Saijo Sake Brewery Tour in Higashihiroshima (2.5 Hours)
Step into the heart of Japan’s sake culture in Saijo, a charming town just 35 minutes from Hiroshima by JR train. Stroll along the historic Sake Brewery Street (Sakagura-dori), lined with traditional white-walled storehouses and towering red brick chimneys.
Let me take you to this picturesque district, where you’ll learn how sake is made and enjoy tastings at seven different breweries.
This tour offers a truly authentic and unforgettable experience—all easily accessible from Hiroshima.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Saijo Station
- (at the exit of the ticket gates)
Kamotsuru
Pioneer in Ginjo Sake brewery
-multilingual panels and video
-premium sake tasting
Fukubijin
The Former "Saijo Brewing School"-turning out many master brewers
-sake tasting and more-to-see
Kamoizumi
Famous for their Junmai-shu(sake) brewery
-sake tasting
-Shusenkan (the former Hiroshima Prefectural Saijo Seishu Jozo Shijo: sake brewing branch)
Kirei
The driest sake among Hiroshima's typically sweet selections
-sake tasting
Saijotsuru
Gold Quality label has been repeatedly awarded by Monde Selection
-sake tasting
Hakubotan
One of the oldest sake breweries in Hiroshima
-video gallery
-Munakata Shiko's woodblock prints
-sake tasting
Sanyotsuru
Japanese sake and calligrapy
-sake tasting
-there is a restaurant behind the store
Ending Point
Saijo Station
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
-Guiding fee
-Guide's transportation from home to the meet-up place and backward
-Sake tasking fees: please pay for what you drink
Tour Important Information
* Kindly note that sake tastings may occasionally be unavailable due to the breweries' circumstances.
* Alcohols are allowed here over 20 years old.
Before booking this tour, please let me know your preferred travel date so I can check with the breweries to confirm availability.
Important message from the supplier
Weekdays are basically available.
Weekends are also available upon request, though, family matters are prioritized.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Keiko K.
Hello, welcome to my profile! I'm Keiko (Kay). As a national certified guide deeply passionate about the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this area, I am eager to share these experiences with you. With over 16 years of experience living abroad, mostly in Europe, I've had the privilege of immersing myself in diverse cultures and meeting incredible people from around the world. I'm sociable, outgoing and love making new connections wherever I go.
I'm also very active, enjoying sports like badminton, biking, jogging, and dancing, especially zumba and salsa. On top of that, I've been playing the piano for over *xx years, a passion that brings balance to my life. (The reason XX is simply because I hesitate to disclose my age...)
Health and nutrition are important to me, as is the same to everyone, and I love exploring new ways to stay healthy and enjoy good food!
Our itinerary will take us through some of the most iconic landmarks, as well as a few hidden gems that only locals know about. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient architecture, indulging in the local cuisine, or learning about the fascinating history that has shaped this place, I am here to tailor the tour to your interests.
Would I be a good fit for your company here in Hiroshima?
Warm regards,
Keiko(Kay)
Reviews
Paul M.
“Hiroshima City Tour”
Keiko was waiting for us in the cruise line terminal and had organised a taxi so we were quickly on our way. Unbelievably knowledgeable about all of the devastating history of this city . She make the morning enjoyable and informative.
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Keiko K.
Although yesterday was beautiful and sunny, the weather turned rainy today. I truly regret that I couldn’t take you to more places. However, meeting you both and having such lovely conversations was the highlight of the tour for me. I sincerely hope you will visit Hiroshima again—I would be delighted to welcome you back. Warmly, Keiko
Hannah Y.
“Great afternoon in Hiroshima”
Kay was wonderful to work with, making a custom tour based on our group's interest. She was easy to reach and very helpful. The tour was informative and fun. I'd strongly recommend taking a tour with her!
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Keiko K.
I’m very happy to receive your warm review. Your in-laws were all in great health, and I was truly impressed by their strong stamina. Although it rained until early morning on the day of the tour, we were fortunate to have good weather during the tour, and I hope your in-laws were able to fully enjoy the cherry blossoms as they were nearing full bloom. I’m very grateful for the wonderful time I had with them. Thank you. Warmly, Kay
Trina S.
“Did It All!!!!”
We’re a family of four with two adult sons, and Keiko was exceptional in every way. She was incredibly knowledgeable and thoughtfully organized the day, helping us make the most of every moment during a very busy season. We covered a lot, which is exactly how our family loves to travel, while still having the flexibility to adapt, pause, and explore at our own pace. Keiko struck the perfect balance between efficiency and enjoyment, and thanks to her, we truly felt like we experienced it all.
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Keiko K.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review so soon. I truly appreciated every single word!! Above all, hiking all the way to the top of Mount Misen together with all of you is a wonderful memory for me. I believe it’s one of the best ways to fully enjoy Miyajima. I’m sure you will continue traveling to many places across Japan, and I hope you enjoy the unique charm of each region. Please also give my best regards to your friendly, very Canadian husband, and your two handsome boys!! Hugs, Kay
$126/ per group
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"ZAZEN"-Zen meditation and Sake-tasting in Saijo, Higashihiroshima
Tired of the crowds in central Hiroshima? Escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a peaceful day in Higashihiroshima. Higashihiroshima, famous for its Sake Brewery, originally developed around Aki Kokubunji Temple, established along the old Saigoku-kaido. How about experiencing Zen meditation (ZAZEN) at this prestigious temple, surrounded by serenity and tradition? After the session, we’ll visit a Sake-Brewery Street (Sakagura-Dori) and taste different types of Sake produced in Saijo.
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After 30 min. train ride from Hiroshima, you arrive at this tiny town, SAIJO. Just follow chimneys and you find SAKE here. In this small town, you will encounter the world famous and time-honored sake breweries. Enjoy waking around and drop in at some of sake breweries to have a taste. Good rice and quality water are indispensable for making good sake, though. This town has both of them. In 2025, the Sake festival will be held on October 11&12. Come and join us!!
Saijo....Sake Town
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Sakagura is the grouping of breweries in a particular district. The word sake by itself is a generic term for alcohol and Japanese call the clear alcohol unique drink brewed in Japan nihonshu, which has played a central role in Japanese life and culture for 2,000 years. The town of Saijo is one of the premier sake-producing regions in Japan; this tour is a delightful stroll through the district and includes tasting at the breweries.
SAIJO SAKE TOWN (SAKAGURA) TOUR
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