Fushimi is an area in Kyoto which is known for sake breweries, and production. Noa recommended that we should check it out so we thought we would see what was happening after a visit to the Fushimi- Inari Taisha Shrine- also excellent, a 4 km walk up a mountain with thousands of tori gates. Amazing. At sunset, it can be quite eerie though.
We got out the train station and walked to where we thought it should be but couldn't find it so we asked a couple to point us in the right way. In typical Japanese fashion, they started walking us straight there. Such friendly, and helpful people. We got there and it looked like the place was shut so we were like oh, but then the couple were like no, its okay, and walked us all the way to the door and asked for a table for us.
It wasn't busy inside. Just a few business men drinking, and eating.
After re-reading the map we realised we were in the restaurant which we wanted to go to after the brewery. Worked out quite well for us.
The staff didn't speak English so a few of them walked past and some attempted to help us but eventually the supervisor came to try and help us. I used my phrase book to see if things would be easier-
Nani ga oishii desu ka? (What do you recommend?)
Pointing at the menu, we asked for some beer that was brewed in house, and recommendation of sake. The chief suggested a rack of sake. Cool.
Different stages/ strengths of sake
My first taste of sake, and it was from a brewery visit so happy with that. We then attempted to order food but that didn't really work, and the only food they had were kebabs so we continued drinking. Sake doesn't make you feel drunk but you can feel it in your head if that makes sense.
Good times.
The next day we had a sake party with Nao and Kaori. It kind of happened accidently. Kaori had just come back from the shop, and said that if we liked sake, there was one brand on offer at the shop so we were like cool, maybe we'll get some. Nao was debating whether to stock up on a few more bottles so when we went we picked up an extra one as well for him as a present, they were excellent hosts. Only condition was that they would have to drink with us!
Nao went out and bought some sashimi, and made it into a party. Even though we had already eating dinner he convinced us that you have to eat sashimi with sake.
Don't think they make a habit of partying with guests. Its not a party place at all. More like their own home.
I can't remember how to say 'cheers', only 'one more please!' haha okawari kurasaaaaai !
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