Chushojima - Kyoto, the Sake capitol of Japan

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Chushojima - Kyoto, the Sake capitol of Japan

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Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.7 miles / 4.3 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

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Overview: The Chushojima area of Kyoto is not written-up in many guide books, which is unfortunate, as this area has much to offer.
As the title of this guide says; Chushojima is the Sake capitol of Japan,and the area has a long history of brewing sake, some say as far back as the 4th century, though the rise to sake prominence is associated with the "Edo Period" (1615-1868).The "Gekkeikan Okura Kinenkan", once a sake warehouse,now a sake museum,and operated by one of the largest sake makers in Japan,where, along with "Kizakura-kappa-country" ("Kizakura Sake" breweries), you can sample the different types of sake,take a tour through their factory and purchase souvenirs.But it's not just the Sake breweries that are on display here. There is the Choken-ji Temple, which is dedicated to "Benzaiten", the Goddess of Beauty and Arts, or the many typical Japanese restaurants, serving local delicacies, and Souvenir shops, that will help you solve the problem of what to take-home for friends and family.And lets not forget Sakamoto Ryomo, a famous Imperial loyalist who helped change the face of Japan.Whenever Sakamoto was in the area, he would stay at The Teradaya Inn, where, in 1866, there was a failed attempt to assassinate him. Then,after your busy days sightseeing, why not take a stroll along the Takasegawa canal, or, if you want to chill-out and let someone else do the hard work, take one of the canal-boats,and relax with a a leisurely cruise through the quiet back streets of Chushojima.

Tips: Chushojima station is at the junction of the Keihan Main line, that runs from Osaka to Kyoto, and the Keihan Uji line, that runs from Chushojima to Uji.
Any time of year, is a good time to be here. But, I recommend Spring (April/May), for the Cherry Blossoms, or Autumn (October/November) for the colours that are abound at this time of year.
The area is very-well signposted, with information notices at all major venues & junctions. The walkway is also paved in white-pebbles.
I need to warn you though. The streets are very narrow, so, if you plan to step-out to take a photo, make sure you don't do it in front of a vehicle or bike.

Points of Interest

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Chushojima.

Welcome to Chushojima. This is a short introductory video to refresh your mind on this very-lovely area.

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Teradaya Inn.

This was a favourite Inn of Sakamoto Ryoma (Ryoma Sakamoto), an Imperial Loyalist, who, along with his supporters, took Japan from Shogunate rule, and returned the power to the Emperor. What became known as the "Meiji Restoration" followed and Japan changed forever.
It was on the night of January 23rd 1866, that assassins broke-into the Teradaya Inn, and attempted to murder Sakamoto. Evidence of the attack are still here to this day.
Admittance is 400-yen and is open from 10am to 3:40pm.
Read more about Sakamoto Ryoma through the attached link.

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Horai Bridge.

This will be your first view of the Takasegawa Canal.The attached photo was taken from the walkway that runs along the canal.

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Cafe.

One of the many cafes/restaurants/eating-houses, in the area, that will tempt your taste-buds with local delicacies.

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Souvenire Shops.

Two of many in the area. This one is a good landmark that will confirm you are on the right track.

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Kizura-Kappa-Country (Kizakura Sake Breweries).

This is the first, of three facilities, where you can sample the local Sake.
For 100-yen you can sample a glass of Sake, purchase a bottle as a souvenir or, sit outside in the courtyard and drink a bottle there.
There are also tours of the brewery, and, across the road, is an art gallery.

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Fushimi - yumehyakusyu (Information Centre).

This is the second venue, where you can taste Sake, as well as relax with a coffee and check-out the souvenirs.
The venue opens at 11am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and 10:30am to 6pm, on public holidays. It is closed Mondays.

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Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum.

By now you are probably getting a taste for Sake. This is the third venue, of the three.
This is a very large facility, so allow a lot of time to view, sample and purchase.
The venue is open from 9:30am to 4:30pm and, for 300-yen admittance, you get to do a guided tour.

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Benten Bridge.

Here you get to look down the Takasegawa Canal and, immediately in front of you, on the edge of the canal, you will see the Jukkoku-shu canal boats.
For 1,000-yen, and about 50-minutes of your time, you will get to cruise through the back-streets of Chushojima.
If you would prefer to stroll along the canal, there are steps, that lead-down to the trail, opposite the Choken-ji Temple.
There are many rest spots along the trail for you to take time-out for a bite-to-eat and drink.

kyoto_0.jpg (Fushimi, Kyōto, Japan) Photo

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Choken-ji Temple.

You will be greeted by a quite-beautiful gate, with red-earthen walls surrounding the complex, then, once inside,you will experience a very-serene and calm atmosphere.
In 1699,Choken-ji was dedicated to Benzaiten, the Goddess of Beauty and Arts.She is the only female amongst "Japan's Seven Gods of Good Fortune", and is a descendant of the Hindu deity Sarasvati.

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View from canal.

At this point, whether you are on foot or canal-boat, you cruise behind the Gekkeiken Okura Kinenan Sake factory.
The azaleas are very-beautiful, and the water so peaceful.

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Kyobashi Bridge.

Here,if you are walking, you will find a nice picnic spot. Also you will see the Teradaya Inn.

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Canal Junction.

Here, as you walk/cruise, you are joined by the canal from Kyoto.

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Canal gate.

This gate controls the flow of water, from the canal, as it enters the Uji-gawa (Uji River).
Also, this is where the canal boats u-turn before returning to base.

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Sumo wrestlers in training.

As I am a Sumo-wrestling fan, I was pleased of the opportunity to take-a-break and watch these guys practise.
If you are fortunate to be here, when they are training, please show courtesy, and ask if you can watch and, if you plan to take photos, make sure your flash is off.