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SAIJO SAKE TOWN (SAKAGURA) TOUR
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Joined 2018
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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At Saijo Station
Saijo Higashi Hiroashima
A comfortable stroll through the Saijo sakagura. While visiting breweries, learning all about the brewing methods of one of the three major Japanese sake brewery regions in Japan, along the way, sampling their fine Japanese sake and eating on the specialty brewers hot pot meal for lunch.
local eatery
lunch in a local inn with the delicious specialty brewers stamina hot pot dish
boutique cafe
after-lunch coffee or preferred beverage and dessert at a lovely nearby cafe also selling local craft souvenirs..
Saijo Station
conclude the tour and if preferred escort guests back to Hiroshima Station and part.
Ending Point
Hiroshima Station
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee, the complimentary sake available at each brewery + 2 x beverages total per guest, lunch, dessert.
fares to and from Saijo (if not travelling on a JR Pass ¥580 one direction), additional drinks ~ ¥300 per additional taster glass
Tour Important Information
Strolling a total of approximately 2 km at an easy pace, but comfortable walking shoes recommended. . I can meet you either at Hiroshima station approximately forty minutes before the tour start time, or you can make the approximately 35-minute train journey to Saijo on the Sanyo line to commence the tour. I will escort you back to Hiroshima.
Once I send a requested tour offer I hold that date for 36 hours. Please note that I supply tours for several companies and I will close that date to enquiries via other providers for that period; if a booking is not made I reopen my availability. I am contractually obliged to accept bookings made for dates open on a provider site calendar; as such, I cannot guarantee availability until a booking is set. Thanks for your understanding.
Due to Brewery opening hours, not available on weekends. Must be over twenty years of age.
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
Joined 2018
About Tour Guide Hugh C.
Hi!
Thanks for reviewing my profile.
I am Australian, from Sydney originally, but my life with Japan and its culture and history spans 40 years, and I have been a Hiroshima resident for 25 of those 40 years.
I joined GoWithGuide in 2019, but I have led many tours in Hiroshima and more widely throughout metropolitan and regional Japan, sharing conversations about the unique society, its fascinating culture, and history. I also have written several tourism blogs for inbound tour companies and also the Hiroshima Prefectural Tourism Bureau.
I speak fluent Japanese and I have immersed myself in the experience of living here in modern and traditional culture and spent many years studying martial arts Aikido and Iaido. I also have a strong interest in Buddhist teachings. My Japanese calligraphy work over the years has been received recognition and several awards and commissions both in Japan and elsewhere.
I'm looking forward to spending a great experience sharing the culture and history of Hiroshima with you.
Reviews
Mauro L.
“Magnificent experience”
The knowledge that Hugh has acquired over all the years in Japan and in this city, in my opinion, surpasses even that of the local guides. He explains all the facts of the places in such a good and fresh way that we Westerners can understand the transition to this wonderful culture without problems. There are no more open questions at the end of the tour, and we were overjoyed with his local suggestions, for example, for food. Hugh rocks. And I tell you this as a tour guide myself, doing tours for over 20 years in Europe. Bravo and thank you Hugh
Stephanie P.
“Historical Tour”
Hugh was nothing short of exceptional during this tour. We had asked for a historical tour and that is exactly what we received. We have been traveling in Japan for a month visiting several regions and partaking in several tours. This tour was the best we have experienced in Japan as well as world wide. Hugh was well spoken, knowledgeable and easy to be with. He went over and beyond our expectations. Not only did he give us an exceptional tour he also made a recommendation for dinner as well as made the reservation for us. It was one of the best meals we had in Japan. He is fluent in Japan and clearly respected by the locals. It was a pleasure to spend the day with him. Thank you Hugh!
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Hugh C.
Hello Stephanie! Thanks very much for your wonderful appreciation. It was a great pleasure. Hugh
Kevin F.
“Great Day was had”
A great day with Hugh who was knowledgeable, entertaining and chose a good eating spot for lunch. Would recommend his services.
Hugh C.
Thank you Kevin! It was a pleasure sharing your day.
$424/ per group
More tours by Hugh C.
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A Canny Day in Hiroshima
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Other Popular Food & Drink Tours in Hiroshima
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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.
Saijo Sake Brewery Tour in Higashihiroshima (2.5 Hours)
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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
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"Hiroshima Hops & Sips: A Craft Beer and Tavern Crawl"
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