Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour with visit to 3 Breweries

Exploring Hiroshima’s Sake with a Saijo Brewery Tour

If you’re heading to Hiroshima and want to add a taste of authentic Japanese tradition to your trip, the Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour offers a delightful peek into one of Japan’s top sake regions. This guided experience takes you through three historic breweries within walking distance of Saijo Station, where you’ll sample a variety of sake styles and learn about the intricate craft behind each brew.

What we particularly love about this tour is how accessible and compact it is. In just an hour and a half, you get a well-rounded introduction to sake-making—from the pioneering ginjo brewing at Kamotsuru to the historic roots of Hakubotan. One small caveat is that not all breweries offer tastings every day, especially during weekdays, so it’s wise to plan ahead.

This tour suits curious travelers eager to understand Japanese sake, those who enjoy tasting different varieties, or anyone seeking an authentic cultural experience without excessive time commitment. It’s a perfect blend of education, sampling, and culture—delivered by a knowledgeable guide.

Key Points

• Concise but comprehensive: You get a focused tour that covers three breweries in just 90 minutes.
• Expert guidance: An English-speaking guide provides in-depth insights into sake production and tasting techniques.
• Variety of sake: Sample different styles, including daiginjo, junmai, and umeshu, ensuring there’s something for all.
• Historic breweries: Visit some of the oldest sake breweries in Hiroshima, some founded over 300 years ago.
• Flexible tasting options: Some breweries allow warm sake tasting during winter, adding a seasonal touch.
• Value for money: For around $39, you get a guided tour, five sake samples, and a cultural experience that could last much longer in memories.

A Closer Look at the Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour

The Starting Point: Saijo Station

Your journey begins right outside Saijo Station, a hub buzzing with sake history and activity. Meeting in front of the Tourist Information Center, the tour is easy to find and accessible via public transportation. From here, the guide, certified by the city’s tourism association, greets you and sets the tone for a relaxed, informative walk through Hiroshima’s premier sake district.

First Stop: Kamotsuru Sake Brewery

Kamotsuru is a household name in Japan, renowned for pioneering ginjo sake brewing. This brewery’s claim to fame is its innovation in creating premium, refined sake styles, like their famous Daiginjo Gold Kamotsuru.

Here, you’ll watch a short 10-minute video that introduces the sake-making process—an ideal way to get familiar before tasting. The tasting session includes the Daiginjo Gold, which is highly regarded for its smoothness and complexity. According to one reviewer, the guide’s enthusiasm made the process engaging, explaining how premium sake is crafted and what makes it different from more everyday versions.

Second Stop: Fukubijin Sake Brewery

Next, you’ll visit Fukubijin, a brewery historically called the Saijo Brewing School. This spot has produced many outstanding master brewers, and their Junmai-Shu is a highlight of the tasting. During winter, you might even enjoy warm sake here—a comfort that many traditional breweries still cherish.

One reviewer appreciated the opportunity to taste warm sake, noting that it added a new dimension to their experience. Although this brewery doesn’t include tasting in the admission fee, the opportunity to sample at such a well-respected site enhances the overall value.

Third Stop: Hakubotan Brewery

Founded in 1675, Hakubotan is among Hiroshima’s oldest sake breweries. Here, you’ll enjoy tasting Hiroshima Gensyu and a special plum wine soaked in Daiginjo-shu. The historical atmosphere of Hakubotan adds a layer of depth to your tasting, making it clear how longstanding the local sake tradition truly is.

While tasting fees aren’t included in the tour price, many find the experience well worth the extra investment, especially considering the historical significance of the brewery.

The Experience in Detail

What makes this tour stand out isn’t just the sake samples. It’s the way the guide enriches your understanding of sake brewing, explaining the differences between styles like junmai and daiginjo, and demonstrating how sake should be enjoyed. A reviewer noted that the guide was “enthusiastic, incredibly knowledgeable, and a lot of fun,” which made the experience both educational and entertaining.

You’ll also appreciate the opportunity to sample different sake types, including premium options you might not find easily on your own. The tasting of five different sake varieties allows you to explore flavors and textures, from the crisp and dry to the smoother, more aromatic styles.

The tour’s timing is well-paced, allowing enough time at each brewery to soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed. Walking between the breweries is quick and manageable, making it accessible even for those with limited mobility.

Practical Details & Considerations

• Price and Value: At $39.12 per person, the tour offers an excellent value, especially considering the quality of guides and the inclusion of multiple tastings.
• Duration: Scheduled for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, it’s a manageable time commitment that leaves you plenty of time for other sightseeing.
• Group Size: As a private tour, your group’s experience will be personalized and intimate, ideal for those who prefer a more tailored experience.
• Weather considerations: Since part of the course might change depending on conditions, it’s good to be prepared for possible adjustments.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a curious traveler yearning to understand Japanese sake beyond just drinking it, this tour offers a solid foundation. It’s perfect for those interested in Japanese culture, history, and craftsmanship. Sake lovers will especially appreciate the chance to taste premium varieties and learn about brewing techniques directly from experts.

Plus, if you’re short on time but want an authentic, hands-on experience, this tour packs in a lot of value without overstaying its welcome. It’s also suitable for first-time visitors to Hiroshima who want a taste of local tradition before exploring more of the city.

Final Thoughts

This Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour combines history, culture, and flavor into a compact, well-organized experience. The inclusion of an enthusiastic, knowledgeable guide makes all the difference—turning what could be a simple tasting into a meaningful journey through Japan’s sake heritage.

The tour’s flexibility, accessibility, and focus on authentic craftsmanship make it a standout activity for lovers of Japanese culture, foodies, or anyone eager to deepen their appreciation of sake. Its moderate price point, coupled with the quality of tastings and insights, offers great value.

While some brewery tastings aren’t available every day, planning ahead and booking in advance ensures you’ll enjoy this memorable, educational journey. Whether you’re a seasoned sake drinker or a curious newcomer, this experience offers something special—an authentic taste of Hiroshima’s proud brewing tradition.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
Yes, even if you decide not to sample the sake, you can still enjoy the tour and learn about the brewing process. The guide explains everything clearly, and the tasting is optional.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable activity that fits well into a day of sightseeing.

Is it easy to find the meeting point?
Absolutely. The tour starts in front of the Saijo Tourist Information Center outside Saijo Station, which is easily accessible via public transportation.

Are all breweries open and offering tastings on weekdays?
Not necessarily. Some breweries do not offer tastings during weekdays, so it’s best to check in advance or expect some variability in the experience.

What is included in the tour price?
You get an English guide, access to three breweries, and tastings of five different sake types.

Can I visit more breweries on this tour?
The tour specifically visits three breweries within walking distance. Visiting additional breweries would require a different or extended tour.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, Japanese law prohibits alcohol consumption for those under 20, so minors cannot participate.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Since the breweries are within walking distance and the tour is about 1.5 hours, it’s generally manageable, but it’s best to check with the operator if you have specific concerns.

What if I’m late or need to cancel?
Late arrivals over 15 minutes past the start time may be considered a cancellation. Cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are fully refundable.

How do I book this tour?
Booking in advance is recommended, especially 30 days ahead, to secure your spot and ensure availability.

This Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour offers a genuine glimpse into Japan’s revered brewing tradition, perfect for curious travelers seeking both education and authentic flavor. Whether you’re a sake novice or a seasoned connoisseur, you’ll leave with a new appreciation and some memorable tastes of Hiroshima’s historic breweries.