"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
Vijey S.
“Amazing time in Miyajima ”
We had a fantastic time in Miyajima with our energetic guide, Keiko. She was very well informed and we covered a very busy itinerary. We also managed to climb Mount Misen. Thank you Keiko for making it a truely wonderful experience.
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Keiko K.
Both of you must have been very busy, returning to work right after coming back from Japan. I truly appreciate you taking the time to write a kind review. Climbing all the way to the top of Mt. Misen and having such an open and honest exchange of views at the Peace Memorial Park are wonderful memories for me. Your great intelligence and insight inspired me a lot. Warm regards, Keiko(Kay)
Soleil H.
“Wonderful Hiroshima Tour with Keiko-san!”
Keiko was truly amazing! She was warm, kind, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable throughout the day. She shared so much meaningful history and insight, and she answered all of our questions with care and we had many! She made the experience feel personal, comfortable, and memorable. We truly enjoyed spending the day with her and would happily recommend her services to anyone visiting Hiroshima. ️
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Keiko K.
Thank you so much for your warm review. I truly had a wonderful time with you—it felt like I was spending the day with my own son and daughters! I really hope more thoughtful young people like you will visit Hiroshima, experience it firsthand, and share what you feel with the world. Next time we meet, I hope I’ll still be in great shape and able to keep up with you! Thank you again. All the best, Kay
Andreas B.
“Ein sehr schöner Tag in Hiroshima mit Keiko”
Was für ein schöner und sehr informativer Tag in Hiroshima mit Keiko. Der Ausflug wurde in deutscher Sprache durchgeführt und wir können Keiko wirklich sehr empfehlen. Sie hat sehr ausführlich und interessant alles beschrieben und erklärt.Besser hätte unserer Tag in Hiroshima nicht sein können. Vielen Dank dafür.
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Keiko K.
Heute hat es mir viel Spaß gemacht, den Tag mit Ihnen zu verbringen. Ich war etwas nervös, weil ich lange kein Deutsch gesprochen habe, aber danke für Ihr Verständnis für meine Aussprache! Ich werde mein „ö“ weiter üben, haha. Wie hat Ihnen eigentlich der Erdbeer-Montblanc geschmeckt? Ich vermisse manchmal deutsche Kuchen wie Donauwelle und Rhabarberkuchen. Kommen Sie gerne wieder nach Hiroshima – beim nächsten Mal zeige ich Ihnen die Sake-Brauereien! Liebe Grüße, Keiko
$223/ per group
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