The Perfect Harmony of Water and Cherry Blossoms in Fushimi, Kyoto
Located in the Fushimi Ward of Kyoto, Japan, it is known as the southern gateway to Kyoto. Kawazu cherry blossoms bloom along the water's edge, their patches of red clouds glowing like morning glow reflected on the shimmering water. Mentioning Fushimi naturally brings to mind the vermilion Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine crowded with pilgrims, but Fushimi has another identity: it is also one of Japan’s three great sake districts. Legend has it that the rice used for sake brewing in Fushimi dates back to the Yayoi period. Moreover, the abundant groundwater in the Fushimi area, known as 'Fushimizu,' is of medium hardness and rich in minerals, making it ideal for brewing soft, mellow sake. As a result, Fushimi is home to many sake cellars. In early spring, you can stroll through the historic sake-brewing district, enjoy the harmonious interplay of water and cherry blossoms, and explore historical remnants related to the end of the shogunate, including the 150-year-old Taisei Hōkan (Return of Political Power to the Emperor).
Early Spring in Fushimi: Pink Cherry Blossoms Meeting the Sky Along the Water
Spring revives all things, and early spring cherry blossoms flutter and fall, bringing touches of pink to the still chilly land. Kawazu cherry blossoms begin blooming from early February. Compared to Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, the deep pink of the early Kawazu cherries is a distinctive feature. Kawazu cherries take about a month from first bloom to full bloom, allowing you to enjoy their brilliant display for a long time.
Fushimi is not only a famous sake district but also a renowned water town since ancient times. Since 2002 (Heisei 14), saplings have been planted year by year along Yodo Waterway, winding along the canal. Now it is a scenic spot with about 200 Kawazu cherry trees. As the fame of the Kawazu cherries along Yodo Waterway has grown, photographers flock there in droves after full bloom, making it one of the well-known photography 'check-in' spots.
When the Somei Yoshino and other cherry blossoms in Kyoto city have not yet bloomed, you can come here to see the pink cherry blossoms that sometimes wind upward, linking the water to the sky, and sometimes show their pink silhouettes on the streets.
Along Yodo Waterway, besides the graceful pink cherry blossoms, bright yellow rapeseed flowers also compete for attention. The interplay of pink and yellow makes it truly a great photo spot.
Location: Yodo Shinmachi – Shimotsumachi, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, along Yodo Waterway
10-minute walk from 'Yodo' station on the Keihan Electric Railway
Fushimi's Other Face: 'The Sake-Brewing District'
'Fushimi' consists of the plains formed by the three rivers—Katsura, Kamo, and Uji—and the Higashiyama mountain range rising from the southern hills of Momoyama. Blessed with abundant natural resources, Fushimi has a long history of sake brewing since ancient times. With the construction of Fushimi Castle by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Fushimi flourished as a transportation hub during the Edo period. Meanwhile, the number of sake breweries increased dramatically, and by the late Meiji period, Fushimi had become a nationally renowned sake-brewing district. Today, centered around Kintetsu's 'Fushimi Momoyama' station, there are over 20 sake cellars, including the well-known 'Gekkeikan'. Strolling through, you can catch a glimpse of the various Fushimi sake cellars that carry on ancient traditions. If you feel like it, you can also visit local sake cellar museums.
Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
The reason Fushimi became a sake-brewing district is closely related to its water. Fushimi has long been called 'Fushimizu,' meaning high-quality spring water. Even today, many springs emerge here. One famous spring is at Gokōnomiya Shrine. The spring water at Gokōnomiya Shrine is said to be more fragrant than other water within the precincts, called 'Gokōsui' (imperial fragrant water). It is believed to have healing properties and is now selected as one of Japan's 100 Famous Waters.
At the Gekkeikan Museum, there is a well called 'Sakamizu,' which draws groundwater flowing through Fushimi. The 'Liyue' (Book of Rites) mentions six essential criteria for sake brewing: 'The glutinous rice must be uniform, the mold and grain must be timely, the steaming and cooling must be clean, the water must be fragrant, the earthenware must be good, and the heating must be appropriate.' Thus, the importance of water in sake brewing is evident. The water quality required for sake brewing must be favorable for microbial activity, uncontaminated, and of suitable hardness. It is clear that the source of Fushimi's mellow sake lies in this sweet and delicious water.
If you want to discover the charm of Fushimi sake, you can taste it on-site and stroll through the streetscape of traditional Japanese 'dozo' storehouses. I believe you will find a 'new perspective' of Kyoto. It's time to enjoy an unconventional travel experience in Fushimi, Kyoto—one of gentle intoxication and swirling pink cherry blossoms.
