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"ZAZEN"-Zen meditation and Sake-tasting in Saijo, Higashihiroshima
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Joined 2024
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.
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
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
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
-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.
Tour Important Information
*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.
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
Joined 2024
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
Paul M.
“Hiroshima City Tour”
Keiko was waiting for us in the cruise line terminal and had organised a taxi so we were quickly on our way. Unbelievably knowledgeable about all of the devastating history of this city . She make the morning enjoyable and informative.
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Keiko K.
Although yesterday was beautiful and sunny, the weather turned rainy today. I truly regret that I couldn’t take you to more places. However, meeting you both and having such lovely conversations was the highlight of the tour for me. I sincerely hope you will visit Hiroshima again—I would be delighted to welcome you back. Warmly, Keiko
Hannah Y.
“Great afternoon in Hiroshima”
Kay was wonderful to work with, making a custom tour based on our group's interest. She was easy to reach and very helpful. The tour was informative and fun. I'd strongly recommend taking a tour with her!
Keiko K.
I’m very happy to receive your warm review. Your in-laws were all in great health, and I was truly impressed by their strong stamina. Although it rained until early morning on the day of the tour, we were fortunate to have good weather during the tour, and I hope your in-laws were able to fully enjoy the cherry blossoms as they were nearing full bloom. I’m very grateful for the wonderful time I had with them. Thank you. Warmly, Kay
Trina S.
“Did It All!!!!”
We’re a family of four with two adult sons, and Keiko was exceptional in every way. She was incredibly knowledgeable and thoughtfully organized the day, helping us make the most of every moment during a very busy season. We covered a lot, which is exactly how our family loves to travel, while still having the flexibility to adapt, pause, and explore at our own pace. Keiko struck the perfect balance between efficiency and enjoyment, and thanks to her, we truly felt like we experienced it all.
Keiko K.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review so soon. I truly appreciated every single word!! Above all, hiking all the way to the top of Mount Misen together with all of you is a wonderful memory for me. I believe it’s one of the best ways to fully enjoy Miyajima. I’m sure you will continue traveling to many places across Japan, and I hope you enjoy the unique charm of each region. Please also give my best regards to your friendly, very Canadian husband, and your two handsome boys!! Hugs, Kay
$220/ per group
More tours by Keiko K.
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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)
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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
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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)
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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.
Saijo Sake Brewery Tour in Higashihiroshima (2.5 Hours)
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Harmony Jurney : Onigiri Making, Paper Crane Folding & Peace Memorial Park
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Rabbit Island
Rabbit Island is home to hundreds of friendly bunnies who approach tourists for food. Once this island was secluded as a secret base of the Imperial Japanese Army to produce lethal gas during WW II. And because of the poison gas development, it is thought that the test subjects included rabbits. After the war, the island restored peace and got well overrun by bunnies to become a Heaven of rabbits. Please enjoy being mobbed by adorable creatures and the beautiful nature there.
Rabbit Island
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