Have you visited the Imperial Palace &amp; Nijo Castle? Have already explored the bustling Gion district at night and have seen the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove? Are you looking for a change of pace? How about a day trip to the tranquil town of Fushimi for a day away from the crowds indulging in sips of the best sake?

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Fushimi originally meant &lsquo;underground water&rsquo;, and is renowned for its natural springs, which play a pivotal role in the district&rsquo;s fame. The pristine water sourced from these underground springs is ideal for crafting sake, making Fushimi a celebrated hub for its distinguished sake breweries.&nbsp;

Listen as your friendly TripGuru regales you with stories of the old port town Fushimi used to be as he takes you around the area. Visit the Gekkeikan Sake Brewery &ndash; one of the world&rsquo;s leading producers of sake &ndash; and see tools and artifacts that showcase traditional sake making methods.

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&ldquo;We were pleasantly surprised at how interesting the museum was, we learnt a lot and enjoyed our tasting, also purchasing a bottle of the plum wine which was delicious. The staff were friendly and welcoming. All explanations were in English too.&rdquo; &ndash; Ceg, Australia

Stop by the Kizakura Kappa Museum and Brewery, celebrated for its iconic commercials featuring kappa, mythical creatures from Japanese folklore. Take in the exhibits with dioramas about sake making before heading to the Fushimi Sake Village where you&rsquo;ll go through a tasting of 18 different sake.

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Then you&rsquo;ll make your way Shotengai Covered Market, taking in the various shops and wares, before heading to Gokonomiya Shine, which is renowned for its pure spring water. It is said that for centuries brewers would visit the shrine to invoke prayers to improve their products. Admire the Momoyama-style architecture and woodcarvings as you explore the sacred grounds.

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&ldquo;I could spend a lifetime visiting Kyoto shrines but this one is one of my favourites. It is so tranquil allowing you time to contemplate things. Very restful and, of course, full of meaning and history.&rdquo; &ndash; Peter, USA

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Japan

From Kyoto: Old Port Town and Ultimate Sake Tasting Private Tour – 3 Hrs

Go on a 3-hour tour in Fushimi and visit sake breweries, museums, and taste 18 sakes from 18 breweries! End the tour with a visit to the Gokonomiya Shine.