Sake Brewery Tourism in Kansai

  • The History of Sake
  • The Allure of Kansai
  • Tourism in Kansai
  • People of Kansai

Which area of Japan do you associate with sake production?
Niigata, a famous rice-producing region, or Akita and other Tohoku prefectures may spring to mind.
However, you may be surprised to learn that Kansai is Japan’s top sake production region in terms of volume. Yes, you heard it: Kansai is Japan’s preeminent sake production region, which includes Hyogo Prefecture (nationwide ranking: 1st) and Kyoto Prefecture (nationwide ranking: 2nd). Kansai’s ten prefectures (Shiga Prefecture, Kyoto Prefecture, Osaka Prefecture, Hyogo Prefecture, Nara Prefecture, Wakayama Prefecture, Tottori Prefecture, Tokushima Prefecture, Fukui Prefecture, and Mie Prefecture), including the renowned Nadagogo and Fushimi sake districts, are home to many sake breweries that are rooted in the community. Here, a variety of distinctive styles of sake are brewed by long-standing breweries with a distinguished history, small-scale breweries, breweries creating stylish sake catering for modern tastes, and more.

Sake Brewery Tourism in Kansai

  • 日本酒＆観光の楽しみ方
  • The History of Sake
  • The Allure of Kansai
  • Tourism in Kansai
  • People of Kansai

The Allure of Kansai

Delicious rice and pure water are essential for sake brewing. In fact, sake consists of 80% water. This is why it is said that those regions with clean water and great-tasting food are most suited to sake brewing. In other words, it is only natural that a culture of sake developed in the Kansai region, given that it is renowned for its delicious food.
What is more, the official capital of Japan has been located at various places in Kansai (Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, and Shiga) for over one thousand years, including Heian-kyo. The existence of so many capitals in such a limited geographical area is without precedent in the history of Japan. The wider region enjoyed great prosperity, with these capitals acting as a conduit through which the latest things at the time were introduced to Japan through interaction between societies, economies and people.
Kansai, a region with rich natural environments and a fascinating historical background. It is easy to see why this distinctive region continues to pulse with its distinctive forms of culture and cuisine.

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