The town has eight breweries, seven of which are situated along Sakagura-Dori (Sake Brewery Street). On our tour, we will take a stroll through the historic streets going from brewery to brewery to enjoy samples of local sake.
Saijo breweries are concentrated in such a tight area because of the “shikomi mizu,” the water that is essential for producing sake. Hailed as a “miracle water” with a medium hardness suited to sake brewing, it bubbles under the ground of this area in the Saijo district. What’s more, is that apparently there are subtle differences in the water’s components according to a brewery’s location. Shikomi Mizu is an absolute must for sake.
If you want to discover the true taste of sake you must visit Saijo (Hiroshima Prefecture)
Our tour begins with a tasting and sake explanation at Kamotsuru. This sake brewery is representative of Hiroshima sake. Kamotsuru boasts an impressive lineup of 12 unique bottles. Visiting this spot first we will see many artifacts and learn about the brewing process.
After our first brewery visit, we will head off to try a local specialty hot-pot dish made with premium sake, called Bishu Nabe, and other tasting plates made with Saijo ingredients. Learn about the history of this tasty dish at a local lunch spot. (bishu nabe must be ordered in advance so for last-minute bookings for the tour we may have an alternate lunch menu.) After lunch, stroll the picturesque streets and go brewery hopping. Tasting rooms are each unique and you can sample many kinds of sake and sake-based products. Visit a local cafe and enjoy sweets and a snack break inspired by Japanese rice wine.
At each brewery will sit be able to sample different kinds of sake. If you find a type you like, the brewery shops carry a huge variety for you to purchase and take home.
Please note: due to legal restrictions at some of our stops on this tour- all members of your group must be 20 years old or older.
Minimum of 2 guests, Solo travelers please email us.
Tour Highlights:
Private Tours: For a more customized experience, make your tour private for an additional ¥19,500+ TAX. (min. 2 people). Please click the add-on button on your cart when you check out.
We have family-friendly pricing on many of our tours, BUT This tour is for adults over 20. Thank you for your understanding. If you would like to book a tour with children please check our Family-Friendly Page or inquiry to bookings@arigatojapan.co.jp for recommendations.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: We have a strict policy about starting our tours on time. If you are not able to arrive at the meeting point by the departure time, the tour will start regardless and no refund will be provided.
We are also unable to accommodate your meeting up at any of the food stops once you’ve missed the start of the tour. This is to protect the enjoyment of all our guests and the relationships with our restaurant partners. Please note we can only wait an additional five minutes after the starting time and then the tour will depart.
PLEASE NOTE: In addition to our limited no-exception five-minute grace period: we cannot give directions or contact the guides on the phone once the tour begins. This is to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests on the tour. Our Guides will focus on the tour and cannot be responsible to help you connect after the tour begins.
Tour Schedule:
Every day (Mon-Sun) | |
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Meeting Time Frame | 10:45 – 11:00 am |
Start Time | 11:00 am |
End Time | 2:00 pm |
Changes on tours: Applicable substitutions may be made due to public holidays, weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances.
Sake tasting, lunch, snacks, and a pretty stroll through this historic town! We loved this tour and ended up bringing home 2-3 bottles to remember the day.
Please keep in mind, however, that we cannot make an allergy-free or dietary restriction food guarantee since food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to Arigato Travel. Also, some stops may not have a viable substitution but we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.
〒739-0011 Hiroshima-ken, Higashihiroshima-shi, Saijōhonmachi, 12, 西条本町12
Take the Sanyo Main Line from Hiroshima Station. The train leaves approximately every 10 minutes and takes about 35-40 minutes.
Our guide will be in front of the info center, holding an “Arigato Travel” sign.
We suggest wearing comfortable shoes as there will be walking involved.
WEATHER REMINDER:
On rainy days, we recommend bringing an umbrella. They can be easily purchased at any convenience store.
Should you have any questions you can reach us at info@arigatojapan.co.jp.
Tours delivered by Arigato Travel KK.
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Address: 106-0047 Tokyo Minatoku Minamiazabu 3-10-19 Minamiazabu Compound 201