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Saijo Sake Tour: Discover Brewing Heritage
5.0
13 Ratings
Higashihiroshima
Explore Saijo’s sake heritage with a guided brewery tour and calligraphy experience. Taste unique sakes and craft your own label. Book now!
Explore Saijo’s sake heritage with a guided brewery tour and calligraphy experience. Taste unique sakes and craft your own label. Book now!
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
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Mitate Shrine - 14:05～14:30 Mitate Shrine
Mitate Shrine is dedicated to the deity of sake and has been revered by Saijo’s sake brewers for generations. Representatives from the seven breweries convene here to offer prayers before the sake brewing season commences. Historically, Japanese people have celebrated the bountiful rice harvest, using it to…
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Mitate Shrine - 14:05～14:30 Mitate Shrine
Mitate Shrine is dedicated to the deity of sake and has been revered by Saijo’s sake brewers for generations. Representatives from the seven breweries convene here to offer prayers before the sake brewing season commences. Historically, Japanese people have celebrated the bountiful rice harvest, using it to brew sake and offering it to the gods as a gesture of thanks. A key offering to the gods is omiki—sacred sake crafted from this valuable rice. Visitors will gain insight into the relationship between sake and Japan’s cultural and spiritual heritage. -
Kamotsuru Sake Brewery - 14:30～15:00 Kamotsuru Sake Brewing Co. Ltd (Sake museum shop)
At the Kamotsuru Sake museum shop, visitors can explore the sake brewing process through distinctive displays and exhibits. There is also an opportunity to taste Junmai Daiginjo Hiroshima Nishiki, a premium sake served to world leaders at the “Working Dinner” during the 2023 G7 Hiroshima Summit. Additionally, visitors can sample the well water used in sake brewing, sourced from the Fukujin Well, accessible to the public at this site. -
Hakubotan Brewery - 15:10～16:00 Hakubotan Sake Brewery
Hakubotan Brewery has a proud history spanning over 350 years. At Hakubotan, the brewery staff will provide a special tour of the Tenpo Brewery, which is typically closed to the public. Visitors will also have the chance to taste frozen namazake (unpasteurized sake) – sake frozen immediately after pressing to maintain its freshness and flavor. -
Sanyotsuru Sake Brewery - 16:15～17:00 Sanyotsuru Sake Brewery
Within the charming, traditional setting of Sanyotsuru Brewery, visitors can engage in a unique calligraphy experience. Using spring water from Mount Ryuo, sumi ink, and traditional Kumano brushes, participants will write meaningful words on a sake label, reflecting on their journey in Saijo. This personalized label will be affixed to a sake bottle, creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake. This activity, known as “Tipsy Calligraphy,” encourages participants to express their thoughts and feelings freely in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
What's Included
- Experience fees
- Partial sake tasting fees
- Souvenirs
- Insurance
- Experience fees
- Partial sake tasting fees
- Souvenirs
- Insurance
What's Not Included
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Transportation to the meeting point
Additional Information
Join this tour to delve into Saijo’s esteemed sake brewing heritage with a guided exploration of three sake breweries. Uncover the history and culture of sake, deeply intertwined with nature, the community, and its people. Savor the distinct flavors of each brewery’s sake and gain insight into their dedication to craftsmanship.
At Sanyotsuru, partake in…
Join this tour to delve into Saijo’s esteemed sake brewing heritage with a guided exploration of three sake breweries. Uncover the history and culture of sake, deeply intertwined with nature, the community, and its people. Savor the distinct flavors of each brewery’s sake and gain insight into their dedication to craftsmanship.
At Sanyotsuru, partake in a unique calligraphy experience using the same spring water employed in sake brewing. Grind ink and design your own sake label on special paper, traditionally used for genuine sake labels. This can serve as your unique keepsake.
This is a genuine tour offering an opportunity to fully engage with the rich essence of Japanese hospitality and the profound core of its culture.
- There will be sake tasting and comparisons. If you are under 20 years old or unable to consume alcohol, please inform us when booking.
Location
12-3 Saijōhonmachi
Near the Higashihiroshima City Tourist Information Center outside the Saijo Station ticket gate
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(13 Ratings)
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1 star
Grandtour67469035071
Mar 19, 2026
Visiting a Sake Brewery You Can’t Usually Visit: A Special Sake Experience Only in Saijo - I participated in the Sakato Saijo Sake Journey held in Saijo, Higashi Hiroshima City, and it was a more fulfilling experience than I had imagined.
The tour began with a visit to a shrine dedicated to the god of sake. The introduction was very impressive and gave me a sense of the connection between Japanese sake and Japanese culture, and I felt a different depth than just visiting sake breweries.
During the brewery tour, in addition to the detailed explanations given by the guide, you can actually hear directly from the brewery staff, which is easy to understand even for those who are not familiar with sake, and conversely, I think it is a lot of learning for those who are knowledgeable.
The most impressive thing was the visit to the brewery, which is not normally accessible. It was a very valuable and interesting experience to see the sake brewing process up close while being guided by the brewery staff.
The tastings were also substantial, and sake as well as prepared water (relaxed water) were very delicious and impressive. It's nice to know that even those who can't drink amazake are offered a tasting.
