Fushimi, the southern ward of Kyoto City, is very much like a small town of its own. Rich in history and scenic areas, Fushimi retains a quaintness and charm found off the beaten track. From the rows of graceful willow trees along the Horikawa River to the distinctive white walls of traditional sake breweries, Fushimi retains an air of Japan's unique past. Fushimi's traditional sake-brewing district is of particular interest and has been designated as one of “Kyoto's top 100 scenic areas”.

In winter, as brewers prepare to brew the year's new sake, the air is heavy with the typical scent of traditional sake-brewing. In the spring, the delicate bright yellow “nanohana” flower so common around the breweries are a favorite of photographers. In the summer, the area has a festive feel as rows of lanterns glow along narrow streets in the balmy evenings. The autumn is the busiest time of year as breweries prepare for the winter season. Once the summer's rice has been harvested and the maples turn into their golden and crimson colors, it is time once again for the brewing cycle to begin.

The Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum introduces you to the facinating history of sake brewing with its nostalgic buildings, tasting experience, and valuable collection of traditional brewing tools. From among the 6,120 brewing tools designated by Kyoto City as folk craft cultural assets, some of the most representative items used in the various stages of the brewing process are on display here. While enjoying the exhibits, you can hear recordings of traditional sake brewing songs sung by brewers of bygone days. Here is faithfully reproduced the atmosphere of an old sake brewery.