Map of Chushojima - Kyoto, the Sake capitol of Japan
"Nihonshu" - Japanese Sake
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Overview
Easy:
2.7 miles, 1-3 hours
Other Information:
Family Friendly
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.
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.
Chushojima.
Teradaya Inn.
Horai Bridge.
Cafe.
Souvenire Shops.
Kizura-Kappa-Country (Kizakura Sake Breweries).
Fushimi - yumehyakusyu (Information Centre).
Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum.
Benten Bridge.
Choken-ji Temple.
View from canal.
Kyobashi Bridge.
Canal Junction.
Canal gate.
Sumo wrestlers in training.
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