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.
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
Akikokubunji-Temple
Aki Kokubunji is an ancient temple founded in the 8th century as part of a system of provincial temples across Japan. It played an important role in the history of the Hiroshima region. They offer some traditional activities such as Zazen (zen-meditation), Goma(fire) ritual experience, Shabutsu (Buddhist image tracing experience) and Scented sachet-making experience. How about participating in one of those unique activities?
Saijo Sake-Brewery Street
Step into the heart of Japan’s sake culture in Saijo. 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.
Ending Point
JR Saijo Station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
-Guiding fee
-Guide's transportation from home to the meet-up place and backward
-Admission fee: Sankeien-garden (JPY350p.p)
*Please cover the admission fee for the guide
-Activities at Akukokubuji-Temple (JPY2000~3000p.p: it depends on your choice)
Note: This tours requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate. For solo travelers, please kindly cover my activity fees so I can join you as a participant.
*Guests can choose their preferred activities among Zazen, Goma (fire) ritual experience, Buddhist image tracing experience, and Scented sachet-making experience.
*Before booking, please let me know your preferred tour date. I would like to ask the temple of their availability and vacant spots in advance.
This tour is NOT available in August.
Weekdays are basically available.
Weekends are also available upon request, though, family matters are prioritized.
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)
Sarah K.
“A really great experience”
Dear Keiko, we just arrived back in Germany and we wanted to say "Thank You". We had such an interesting day with you. Your German is really good and there was no problem in understanding each other. We learned so much about your culture, the city and so on. It was a really great day and you really went beyond to show us the best places and give us so detailed information. Thank you so much. Your nice and warming personality just made the day even better. Thank you also for your sweet presents. All the best for you, Sarah and Ralph
Keiko K.
Thank you so much for your warm review. I’m glad to hear that you made it back safely to Germany! It must be the perfect season now for Zwiebelkuchen and Federweißer. Meeting you both in Hiroshima and hearing German again filled me with a deep sense of nostalgia. My German is still very much a work in progress, but I truly appreciated the way you listened so attentively. Next time you come to Hiroshima, I’ll make sure to brush up to C1 level (haha). Thank you again for the wonderful time we shared! Liebe Grüße, Kay (Keiko)
Christina R.
“Hiroshima tour”
What a remarkable day today was. Kay our tour guide, was very knowledgeable and everything about Hiroshima she seemwd to know. We visited many historical sites saw a shrine and castle and she was kind enough to help us get a taxi back to the cruise terminal. I should've asked for explanation on what was covered in her prices. We discussed the sites, but it only included the museum. That takes nothing away from what we did today. Still worth it. Kay is a terrific tour guide and we would highly recommend her. We give her a 5 as a family.
Keiko K.
Thank you so much for your kind words, and also for writing the review so quickly—I truly appreciate it as a guide. It was such a pleasure to spend half a day with you and your wonderful family. We walked quite a lot (that’s part of a Hiroshima city tour!), so I hope you can get some good rest before heading to your next destination. Tonight we’ll have a lunar eclipse in Japan—please add it to your special memories of Hiroshima. I really hope you’ll come back again someday! Hugs, Kay
Michael S.
“A truly moving tour”
We had the privilege of touring Hiroshima with our guide, Keiko, and it was an exceptional experience. She was extremely knowledgeable and professional, guiding us through the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and Peace Memorial Park with both insight and compassion. Her thoughtful explanations gave us a much deeper understanding of the history and significance of each site. Keiko’s engaging style made the tour not only educational but also enjoyable, she even gave us little pop quizzes along the way, which kept things engaging and interactive. Beyond the historical landmarks, she introduced us to Hiroshima’s local delicacies, and we loved getting to try the famous Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, it was absolutely delicious. Keiko’s warmth, expertise, and thoughtful approach made our day in Hiroshima truly memorable. We cannot recommend her highly enough for anyone wishing to explore the city in a meaningful and authentic way.
Keiko K.
Thank you so much for all your kind words! You praised me so much that I almost felt like I was floating up to heaven. It was truly my pleasure to spend time with such a wonderful family. I’ll never forget the moment at the Orizuru Tower when you showed me your amazing “secret collection” from back home. I’m also glad you gave the super-spicy okonomiyaki a try—and even happier that you liked it! Please do come back to Hiroshima again when the season is nice—I hope our paths will cross again someday! Thank you so much. All the best, Keiko (Kay)
$239/ per group