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Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years, and the abundant local water from the Kyoto Basin near Fushimi happens to be perfect for brewing sake. Sake from Kyoto is known to express the quintessential Japanese elegance you simply must not miss!
Can you imagine finding delicious, sophisticated sake made with centuries-old tradition as you walk the streets of Kyoto? Join 2019 Miss Sake Sae Haruta and Mimi from Tippsy as they take you through unassuming breweries within this historic city. We promise you an abundance of culture with architecture, food and sake all mixed in.
Using prized, softer water from wells as deep as 2,600 feet, sake from Kyoto has a silky, soft mouthfeel that is sophisticated, balanced and understated as can be. Breweries in the area are pushing the envelope of innovation while honoring their tradition, and making sake that pairs well with foods from all over the world.
Founded in 1675 and currently 14 generations strong, they are one of the oldest breweries in Kyoto, known for inventing a filter that created the first cloudy sake back in 1964.
Ginjo
Founded in 1673, they are the first revivers of junmai (“pure rice”) sake with no additives. Without wavering to trends, they’ve made better sake year over year of which you will never tire.
Daiginjo
A mythological, playful Japanese river imp called “kappa” has been their mascot since 1955, reflecting their mission to continually provide their carefully crafted artisanal sake that appeals to the masses.
Junmai
This is one of the smallest breweries in Kyoto. Using pure water from their well and devoting particular attention to sourcing organically grown sake rice, their ultimate pursuit is expressing the land’s bounty.
The last remaining brewery in the southern part of Kyoto hasn’t stopped looking to the future. They are makers of unique sake with a vintage to be enjoyed like wine.
Founded in 1677, they are blessed with their local natural water source called Shirakikusui, which means white chrysanthemum water. Their own restaurant across the street is not to be missed, either!
Originally founded in 1645 within Old Kyoto bounds and relocating to Fushimi in 1920, their core belief is to stick to natural and traditional brewing methods such as junmai and kimoto.
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