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Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour with Visit to 7 Breweries: A Deep Dive into Japan’s Sake Heartland
If you’re curious about Japan’s revered sake traditions, the Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour offers an engaging way to explore some of the country’s most celebrated breweries. This guided experience takes you through seven different sake producers—all within walking distance of Saijo Station—allowing you to taste a wide variety of sake styles in just about two hours. Whether you’re a seasoned sake enthusiast or simply eager to try something new, this tour promises an authentic, educational, and flavorful slice of Hiroshima’s brewing scene.
One of the best features? The tour’s thoughtful structure makes it easy to sample multiple breweries without feeling rushed, all while listening to a knowledgeable English-speaking guide who shares insights about sake history and production techniques. A minor consideration is that the tour can be quite busy, especially during peak seasons or weekends when the breweries might offer additional tastings or tours, but this only enhances the vibrant atmosphere.
This tour works best for travelers who enjoy cultural experiences, craft beverages, or are simply looking for a fun, informative activity that combines walking, tasting, and learning. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate good value—at around $55—considering the extensive sampling and expert guidance you’ll receive.
Key Points
- Comprehensive Brewery Visits: Cover 7 breweries in approximately 2 hours, giving a broad taste of Hiroshima’s sake offerings.
- Expert-Guided Experience: Learn about sake history, brewing techniques, and regional specialties from an engaging English guide.
- Diverse Tastings: Sample different sake types, including Daiginjo, Junmai, Cloudy sake, and more, ensuring there’s something for all’s palate.
- Authentic Access: Many breweries don’t typically offer weekday tastings, making this tour a rare opportunity to try exclusive samples.
- Value for Money: At just over $55, the tour packs in a lot of value—expert guidance, multiple tastings, and a cultural experience.
- Small Group Atmosphere: With a limit of 6 travelers, expect a more personal, relaxed experience, with plenty of room for questions and interaction.
Exploring Hiroshima’s Sake Scene: A Detailed Look
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Starting Point: Saijo Station
Arriving at Saijo Station, you’ll meet your guide outside the Tourist Information Center, right next to the ticketing gate. The location is highly accessible through public transportation, which is a big plus for travelers relying on local transit. The meeting spot is well-marked on Google Maps, making it simple to locate.
This initial 15-minute meet-and-greet sets the tone for the tour—informal, friendly, and packed with enthusiasm for sake. The short walk from here marks your first step into Hiroshima’s vibrant sake culture.
Kamotsuru Sake Brewery: The Pioneer of Ginjo Sake
Your first stop is Kamotsuru, renowned as a trailblazer in Ginjo sake brewing. Here, you’ll watch a brief 10-minute video introducing the sake-making process—an excellent way to get familiar with the craft before tasting. Kamotsuru is famous for its Daiginjo Gold Kamotsuru, which you can sample in their dedicated visitor room.
According to reviews, the guide, Ione, made this stop particularly engaging, explaining brewing techniques with clarity and enthusiasm. She also shared interesting tidbits about Kamotsuru’s history as Japan’s pioneering Ginjo brewery, making the tasting more meaningful.
Fukubijin Sake Brewery: The Brewing School
Next, Fukubijin offers a glimpse into the training ground of Hiroshima’s master brewers. This brewery has a storied background of producing talented brewers, and it shows in their meticulous craftsmanship. Here, you’ll taste Fukubijin Junmai-Shu, a straightforward, well-balanced sake. If visiting in winter, you might even get to try it warm, which enhances its flavors and smoothness.
Reviewers pointed out the warm sake option as a bonus, especially appreciated during colder months. The guide’s explanations about the brewery’s history and its role in developing local sake talent add cultural depth to the tasting.
Kamoizumi Sake Brewery: Purity and Innovation
Kamoizumi stands out for its early adoption of junmai-shu, brewed solely from rice and koji mold, without added alcohol or sugar. This brewery’s signature product, “Junmai Ginjoshu Honjikomi,” offers a clean, authentic taste of rice and craftsmanship.
Travelers like us loved how this stop showcased the purity of sake, emphasizing the importance of ingredients. The tasting experience here is particularly valuable, as Kamoizumi is one of the few breweries that started brewing junmai-shu using only rice and koji, making it a must-visit for purists.
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Halt at Saijo Sakaguradori Tourist Information Center
This stop isn’t a brewery but serves as a quick rest, brochure source, and souvenir shop. It’s a practical moment to stretch, grab a restroom, and gather any additional info or souvenirs about Saijo’s sakagura street. Many reviews highlight the convenience of this stop, which helps break up the tour and keeps the pace comfortable.
Kirei Sake Brewery: The Dry and Elegant Taste
Kirei Shuzo is known for its drier sake profile, appealing to those who prefer less sweetness and more crispness. Here, you get to taste “Yoshidayas Sake,” a limited release blended monthly—offering a fresh, seasonal experience.
