Fushimi Inari and Sake Brewery Model Course

Fushimi, in the south of Kyoto city, is home to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousand torii, and to sake breweries built around its fine spring water. This is an ambitious one day route that lets you enjoy a shrine visit and sake culture in a single day. In the morning you walk the torii tunnels of Fushimi Inari in the hills, and in the afternoon you relax with tasting along the riverside brewery district. Savor the two faces of Fushimi, its sacred air and its mellow town walk.

Course Route

1. 9:00 Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine　The head shrine of all Inari shrines nationwide. Begin with a prayer at the vivid vermilion main hall. 2. 9:30 Pass through the Thousand Torii　Walk the tunnels formed by countless gates. A return trip to the inner shrine takes about an hour, while a full loop of Mount Inari takes more than two hours. 3. 11:30 Take the Keihan train toward Chushojima and Fushimi-Momoyama　From Fushimi-Inari Station, ride a few stops to the brewery district. 4. 12:00 Lunch in the Fushimi brewery district　Rest with dishes that pair with local sake, or at an eatery run by a brewery. 5. 13:30 Visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum　A museum where you can learn the history and tools of Fushimi sake making, with tasting afterward. 6. 14:30 Board the Jukkokubune　A pleasure boat modeled on an Edo period transport vessel, gliding along the willow lined Horikawa canal. 7. 15:30 Tour Kizakura and nearby breweries　Visit halls making craft beer and sake, and search for a favorite bottle. 8. 16:30 Stroll Ryoma-dori shopping street　Walk the townscape linked to the end of the samurai era and pick up souvenirs to finish the course.

Highlights

- The thousand torii of Fushimi Inari, endless rows of vermilion gates - The history of Fushimi sake making known for its fine water, and freshly poured tasting - The calm waterside view from the Jukkokubune along the willow lined canal - The mellow townscape of white walled breweries lined up together - The historical air of spots linked to the patriots of the late samurai era

Access and Tips

- Fushimi Inari Shrine is right by Inari Station on the JR Nara Line, or about a five minute walk from Keihan Fushimi-Inari Station. - The brewery district centers on Chushojima or Fushimi-Momoyama stations on the Keihan line. From Fushimi Inari, the Keihan train is the easy connection. - Mount Inari involves a climb, so turning back at the torii entrance or the inner shrine saves your energy. - The Jukkokubune runs only in certain seasons and hours, so check ahead to be safe. - Since this course includes sake, traveling by train rather than car is recommended.

A Quick Tip

Fushimi Inari is emptiest early in the morning, which also makes for clear photos of the thousand torii. On the afternoon brewery tour, try a little tasting at several halls. Drink water as you go so you do not overdo it, and take your time enjoying the charm of this town of fine water.