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.
At Saijo Station
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.
lunch in a local inn with the delicious specialty brewers stamina hot pot dish
after-lunch coffee or preferred beverage and dessert at a lovely nearby cafe also selling local craft souvenirs..
conclude the tour and if preferred escort guests back to Hiroshima Station and part.
Hiroshima Station
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
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.
“Enjoy a special day in Japan with this Aussie guide”
Hugh was incredible! He is a Japanese soul with an Aussie accent. His deep love and respect for Japan was immediately evident and he generously shared his take on history, culture, and language on our day-long adventure. He was easy to contact by email pre-trip to work out some details and was on time at our hotel starting point. We spent a full day on foot, train, and ferry to significant locations in and around Hiroshima. We especially enjoyed our lunch stop for okonomiyaki (savory pancake) at a wonderful location we never would have found on our own. Our group of 3 finished the day 10 times smarter than when we started.
“Great Tour Guide”
Hugh is very knowledgeable and flexible to tailor our tour day due to changing circumstances. For example, when the trains to Mijiima were not available because of heavy rains and mud slide risks, we started out in the reverse order and started with the atomic bomb dome and museum. When became clear that the trains would still be out for a few more hours. We took a cab, tram and two boats to get to and from Miyajima and had a great time. He is a wealth of knowledge for history buffs like myself. His fluency in Japanese was flawless and great to have as a guide.
Hugh C.
(76 reviews)Thanks Barry! It was a great pleasure sharing the day as your guide.
Eseroghene A.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima's History
“A Blast from the Past - Letters from Hiroshima”
I have been an avid reader of anything 1945, and the cause of the war. Meeting Hugh capped it all! From the moment we met, to our final moments after the tour, it was out of this world! Hard to describe how I felt as he opened up his letters on Hiroshima, he had taken time to compile over his > 3 decades of stay in Japan! Hugh's masterful understanding of Hiroshima and its history should make every Japanese proud! If you plan to visit Hiroshima, you will be doing yourself a lot of good if you call him up Well done. More than brilliant for a tour guide. The highlight of my visit to Japan. Nothing came close at second or third place. Regards Ese
Hugh C.
(76 reviews)It was a privilege to share your day Ese!