This Is Where You'll Find One of Japan's Most Iconic Landmarks-Plus, Cherry Blossom Cruises and the Country's Best Sake

"Most visitors to Fushimi only make it as far as the famed torii gates of Fushimi-Inari Shrine, but a bit further south is a hidden gem: the sake-brewing enclave of Fushimi proper. This nostalgic townscape of tiny canals, weather-aged brewhouses, and venerable shops has been largely untouched by Kyoto 's recent tourist boom. The history of this boozy mecca stretches back to 1592, when famed shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi established a castle along the Uji River,"

"Besides convenient transport and thirsty samurai, the bustling castle town had another key element for sake: plentiful water. Fushimi sits atop an aquifer containing over 20 billion tons of soft water that percolates to the surface at several natural springs. Locals still fill up water bottles at the public spouts, preferring the crisp groundwater over the municipal tap."

"At its peak, about 80 breweries operated in this mercantile hot spot. That number has dwindled to 22 since the era of castles and samurai ended, but as they are all clustered in approximately two square kilometers west of Fushimi-Momoyama Station, Fushimi still boasts the highest density of breweries anywhere in Japan, making it the ideal place to explore the national drink."

Fushimi lies just south of the Fushimi-Inari torii gates and preserves a nostalgic townscape of canals, weathered brewhouses, and venerable shops. The sake industry there began in 1592 when Toyotomi Hideyoshi established a castle and canals connecting the Uji, Yodo and Katsura Rivers to move goods and grow the local economy. Fushimi sits atop an aquifer with over 20 billion tons of soft water that feeds natural springs used by brewers and residents. Brewery numbers fell from about 80 at the peak to 22 today, all clustered in roughly two square kilometers west of Fushimi-Momoyama Station. Naomi Konishi, a Kyoto native and certified guide who has lived in Fushimi for 26 years, notes a strong local connection to the area. Konishi recommends starting at Choken-ji, a riverside Buddhist temple dedicated to Benzaiten.

Read at Travel + Leisure