About Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto Prefecture, situated in the Kansai region of Japan, holds a rich cultural and historical significance. Known as the "City of Ten Thousand Shrines," Kyoto is a treasure trove of traditional architecture, serene gardens, and vibrant festivals. The name "Kyoto" translates to "capital city," underscoring its historical role as the imperial capital for more than a millennium.
Nestled in the picturesque Kamo River basin and surrounded by wooded hills, Kyoto boasts a landscape that seamlessly blends urban sophistication with natural beauty. The city is renowned for its iconic landmarks, including the historic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Taisha, with its famous vermilion torii gates stretching up the mountainside.
Beyond its architectural marvels, Kyoto is a culinary delight. The local cuisine showcases a diverse range of flavors, with specialties like kaiseki (traditional multi-course meals), yudofu (tofu hot pot), and matcha-flavored treats, reflecting the region's cultural refinement.
Kyoto Prefecture also preserves ancient traditions, such as the art of tea ceremony, ikebana (flower arranging), and traditional crafts like Kyo-yuzen dyeing and Kiyomizu-yaki pottery. The Gion Matsuri, one of Japan's most celebrated festivals, takes place annually in Kyoto, featuring vibrant parades and traditional performances.
As the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto continues to captivate visitors with its timeless beauty, making it a destination that seamlessly merges the past with the present.
About Eikun
Kyoto's Fushimi district has long been known for its sake. Saito Sake Brewery, founded in 1895, is relatively new among Kyoto's sake breweries, despite its Meiji-era origins.
Originally a kimono fabric merchant, the Saito family shifted to sake brewing in the late 19th century, when changing transportation routes brought by the railways impacted their business. The brewery's first labels were "Ootaka" and "Yanagimasa," but in 1915, they rebranded to "Eikun" in honor of the Taisho Emperor’s coronation.In Memory of President Tanaka Yuichiro
Eikun sake is crafted to be elegant and clean, complementing refined cuisine. The brewery's signature rice, Iwai, is exclusively grown in Kyoto, and all premium sake is made from locally sourced Kyoto rice. Saito's dedication to excellence has been recognized with numerous accolades, including 14 consecutive gold medals at the National Sake Appraisal and international awards like the International Wine Challenge.
