Recommended Routes

Tour around the city of famous water (Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture)

Fushimi-ku in Kyoto is crossed by the Katsura and Uji Rivers, all of which are important waterways. The area developed long ago as a base for inland transportation on water when it was known as the Port of Fushimi. It is also known for its ample delicious tasting water resources, which have been tapped to brew sake, a representative industry of the area.
The cityscape of the old fiefdoms, temple towns and port can be seen today with shrines, temples, breweries and numerous historic sites. Another great feature of the area is that festivals and traditional events are still being practiced.

Video

Tabinohoshi “Fushimi, Kyoto - Famous Water Tour” Fushimi, Japan vol.49

Access

By train From Osaka: Get off at Yodoyabashi Station on the Keihan Line and get off at Nakashojima Station on the Keihan Main Line.
By car: Approx. 15 min. from Kyoto Minami IC of Meishin Expressway, Route 1, 6 km.

Route

  1. Keihan Chujojima Stationon foot
  2. Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museumon foot
  3. Jukkokubune River Cruiseon foot
  4. Fushimiko Parkon foot
  5. Teradaya Innon foot
  6. Gokonomiya Shrineon foot
  7. Keihan Fushimimomoyama Station / Kintetsu Momoyamagoryomae Station

Highlights

  • Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

    Fushimi is also known as a town of sake brewers. On the western edge of the area are found numerous sake storehouses that give the landscape a unique personality. This museum introduces the history of Gekkeikan, a long-standing brand that was founded in 1637.
    How to get there: Take the Keihan Main Line to Chushojima Station./Take the Kintetsu Kyoto Line to Momoyama-Goryomae Station.
    Open: 09:30 - 16:30
    Admission fee:600yen
    Closed: Mondays, O-bon holidays (Mid August), New Year's holidays

  • Jukkokubune River Cruise

    The Port of Fushimi was busy in the Edo Period with passenger boats connecting travelers with Osaka and Fushimi. Today, smaller boats that carry 10 as opposed to the 30 persons of the day cruise up and down the Uji River that passes through Fushimi in spring and autumn. This is an excellent way to enjoy the rich-green scenery and landscape of sake storehouses.
    Boat Rides: Tickets required

  • Fushimiko Park

    Fushimi was a bustling port on the Yodo River during the Edo Period with passenger boats and flatboats carrying ores and goods coming and going between Osaka and Kyoto on a regular basis. The area has been converted into a park.
    Admission fee: Free

  • Teradaya Inn

    This inn was frequented by loyalist soldiers of the Satsuma Clan at the end of the Edo Period.

  • Gokonomiya Shrine

    The shrine’s main gate was taken from Fushimi Castle when it was demolished. Most of the current shrine buildings were built during the 1600s in the vibrant and colorful Momoyama style. Its main building features a splendid turquoise water motif that was impeccably restored in the 1990s. Beside it is the Emadō, which, being open to the elements, houses faded but beautiful ancient paintings. Gokōnomiya Shrine is still very popular locally, and Fushimi sake brewers pray here for good fortune in their business.