Hiroshima Saijo: Sake Tasting Walk to 7 Breweries

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/7

Duration2h

GroupUp to 10

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Saijo’s sake streets reveal old flavors, new friends and laughter

You’ll wander Saijo’s historic brewery district with an English-speaking guide, tasting rare sakes—from warm winter pours to frozen “Hyoka”—at seven unique breweries. Expect laughter over mispronounced names, small sensory surprises (like that first whiff of rice steam), and real moments with local staff who welcome every question or clumsy toast.

Step-by-step itinerary

Saijo Sake Breweries Tour

Meet at Saijo Station Tourist Center
Watch sake making video at Kamotsuru
Taste Daiginjo Gold Kamotsuru sake
Taste Fukubijin Junmai-Shu sake
Taste Kamoizumi Junmai Ginjoshu
Restroom break and get brochures
Taste Yoshidaya’s Sake at Kirei Shuzo
Taste Junmai Daiginjo Genshu Shinzui at Saijotsuru
Taste Hyoka frozen sake and plum wine at Hakubotan
Taste cloudy sake at Sanyotsuru brewery

The Experience

The first thing I noticed stepping out of Saijo Station was the faint smell of steamed rice in the air—soft but everywhere, like it clung to the old brick chimneys along Sakagura-dori. Our guide, Yuki, waved us over with a grin and a little flag (she said it helps in crowds, but honestly, we never lost her). She started off by telling us how Saijo’s water is famous for brewing sake—something about minerals I didn’t quite catch because I was busy watching an old man sweep leaves from the brewery gate across the street.

We kicked things off at Kamotsuru, where they showed a video about Ginjo sake. I’ll admit, I zoned out halfway through (jet lag is real), but when they poured that first Daiginjo Gold Kamotsuru into tiny glasses, everyone perked up. It tasted cold and clean—almost floral? Yuki laughed when I tried to describe it in Japanese. After that, we wandered from brewery to brewery—Fukubijin had this warm sake for winter that made my cheeks go red instantly. At Kamoizumi, their Junmai Ginjoshu had this earthy kick; someone in our group said it reminded them of mushrooms but in a good way.

I liked how each spot felt different: some were all polished wood counters and soft jazz, others had these faded posters and stacks of boxes by the door. The staff always bowed as we came in—even when we fumbled with our shoes or asked for water between sips. We stopped for a quick restroom break at the tourist center (pro tip: go even if you don’t think you need to), then kept going. At Hakubotan they let us try “Hyoka,” which was frozen sake—icy and sweet, almost like dessert wine. I still think about that one.

By the end—after maybe eight tiny cups—I could feel my steps getting lighter. The last stop was Sanyotsuru, where cloudy sake looked like snow swirling in glass. Someone bought a ceramic cup as a souvenir; I just took photos and tried not to drop my phone. The whole walk is only about 1.5 km but feels longer with all the stops and stories Yuki shared about brewers’ families and Hiroshima’s history with sake. Anyway, if you’re into trying local drinks or just want to see another side of Hiroshima beyond the usual sites, this day trip from Hiroshima to Saijo is worth it—even if you can’t pronounce “Junmai Daiginjo” without stumbling.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes guided walks between seven historic breweries in Saijo near Hiroshima.
all entry fees.
eight distinct sake tastings ranging from classic Daiginjo to seasonal specialties like frozen Hyoka.
plus explanations from your English-speaking guide throughout—just make sure to wear comfortable shoes for easy strolling between pours.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Higashi Hiroshima City Tourism Association