"ZAZEN"-Zen meditation and Sake-tasting in Saijo, Higashihiroshima
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?
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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
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
Savannah B.
“Insightful, friendly & flexible”
Keiko was an absolute pleasure and I really enjoyed her tour. I booked for a group of 4 with very different tastes and energy levels. We started near Peace Park and she was a wealth of interesting information about Hiroshima city and its history. She was very easy to talk to and did her best to ask questions. Mitaki Temple was by far my favorite stop of the day, it was stunning and so peaceful, definitely a hidden gem. I really appreciated her willingness to be flexible and change plans last minute. We originally planned on heading to Saijo at the end of our tour, but the rest of my group was getting tired and hungry. Kay was kind enough to adjust our tour and take us to an okonomiyaki spot for a late lunch instead. She was very patient with helping us and handling the many random questions asked by my in-laws. Prior to the tour she was very helpful with arranging plans and logistics that suited our needs. She even helped with some directions the day after our tour and kept in touch to ask about our day at Miyajima. I could not have asked for a better guide and if I ever return to Hiroshima I will book Keiko again. I can't recommend her enough!
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Keiko K.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I really enjoyed our meaningful conversations about Japanese history education and how stories are passed down through generations. I was also delighted that you enjoyed Mitaki-dera, a hidden gem in Hiroshima that is often overlooked by tourists. What touched me most was the genuine love and devotion you showed toward your parents-in-law. I honestly thought they were your own parents until the very end! Your dedication was truly admirable. I’m sorry we missed the Saijo Sake Festival, but I sincerely hope to welcome you back to Hiroshima someday. I’ll be looking forward to it! Warmest regards, Kay (Keiko)
Adam K.
“Informative and enjoyable day!”
Keiko was a terrific guide from the second we connected with her. She freely gave her time online to assist us with the booking process and was incredibly accomodating of our needs. In person, her warmth, kindness and knowledge ensured such an educational day for my family of four and we will remember it fondly. We can’t thank her enough and would recommend her and this day to anyone looking for an incredible insight into Hiroshima and a wonderful afternoon on Miyajima Island.
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Keiko K.
Thank you so much for your heartwarming review. I was actually wondering how you enjoyed your USJ experience! It was such a pleasure meeting your wonderful and close-knit family in Hiroshima. I’m also hoping that, during the rest of your stay in Japan, you’ll have more opportunities to enjoy the sake you tried for the first time here in Hiroshima and perhaps become even more familiar with it! I hope you continue to enjoy your wonderful family trip in Japan! Kind regards, Keiko (Kay)
Hope N.
“Great day trip from Miyajima to Hiroshima”
We thoroughly enjoyed the whole day with Keiko-san. She is very experienced and adapts to guest desires. We learned so much more about the history, religion, and culture than we would have on our own. Keiko was very friendly and flexible with our schedule to accommodate the weather changes. We would highly recommend her as a guide.
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Keiko K.
Thank you so much for your warm review! I truly enjoyed the time with all of you. I believe we were able to have so many interesting conversations because of your genuine interest in Japanese culture and history. And your hike up Mt. Misen was the fastest I’ve ever experienced with guests! I was honestly amazed by your stamina and energy! Please come back to Hiroshima again. I’ll be looking forward to welcoming you back! Warmest regards, Kay
$221/ per group
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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.
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