The Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum tells the history of sake in Japan. Permanent exhibits include more than 400 items used in the production and display of the drink, including barrels, serving vessels, and more. Throughout the museum, the traditional chants of sake makers are played through speakers, to recreate the atmosphere of the old brewery. Sake samples are provided at the end of the tour.
Visitors can join a general tour or a more in-depth tour, where they can see and learn about the fermentation of unrefined sake at the adjoining working brewery. Many travelers visit independently, although some food and drink-focused tours include this museum on their itinerary, along with a Japanese lunch or time at a traditional izakaya bar-restaurant.
Even if you have a rental vehicle while traveling in Japan, it’s best to get here by public transport so you can enjoy the sake samples. The museum is a short walk from Chushojima, Fushimi-Momoyama, and Momoyama-Goryomae train stations.
The museum is open most days, apart from some major Japanese holidays. Opening hours are from mid-morning until late afternoon.
An izakaya is a traditional Japanese bar and eatery that serves simple food, rather than haute cuisine, and Japanese liquor. They tend to be quite affordable places to eat and drink, too. After your tour of the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, put your new knowledge of the drink to the test by sampling some more at an izakaya. These can be found all over the city but the downtown area has a large concentration. For a more traditional Japanese atmosphere, head to the historic Gion area.
