyoto's oldest sake brewery, where tradition meets innovation in every sip. Experience the taste of Kagura and explore the art of sake.

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Founded in 1726, Matsui Sake Brewery is the oldest sake brewery in Kyoto, offering a glimpse into the city's rich sake-making heritage. Located near the Kamo River and overlooked by Mt. Daimonji, the brewery provides tastings of its signature Kagura sake and other unique blends.

A brief summary to Matsui Sake Brewery

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Try the Kagura sake, known for its fruity and easy-to-drink flavor.
  • Visit during the weekday to avoid crowds.
  • Check out the brewery's website for information on seasonal and special sake offerings.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Demachiyanagi Station (Keihan Railway), walk approximately 5 minutes to Matsui Sake Brewery. Exit the station and head east. The brewery will be on your right. A single subway fare in Kyoto costs around ¥210-360 depending on the distance.

  • Walking

    From Shimogamo Shrine, walk south along the Kamo River for approximately 15 minutes. Matsui Sake Brewery will be on your left. Note that the route is mostly flat and easily walkable.

  • Taxi

    From Kyoto Station, take a taxi to Matsui Sake Brewery. The ride will take approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay around ¥2,500 - ¥3,500. Note that traffic can be heavy during peak hours.

Unlock the Best of Matsui Sake Brewery

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Discover more about Matsui Sake Brewery

Matsui Sake Brewery, established in 1726, stands as a testament to Kyoto's enduring sake tradition. Nestled in Sakyo Ward, the brewery is surrounded by the 36 peaks of the Higashiyama mountain range and the Kamo River, offering picturesque views of the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Shimogamo Shrine. Originally founded in Kasumi, Hyogo Prefecture, the brewery moved to Kyoto in the late Edo period. After a temporary closure due to urbanization and subway construction, Matsui Sake Brewery was revived in 2009 and continues to produce sake using traditional methods with a modern approach. The brewery is known for its signature brand, Kagura, which aims to maximize the "taste of rice" to create a unique blend of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. Visitors can explore the brewery's tasting space and sample a variety of sake, including the popular Kagura, Junmai Muroka Genshu, and Junmai Daiginjo Muroka Genshu. The brewery also offers a unique system where guests can use a special card to pour their preferred amount of sake from a dispenser. Monitors are set up within the brewery, offering a peek into the sake-making process.

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