Half-Day Saijo Tour Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour in Hiroshima

In the eastern part of Hiroshima prefecture, one can find the unique town of Saijo. Originally a post-town during the Edo Period, this place has grown into one of the main “Sake Capitals” of Japan. The climate and water of this area allow for the production of excellent Sake of the highest quality. To this day, seven breweries in the city continue to produce their Sake using traditional techniques. This 1-Day Tour has been developed for sake enthusiasts who wish to learn more about the brewing process and also taste different types of high-quality sake. Guests will have the opportunity to step into one of Saijo’s historic breweries, which still retains the appearance it had when it was founded in the early 20th century. Here, you will receive an in-depth tour inside a sake brewery, which will go into the sake making process and techniques. If you enjoy sake and want to learn about its history and production, this tour is a must

1. 1

   Stop 1

   1.5 hours

   We will stroll through Saijo Sake Brewery Street. The street is lined with breweries on all side, most dating back to the early 20th century. You will be able to observe the unique architecture of these buildings, with their white grid walls and red chimneys. You will also be making stops inside many of these breweries to learn more about the different types of sake which are made in this town. As we stop inside the breweries, we will of course be taking part in some sake tasting. You will be able to sample Saijo’s highly acclaimed sake from multiple different breweries. The location of this town has provided it with ideal natural conditions which make it an optimal place for sake brewing. This, along with the Hiroshima grown rice and Saijo brewing techniques, will provide you with the opportunity to taste some of the highest quality sake in Western Japan. Additionally, guests will have the chance to purchase sake bottles and other souvenirs as we visit the different breweries.

2. 2

   Mitate Shrine

   30 min

   This is a Shinto shrine, meaning it is dedicated to the gods of Japan’s native religion. Here you will see shrines ranging in various sizes, each dedicated to a different deity. Amongst them is one which is particularly special for the people of Saijo: Matsuo Shrine. Within this shrine lies a ritually divided part of the god from the original Kyoto Matsuo Shrine. This god is said to provide blessings for sake making, thus it is highly venerated by the people of this town. Guests will be taught how to pray at a Shinto shrine and will have the opportunity to do so if they desire.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• We only serve alcoholic drinks for travelers 20 years old and above. Minor travelers below 20 years old will not be able to partake in the sake tasting experience

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.