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?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/59899/37a6a5fe-51a5-423e-825a-4a763fc7c0dc.png)
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
Savannah B.
“Insightful, friendly & flexible”
Keiko was an absolute pleasure and I really enjoyed her tour. I booked for a group of 4 with very different tastes and energy levels. We started near Peace Park and she was a wealth of interesting information about Hiroshima city and its history. She was very easy to talk to and did her best to ask questions. Mitaki Temple was by far my favorite stop of the day, it was stunning and so peaceful, definitely a hidden gem. I really appreciated her willingness to be flexible and change plans last minute. We originally planned on heading to Saijo at the end of our tour, but the rest of my group was getting tired and hungry. Kay was kind enough to adjust our tour and take us to an okonomiyaki spot for a late lunch instead. She was very patient with helping us and handling the many random questions asked by my in-laws. Prior to the tour she was very helpful with arranging plans and logistics that suited our needs. She even helped with some directions the day after our tour and kept in touch to ask about our day at Miyajima. I could not have asked for a better guide and if I ever return to Hiroshima I will book Keiko again. I can't recommend her enough!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/59899/37a6a5fe-51a5-423e-825a-4a763fc7c0dc.png)
Keiko K.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I really enjoyed our meaningful conversations about Japanese history education and how stories are passed down through generations. I was also delighted that you enjoyed Mitaki-dera, a hidden gem in Hiroshima that is often overlooked by tourists. What touched me most was the genuine love and devotion you showed toward your parents-in-law. I honestly thought they were your own parents until the very end! Your dedication was truly admirable. I’m sorry we missed the Saijo Sake Festival, but I sincerely hope to welcome you back to Hiroshima someday. I’ll be looking forward to it! Warmest regards, Kay (Keiko)
Adam K.
“Informative and enjoyable day!”
Keiko was a terrific guide from the second we connected with her. She freely gave her time online to assist us with the booking process and was incredibly accomodating of our needs. In person, her warmth, kindness and knowledge ensured such an educational day for my family of four and we will remember it fondly. We can’t thank her enough and would recommend her and this day to anyone looking for an incredible insight into Hiroshima and a wonderful afternoon on Miyajima Island.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/59899/37a6a5fe-51a5-423e-825a-4a763fc7c0dc.png)
Keiko K.
Thank you so much for your heartwarming review. I was actually wondering how you enjoyed your USJ experience! It was such a pleasure meeting your wonderful and close-knit family in Hiroshima. I’m also hoping that, during the rest of your stay in Japan, you’ll have more opportunities to enjoy the sake you tried for the first time here in Hiroshima and perhaps become even more familiar with it! I hope you continue to enjoy your wonderful family trip in Japan! Kind regards, Keiko (Kay)
Hope N.
“Great day trip from Miyajima to Hiroshima”
We thoroughly enjoyed the whole day with Keiko-san. She is very experienced and adapts to guest desires. We learned so much more about the history, religion, and culture than we would have on our own. Keiko was very friendly and flexible with our schedule to accommodate the weather changes. We would highly recommend her as a guide.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/59899/37a6a5fe-51a5-423e-825a-4a763fc7c0dc.png)
Keiko K.
Thank you so much for your warm review! I truly enjoyed the time with all of you. I believe we were able to have so many interesting conversations because of your genuine interest in Japanese culture and history. And your hike up Mt. Misen was the fastest I’ve ever experienced with guests! I was honestly amazed by your stamina and energy! Please come back to Hiroshima again. I’ll be looking forward to welcoming you back! Warmest regards, Kay
$126/ per group
More tours by Keiko K.
Hiroshima City Tour Highlights (4.5 Hours)
Hiroshima is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. As you explore, don't miss these must-see sites that capture the spirit of the city. This tour includes Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, Shukkeien (a stunning Japanese garden), and Hiroshima Castle known as "Carp Castle". These sites are a glimpse of what Hiroshima has to offer. The tour is flexible, allowing you to tailor the experience by adding destinations that capture your interest.
Hiroshima City Tour Highlights (4.5 Hours)
A UNESCO World Heritages Tour in Hiroshima (7-8 Hours)
This tour includes two UNESCO World heritages: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome and Miyajima island:Itsukushima Shrine, Five Storied Pagoda, Senjokaku, Daiganji Temple or Daishoin-Temple, and Omotesando shopping street. ※Depending on the situation, I may add Orizuru Tower to the itinerary, since Peace Museum may not be suitable for small children. Note: To maximize our tour, I would recommend using a fast boat at least once from or to Miyajima island during this tour.
A UNESCO World Heritages Tour in Hiroshima (7-8 Hours)
Miyajima Full-Day Tour
Discover the beauty and culture of Miyajima island on a full-day tour. Explore the iconic Itsukushima Shrine with its famous floating Torii gate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through peaceful forests to the Daisho-in Temple, and take a scenic hike or cable car to the top of Mount Misen for breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea. Experience local cuisine while exploring the charming streets. This immersive tour offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture!
Miyajima Full-Day Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18549/43b676e3-47ed-42c1-bebd-935f9e30dd06.jpg)
"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.
"ZAZEN"-Zen meditation and Sake-tasting in Saijo, Higashihiroshima
Other Popular Food & Drink Tours in Hiroshima
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/329/8197.jpg)
Central Hiroshima and Okonomiyaki (Local Food) Tour
First up, I bring you to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Hiroshima is well known as the first atomic bombed city in the world history. You walk and drop by at many spots built to commemorate the victims and learn more at the Peace Memorial Museum. After that study tour, we roam around Central area and finally arrive at Okonomiyaki restaurant for early supper. Okonomiyaki is Hiroshima's soul food; a savory pancake filled with chopped vegetables, meat, sea food, noodle, egg... Just give it a try.
Central Hiroshima and Okonomiyaki (Local Food) Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/655/8070.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/511/13238.jpg)
Saijo....Sake Town
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/655/8070.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/3819/72491.jpg)
"Hiroshima Hops & Sips: A Craft Beer and Tavern Crawl"
We will navigate a 3-hour stroll through the back streets of the entertainment district of Hiroshima trying excellent craft beers and sake and stopping off at bars, pubs, and an izakaya, a traditional drinking house, where locals gather with friends and colleagues to enjoy mouth-watering, small-plate dishes cooked don the grill before your eyes along with free-flowing drinks.
"Hiroshima Hops & Sips: A Craft Beer and Tavern Crawl"
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/16673/66085.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4180/72492.jpg)
SAIJO SAKE TOWN (SAKAGURA) TOUR
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/16673/66085.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18547/6bc1f989-5cba-41f6-b26a-f8af74931843.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18547/1535396c-fbf4-421d-b505-8997972606e8.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18547/dd6be863-01db-4baa-9f41-a2cb5edaf6d4.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18547/0c05d7b7-50a6-4ea0-b52e-19b55efbf72d.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18547/e81f1a05-8b25-476d-b94f-20af65468ea5.jpg)