U.S. University Students Explore Kyoto’s Sake Culture in Fushimi

Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming a group of more than 20 university students from the United States for a special educational visit to a sake brewery in Kyoto’s famous Fushimi Sake District.

The venue was Matsumoto Sake Brewery, a historic Fushimi brewery and the producer of Momo no Shizuku sake. Although the brewery is not normally open to the public, we were honored to be given the rare opportunity to organize this educational visit together with the brewery team.

It was an unforgettable day of learning, discovery, and cultural exchange.

Welcome to Kyoto’s Sake Capital

As the students stepped off their bus, they were greeted by members of the Matsumoto Sake Brewery team—including Executive Director Mr. Matsumoto and Sales Manager Mr. Maeda—as well as our Kyoto Insider Sake Experience staff.

“Welcome to Kyoto.”

“Welcome to Fushimi.”

“Welcome to Matsumoto Sake Brewery.”

The excitement was immediately apparent. For many of the students, this was their first visit to a working Japanese sake brewery.

Learning the Story Behind Japanese Sake

The visit began with an educational presentation introducing the history of Matsumoto Sake Brewery, the importance of Fushimi as one of Japan’s premier sake-producing regions, and the brewing process behind Japanese sake.

Rather than simply explaining how sake is made, we explored why Fushimi became one of Japan’s most celebrated brewing districts, where soft underground water and generations of craftsmanship have shaped the local culture for centuries. Our Fushimi Sake District Guide explores this history in greater depth, from the area’s famous water to the breweries and traditions that continue to define Fushimi today.

One particularly memorable moment came when the students tasted Fushimi’s famous brewing water. Experiencing its soft, clean character firsthand helped them better understand why water plays such an essential role in sake production.

Throughout the presentation, the students listened attentively, asked thoughtful questions, and showed genuine curiosity about Japanese brewing traditions.

A Rare Opportunity to Step Inside the Brewery

After the presentation, it was time to enter the brewery itself.

Wearing protective caps for hygiene, the students stepped inside a working kura (brewery building) – a rare opportunity for international visitors.

Although the brewing season had already ended, the brewery was busy dismantling equipment and thoroughly cleaning every corner of the facility in preparation for the next season.

Standing before the enormous fermentation tanks, many students paused in amazement. Seeing the scale of sake production firsthand offered a completely different perspective from reading about it in a textbook.

One of the highlights of the visit was the opportunity to hear directly from the brewery’s toji, or master brewer.

Questions came one after another.

・How long does fermentation take?

・How much sake does each tank produce?

・What are the major factors that determine how sake tastes?

The conversation quickly became an engaging exchange rather than a lecture, giving students a deeper understanding of the dedication, craftsmanship, and philosophy behind Japanese sake.

Before leaving, we gathered outside for a group photo in front of Matsumoto Sake Brewery’s iconic buildings.

With its historic brewery architecture and distinctive red-brick chimney rising behind us, it was the perfect setting to commemorate the day. More than just a group photo, it captured a shared experience—students from the United States standing together at a working Kyoto sake brewery after discovering the traditions that continue to shape Fushimi today.

Interested in learning more about Matsumoto Sake Brewery? We’ve also published a detailed guide covering its history, brewing philosophy, and signature sake.

→ Read our complete Matsumoto Sake Brewery Guide.

More Than a Brewery Visit

For us, this experience represented something much larger than a brewery visit.

It was an opportunity to introduce international students to Japanese culture through one of its oldest living traditions.

Understanding sake means understanding much more than what is in the glass. It connects Japan’s climate, agriculture, craftsmanship, history, and local communities.
Standing inside a historic brewery allowed the students to experience these connections in a way that books and classrooms simply cannot replicate.

We hope this visit gave our guests a deeper appreciation of Japan and inspired them to continue exploring its rich sake culture.

This educational visit was specially organized in cooperation with Matsumoto Sake Brewery and is not part of Kyoto Insider Sake Experience’s regular tours.

Experience Kyoto’s Sake Culture with Us

While the brewery itself is not generally open to the public, there are many wonderful ways to experience the rich sake culture of Kyoto’s Fushimi district.

At Kyoto Insider Sake Experience, our guided sake experiences go beyond simply tasting different sake. Through expert guidance, carefully selected tastings, and food pairings, we help travelers understand the history, craftsmanship, and culture behind what they experience in each glass.

Whether you’re visiting Kyoto for the first time, studying abroad in Japan, or simply curious about Japanese sake, our tours provide a deeper introduction to the people, traditions, and stories behind every bottle.

Discover Kyoto through sake—and experience the spirit of Fushimi with us.