In addition, it is fun to create your own sake labels through the calligraphy experience, and there is a special feeling that you can take home your own bottle. I was also very happy with the sake and original chocolates that they gave me as souvenirs.
It was a very satisfying tour, recommended not only for those who like sake but also for those who want to become interested in it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Masuchan
Mar 18, 2026
PREMIUM experience tour around Sakako Saijo!! - Learn about the history of Sake Brewery Saijo and visit three breweries for a special experience!
You could hear directly from the brewers about their commitment to sake brewing, as well as how delicious you are! It was also interesting to discover new things while exploring the taste of your favorite sake and experiencing the difference in taste!
This time, I was given a special opportunity to enter the brewery and learn how to make the distinctive sake of each brewery while inheriting the long history of sake brewing, and the taste of the sake I drank afterwards was exceptional!
Thank you very much for the PREMIUM experience, as we ended up with a brush on the sake label, which we stuck on the bottle and created a one-of-a-kind special bottle that we could take home as a souvenir!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scenic52293460112
Mar 18, 2026
Luxurious 3 hours to love sake more - I joined Sakato Saijo : Sake brewing trip Premium (no dinner) and it was more fulfilling than I expected!
■ Deep learning because we have a guide
During the shrine tour, we reaffirmed the manners of visiting shrines, such as the way torii walk.
The history of the area came to my mind very quickly as he explained his local beliefs and connection to the brewery with photographic materials.
■ Prepared water and community exchange enjoyed by all five senses
The prepared water you receive immediately after learning the background of the underground water is exceptional!
Casual conversations with local people who came to fetch water were also warm feelings as if they were touched by the everyday life of the area.
■ Discover special attendance and personal preferences
I was impressed by the special feeling of being shown around an area that is usually closed to the public.
The tasting style, where you have to face down the brand to find your own taste, was a great experience that would guide your sake selection in the future.
■ At the end of your trip, one self label for the world
Create your own labels with your tour impressions in kanji.
The process of making your own souvenir while reflecting on your trip was a great memory.
Knowledge, experiences and delicious drinks.
If you want to fully enjoy Saijo, I definitely recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marcof513
Feb 9, 2026
Deep dive in Saijo's Sake tradition - a recommended tour, close to Hiroshima - Truly wonderful and unique experience. I was welcomed in Saijo (met in the train station) and accompanied in a three hours personal trip through history, brewing techniques and peculiarities of each brewery and product (amazing tastings and souvenirs included!). The guide staff is very knowledgeable, kind and truly passionate in showing the mastery of sake's brewing and the long history of sake in Saijo. Best for a half-day trip from Hiroshima and for non-Japanese speakers (English was very good!). Thank you Shiori
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Edikana2025
Nov 26, 2025
Saijo Sake Brewery Tour for Foreigners - Great experience getting to see different parts of Saijo its famous sake. My tour guide was Shiori san and she was really kind and took her time to explain the details of Japanese Saijo brewing process. She was also very knowledgeable about the history of each brewery location. Would 100% recommend if planning to visit Saijo.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Explorer48161448338
Nov 5, 2025
Let's enjoy a drink. - You could hear more about sake brewing at the brewery. It was very interesting for people who usually like sake and drink it. It was also helpful when choosing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Venture32648126706
Sep 26, 2025
A deep and fun experience tour at a sake brewery! - This was my first time taking part in a sake brewery tour in Saijo.
We started at a shrine dedicated to the god of sake, then heard about the sake brewing process and the attention to detail from people who actually make sake at several breweries, and we also had the chance to taste and compare different types of sake. It was fun to taste and compare different types of sake after hearing detailed explanations about sake brewing.
At the end, I received a souvenir of my own sake with an original label that I had written with a calligraphy brush.
Our guide, Shiori, was also very kind, and it was a very educational and enjoyable tour.
The brewery is just a 30-minute train ride from Hiroshima Station by JR train and a few minutes' walk from the nearest station, Saijo Station, making it highly recommended for both Japanese people and tourists from overseas.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shokoh799
Sep 26, 2025
Enjoying the Charm of Saijo, Japan’s Sake Capital, in the Perfect Amount of Time🍶 - I joined the tour solo, but really enjoyed the small group style of around five people, where we could share the experience and chat with other participants. Starting with a stroll through town, then visiting a brewery, and finally tasting sake, I was able to see the brewing process up close and hear detailed explanations, which gave me a much deeper appreciation of Japanese sake. The sake sommelier’s advice on how to order according to your personal taste was also incredibly helpful. The location is convenient—just about a kilometer from JR Saijo Station. This is highly recommended for those who want to experience more than just visiting sake breweries, and the historic townscape of Saijo adds even more to the charm.🍶
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maps15002354549
Sep 26, 2025
It was a wonderful way to experience Japanese culture! - I really enjoyed the sake brewery tour and learned so much about Japanese sake.
Through the tastings, I discovered what kind of sake I personally like. What impressed me the most was realizing how important and wonderful the water is.
In the calligraphy experience, I was able to create my own sake label, which made me really happy. It was such a unique experience to enjoy both sake and Japanese culture together.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z5973yjjulian
Aug 25, 2025
Fresh taste of sake in Saijo - I had really good experience trying the Sake from Saijo, learning about the process ans the different taste. I am really grateful for the experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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