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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
Gerhard W.
“Schöne Zeit mit Keyco!”
Wir waren 11/2 Tage mit Key unterwegs und haben viel positives erlebt , auch wenn das Wetter nicht ganz mitgespielt hat. Sie hat die Tour aufgrund des Wetters angepasst. Sie weiß sehr viel, ist sehr sympathisch und versprüht eine rundum positive Energie!
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Keiko K.
Auch wenn es an den beiden Tagen leider geregnet hat, habe ich die Zeit mit Ihnen in Hiroshima und auf Miyajima wirklich sehr genossen. Es hat mich auch gefreut, dass Sie mir so geduldig zugehört haben, obwohl mein Deutsch noch nicht ausreicht. Ich werde weiter fleißig üben! Durch die Begegnung mit Ihnen, so warmherzigen Menschen, ist meine Sehnsucht nach Deutschland nur noch größer geworden. Bitte kommen Sie unbedingt wieder nach Hiroshima – und lassen Sie uns dann gemeinsam den Wald auf Miyajima genießen. Liebe Grüße, Kay (Keiko--Keyco auf Deutsch?)
Stephan T.
“Hiroshima erleben”
Die Führung durch Hiroshima mit Keiko war für uns eine ganz besondere Erfahrung. Kay, so wie sie lieber gerufen wird, hat es geschafft, die bewegende Geschichte mit viel Respekt, Empathie und Fachwissen zu vermitteln. Gleichzeitig bekamen wir auch spannende Einblicke in die heutige Stadt und das Leben der Menschen hier. Am Anfang haben wir viel über die traurige Seite der Stadt erfahren mit viel Hintergrundwissen von Kay und danach die wunderschöne Seite. Wer nicht nur oberflächlich durch die Stadt will sondern etwas erfahren möchte sollte sich eine Tour mit Kay gönnen. Vielen Dank für den Tollen Tag. Stephan und der Rest.
Keiko K.
Vielen Dank für Ihre so herzliche Bewertung. Deutschland und Japan haben beide eine traurige Kriegsgeschichte erlebt. Als jemand, der in Deutschland gelebt hat, bin ich tief beeindruckt, wie die Menschen sich mit der Vergangenheit auseinandersetzen und über viele Jahre hinweg versuchen, das Verlorene wieder aufzubauen. Es freut mich von Herzen, Sie kennengelernt zu haben. Die Nürnberger Lebkuchen, die Sie mir geschenkt haben, sind tatsächlich noch leckerer als die aus Aachen!(Oops, sorry to the Aacheners!). Ich wünsche Ihnen, dass Sie in Deutschland das Oktoberfest genießen, aber bitte nicht zu viel trinken. Prost! Liebe Grüße, 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)
$230/ 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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