Sip and Savor: Aburacho – A Sake Exploration in Kyoto’s Fushimi District

When we first heard about Fushimi, a quick 10-minute train ride from Kyoto, we didn’t hesitate to plan a sake tasting tour. Famous for its thousands of red gates leading to the shrine, Fushimi is also a hotspot for sake lovers like us. We found a shop in the shopping arcade “Fushimi Otesuji Shopping Street“, a local favorite that we’ve been visiting ever since our first trip. This local shopping arcade is a great place to find souvenir at the reasonable price, too.

This shop isn’t just any store; it’s a goldmine for sake enthusiasts. They have a wide selection of local brews, and the folks working there really know their stuff. They’re always ready to tell you about the unique features of each brewery and what makes their sake stand out. We especially love hanging out at the tasting bar in the back of the shop. It’s a great spot to try out their seasonal sakes that aren’t available all year round.

One of the reasons Fushimi sake is so good is the local water, which is perfect for brewing. It gives the sake a softer, more aromatic flavor that pairs well with Kyoto’s delicate dishes. We usually end up buying a few bottles to take home. The best part? The shop can ship our purchases directly to our hotel, so we don’t have to lug them around during our travels.

Aburacho itself is a place worth talking about. It’s packed with different kinds of sake, including some rare finds you won’t see anywhere else. Each bottle comes with its own backstory about the craftsmen who made it, which adds something special to each purchase.

But the best part of our visits is always the tasting room at the back. It feels like stepping into a different world, with its cozy setup and traditional Japanese decorations. The staff really takes their time during these tastings, explaining everything from the brewing process to the best food pairings. This makes each visit not just fun, but also an educational experience.

Each session is a deep dive into the world of sake. We get to taste a variety of styles, discovering new favorites each time. Whether it’s the floral and fruity types or the stronger, earthier ones, there’s always something new to catch our interest. The staff are super patient and seem genuinely happy to share their knowledge, which makes the experience even better.

We also get to try different Japanese snacks during these tastings, which are chosen to go perfectly with the sake. This combination of good food and drink really makes the flavors stand out.

Visiting Aburacho isn’t just about buying sake; it’s about experiencing it. Every time we go, it feels like a new adventure. The shop combines tradition with a deep love for sake, making each visit memorable.

So if you’re ever in Fushimi and want to try some excellent sake, check out Aburacho. It’s more than just a shop—it’s a doorway into the world of Japanese sake. Each visit is a journey, and we always leave with great stories to tell about the flavors and the people we meet.

While exploring Fushimi, make sure to check out some of the local sake breweries. Favorites like Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, Kizakura Kappa Country, and Yamamoto Honke offer a firsthand look at sake production and tasting. Another must-visit is the Fushimi Sake Village, where you can sample a variety of Fushimi sakes paired with different styles of food. It’s a great way to experience the diversity of sake flavors alongside delicious bites that enhance the tasting experience.