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SAIJO SAKE TOWN (SAKAGURA) TOUR
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 30 odd years and I have been a Hiroshima resident for 18 of those 30 years.
I joined GoWithGuide just recently but be assured 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
“Hiroshima Pub Crawl”
We had an absolutely fantastic time on the pub crawl! The event was so well-organized, and Hugh did an amazing job of keeping the energy high and everyone engaged. Each stop had a great vibe, with a perfect mix of lively atmospheres and unique drink selections. It was clear Hugh had researched the venues beforehand, as each spot offered something special and felt thoughtfully chosen to enhance the experience. It was a great way to meet people from all over and enjoy the local nightlife without worrying about where to go next. The restaurant we went to for dinner was an experience inside of an experience. We’ll definitely be doing this again next time we're in town! Thanks, Hugh!
Hugh C.
No, no. Thank YOU, Dan for choosing to spend your valuable time with me!
“A Canny Day in Hiroshima”
We had an incredible day of sightseeing with Hugh, whose vast knowledge of Japan and engaging storytelling made our visit to Miyajima and Hiroshima truly memorable. He was not only entertaining but also exceptionally helpful, always willing to answer our questions and provide insights. Hugh’s passion for sharing the culture and history of Japan was evident throughout the tour, making every stop feel meaningful and unique. His approachable and friendly demeanor put both of us at ease, and we never felt rushed as he tailored the experience to suit our interests. The okonomiyaki restaurant he took us to for lunch was an experience that a first-time visitor would never know existed. He even went above and beyond, at the end of our tour he walked us to the airport limo station and guided us through purchasing tickets. It was such an inspiring and seamless experience—if we ever return to the area, we wouldn’t hesitate to book with him again. Thanks, Hugh!
Hugh C.
Thanks Dan, it was my pleasure but this appreciation truly is the reward and inspires attention to the experience.
“Thank you, Hugh!”
We were fortunate to spend October 25th of this year with Hugh on a one-day tour of Naoshima. Not only did he guide us through museums and art installations, but he also introduced us to the island’s lesser-known corners and took us to the best local coffee spots.Hugh was incredibly accommodating, ensuring our day trip was comfortable and enjoyable. He went above and beyond, picking us up from our hotel in Okayama and dropping us off at the end of a long, fulfilling day.Having lived in Japan for decades, Hugh is deeply immersed in its culture. He has a fascinating life story and is an accomplished calligrapher, martial artist, painter, and overall intellectual. Our day with him was not only filled with art but also enriched by fascinating conversations and stories.Hugh had carefully planned our itinerary to ensure we made the most of our time on the island, and we are grateful for his thoughtful approach, especially since this was our only opportunity to experience Naoshima. If you're looking for a guide who speaks both English and Japanese, and who not only shares insightful information about exhibits but also offers a deep understanding of Japanese culture and customs, Hugh is an excellent choice. Be sure to book his time in advance!
$260/ per group
More tours by Hugh C.
A Canny Day in Hiroshima
The overall plan for a day in Hiroshima: Join me on a very memorable stroll through the history and culture of the "shrine island", designated one of the three most scenic sites in Japan and a World Heritage SIte, before returning to Central Hiroshima to tour Peace Memorial Park, it monuments and museums or, if desired, I am happy to discuss customising your tour to include other attractions.
Hiroshima Classical Walking Tour
A lovely relaxed half-day tour where we’ll share a comfortable three-stage walking tour as we stroll through Hiroshima’s classical Japanese landscaped gardens. Visit Hiroshima Castle and explore the interior Museum, before a tour of the fascinating modern history of Hiroshima including the A-Bomb Dome, and Peace Memorial Park.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima's History
An in-depth tour of the fascinating history of Hiroshima including the A-Bomb Dome, and the monuments and museum in Peace Memorial Park, followed by lunch as per what might be your available preference but I recommend Hiroshima okonomiyaki, a scrumptious layered savoury pancake.
Hiroshima - The Shrine Island
Join me on a very memorable stroll through its ancient history - the "shrine island" Miyajima, a designated World Heritage Site. We'll get photos of the giant sentinal Torii Gate then visit the ancient Itsukushima Shrine also Daishoin Temple an equally important religious site and the stark mysteriously austere Senjokaku hall and adjacent Five-Story Pagoda. Enjoy an aerial gondola ride to some spectacular views and dine of fresh local fare.
Other Popular Food & Drink Tours in Hiroshima
Central Hiroshima and Okonomiyaki (Local Food) Tour
First up, I bring you to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Hiroshima is well known as the first city in the world history, that was atomic bombed. You may walk and drop by at many spots built to commemorate those who perished in those days and learn more at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. After that study tour, we roam around Central Hiroshima (the busiest street for shopping) 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 and whatever you want, even cheese... Actually this is the origin of the name of Okonomiyaki, since Okonomi literally means "as you like" and yaki means grilled. Fun to see how to make on a huge iron plate and exciting to eat with a special tool (Kote). Just give it a try.
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. Let's explore the splendid nature and sake culture.
Craft Beer Fest and Tavern Crawl Hiroshima
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.