The guide emphasized the brewery’s focus on balance and dryness, which is a refreshing change from the often-sweetened sake options. Reviewers enjoyed the chance to try a sake that’s less common in tourist settings, adding variety to their tasting journey.
Saijotsuru Brewery: Traditional Techniques
Saijotsuru keeps alive traditional brewing methods passed down through generations. Their “Junmai Daiginjo Genshu Shinzui” has repeatedly been awarded by Monde Selection, attesting to its quality.
Visitors often mention the fascinating insights the guide provides into traditional craftsmanship and the pride the brewery takes in its heritage. The sake’s refined, aromatic profile makes it a highlight and demonstrates the care involved in Japanese sake brewing.
Hakubotan Brewery: A Historical Gem
Founded in 1675, Hakubotan is one of Hiroshima’s oldest breweries. Its “Hyoka” sake is unfiltered and fresh-frozen to preserve its vibrant flavors, giving an unadulterated taste of historical brewing methods.
The opportunity to try plum wine soaked in Daiginjo-shu adds another dimension, blending traditional sake with local flavor. Reviewers appreciated the sense of stepping back in time at Hakubotan, feeling connected to centuries of craftsmanship.
Sanyotsuru Brewery: The West End
Finally, Sanyotsuru, located just west of Saijo Station, offers a unique tasting of cloudy sake and sake ware for sale. This brewery’s focus on cloudy sake provides a different sensory experience, with viewers noting the distinct texture and flavor.
This stop’s highlight is the chance to taste unfiltered sake, which many find more robust and lively. The fact that sake ware is available for purchase creates a lovely souvenir opportunity.
Overall Value and Experience
This tour’s price point of around $55 is very reasonable considering the extensive tasting and guidance provided. Each brewery tasting is free, and the guide’s commentary helps you understand what makes each sake special, elevating the experience beyond just drinking.
The small group size (maximum 6 travelers) ensures personalized attention, making it easier to ask questions and get detailed explanations. The tour’s efficiency means you visit all seven breweries within about 2 hours, making it an ideal activity for travelers with limited time but wanting a comprehensive look at Hiroshima’s sake scene.
Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, with Ione being singled out for her engaging explanations and friendly demeanor. The variety of sake available—ranging from dry to cloudy, from traditional to seasonal blends—means most visitors will find at least one favorite.
One key insight from reviews is that this experience is especially valuable on weekdays, as some breweries usually don’t offer tastings then. For sake lovers, this makes the tour a rare chance to try exclusive samples.
Who Will Love This Tour?
If you enjoy learning about local traditions, savoring different sake styles, or just want a fun, relaxed activity that combines cultural insight with tastings, this tour is perfect. It’s particularly suitable for small groups, so you get a personalized experience, and those interested in authentic, hands-on Japanese brewing culture will find it rewarding.
Travelers seeking a balanced blend of education, tasting, and scenic walking will find this tour hits the right notes. If you’re after a value-packed cultural activity that offers both insight and flavor, this is an excellent choice.
Final Thoughts
This Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse into Japan’s revered sake culture, with visits to seven breweries packed into a tight, engaging two hours. The blend of expert guidance, diverse sake samples, and historical context gives it real depth—beyond just a tasting experience.
It’s ideal for those wanting to understand sake better, taste regional varieties, and enjoy a small-group, hassle-free outing. The tour’s value, combined with the chance to taste rare or exclusive sakes, makes it a standout activity for anyone curious about Japan’s brewing traditions.
Whether you’re a dedicated sake fan or simply looking for a unique cultural activity in Hiroshima, this tour provides a meaningful, flavorful, and memorable experience that’s hard to beat for its scope and authenticity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, including visits to all 7 breweries and a brief rest stop.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins in front of Saijo Station’s Tourist Information Center and ends back at the same meeting point.
Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
Even if you choose not to drink alcohol, the tour fee remains the same. You can participate in the visits, learn about sake, and enjoy the atmosphere, but tastings are integral to the experience.
Can I join the tour on short notice?
Yes, if there is space available, you can register up to 4 hours before the start time, making it flexible for last-minute plans.
Is this tour family-friendly?
Participants under 20 are not permitted due to Japanese law, so it’s best suited for adults.
What kind of sake will I taste?
You’ll sample various types like Daiginjo, Junmai, Cloudy sake, and seasonal blends, giving you a broad sense of Hiroshima’s sake diversity.
Are tours canceled if the weather is bad?
Yes, if bad weather or other issues cause cancellation, you will be notified via email by 5 pm the day before, and you can get a full refund if you cancel in advance.
Embark on this curated journey into Hiroshima’s sake world, and you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Japan’s brewing artistry—and maybe a new favorite sake!
