Hiroshima Saijo: Sake Tasting Walk to 7 Breweries

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

How many breweries do you visit on this Saijo sake tasting tour?

You visit seven different sake breweries within walking distance of Saijo Station.

Is there an English-speaking guide on the tour?

Yes, an English-speaking guide leads the tour and explains each brewery’s history and sake types.

How long is the walking distance during the tour?

The total walking distance is about 1 to 1.5 kilometers along Sakagura-dori Street.

What kinds of sake can you taste on this tour?

You can sample various types including Daiginjo, Junmai-shu, Junmai Ginjoshu, unfiltered cloudy sake, and frozen “Hyoka.”

Are participants under 20 years old allowed on this tour?

No, Japanese law prohibits anyone under 20—including infants—from joining this tasting tour.

Can you observe the actual brewing process during this tour?

No, this is strictly a tasting tour; brewery production areas are not included.

Is advance booking required or can you join last minute?

If space is available on the day of the tour, you can register up to four hours before it starts.

Are Spanish-speaking guides available?

Yes, Spanish-speaking guides can be arranged if requested in advance.

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.