#Eda85daysinJapan | Chapter 3 (Kyoto Part 9)

🗓️ 13 May 2026

Having explored a few sake breweries in Kobe back in 2023 with my parents, visiting sake museums has become a favorite theme whenever I’m in a major brewing region. Today brought us to Fushimi after my buddy Tracy suggested we check out the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum (月桂冠大倉記念館).

Fushimi’s clean spring water makes it one of Japan’s premier sake capitals. Walking through the museum, learning about the centuries-old history and traditional craft of brewing, is always fascinating—but, of course, no visit is complete without the tasting portion! After sampling a few varieties, I ended up picking up a bottle featuring a beautifully traditional design to add to the trip’s collection.

Right around the corner from Gekkeikan is Teradaya Inn (寺田屋), the historic site of the famous assassination attempt on Sakamoto Ryoma in 1866. Walking around the canal-lined streets of Fushimi has a completely different, relaxed pace compared to central Kyoto.

As we were wandering around the neighborhood looking for lunch, luck was completely on our side. We snagged a table at a local sushi spot right on time—just as dark clouds broke into a heavy thunderstorm outside. 🍣⛈️

After lunch and a rain-check, we squeezed in a bit of shopping in Kyoto and stopped by a charming, old-school local café (kissaten) for a much-needed coffee break. ☕️ On the way back home, nature called mid-transit, forcing an unscheduled pitstop off the bus.

It’s funny how travel works, because later on the walk back home, I ended up witnessing an incredibly touching human moment—a sweet dog slowly walking side-by-side with its owner in a wheelchair down a quiet alleyway under the glowing sunset sky. It was one of those quiet, beautiful scenes that stays with you long after the trip ends.

Eventually, I made it back to our apartment to meet up with my buddy, and we capped off the evening with a delicious Japanese beef dinner right at home.

Slow pace, good food, perfect timing, and unexpected moments. Kyoto, you never disappoint.