PRIVATE & CUSTOMIZED · PAY ON THE DAY · GUIDING FEE ONLY · SAKE TASTINGS PAID DIRECTLY · SUSTAINABLE SAKE CULTURE · LOCAL FOOD & EXPERIENCES

Discover Saijo, Japan's Sake-Brewing TownSeven historic sake breweries are clustered within an easy-to-explore walking district, offering a unique opportunity to experience the heart of Hiroshima's sake culture in a single outing. Stroll through streets lined with distinctive white brewery walls and tall red chimneys, discover the subtle aromas of brewing, and taste a variety of Hiroshima-style sakes along the way.This is more than a sake tasting. It is an opportunity to experience a living sake-brewing town.Your experience is led by an English- and Spanish-speaking local guide who has lived in Higashi-Hiroshima for 20 years, holds an SSI International Sake Sommelier certification, and has trusted relationships with local breweries.More Than Sake Tasting
The experience can go beyond sake. Upon request, your guide can introduce local food, brewery tours, shopping, and cultural experiences, allowing you to discover Saijo's food culture and everyday atmosphere at a relaxed pace.

-Key Points To Know Before Booking-

Flexible Experiences
Choose a small-group or private experience, with groups of up to 25 participants. Tours can be adapted to your interests and preferences.Guiding Fee Only
Your guiding fee covers English interpretation, navigation, local knowledge, and insights into Saijo's sake culture and brewing traditions. Spanish interpretation is also available.Tastings, Food & Other Expenses
Sake tastings, meals, food, brewery experiences, and other purchases are not included in the guiding fee. These costs are paid directly by guests to the respective breweries, restaurants, or businesses.Pay on the Day!
There is no upfront payment for the guiding service. Simply pay your guiding fee when you meet your guide. Other expenses are paid separately and directly by guests.No Alcohol Sales or Reservations
The guide does not sell alcohol or make brewery or restaurant reservations. Guests purchase and pay for tastings, meals, and other services directly at each business.Sustainable Sake Tasting
A traditional ceramic tasting cup, ochoko, is provided at the beginning of the tour. Use it instead of disposable plastic tasting cups at the breweries, then take it home as a souvenir.Local Food
Upon request, your guide can introduce you to local specialties such as Bishu Nabe, Saijo's traditional sake hot-pot. Food costs are paid directly by guests at the restaurant.Meeting Point
Tours normally begin at 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. outside the Higashi-Hiroshima Information Centre inside JR Saijo Station, where your guide will be waiting.Ages 20+
This experience includes alcohol tasting and is available to participants aged 20 and over. Vegan and pork-free food options can be introduced upon request.

WHY SAIJO?

This historic town is proudly regarded as one of Japan’s top three legendary sake districts, alongside Nada (Hyogo) and Fushimi (Kyoto).Nestled in a scenic basin blessed with a perfect brewing climate and pure mountain spring water, Saijo offers a completely unique layout: seven historic, world-class breweries operating side-by-side along Sakagura Street—all within less than one kilometer and an easy walking distance right from the station.

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A Powerful Mix of History & High-Tech Innovation

While brewing began here in the Edo Period, Saijo exploded as a national sake capital during the Meiji Period. Today, Saijo beautifully bridges ancient heritage with cutting-edge global technology. It is the proud home of the National Research Institute of Brewing (the only one in Japan) and the world-leading Satake Corporation, while thriving as a modern educational and tech hub hosting Hiroshima University and global semiconductor giant Micron Technology.

Today, you can walk from brewery to brewery, discover centuries of history and taste sake directly where it is made.But Saijo is more than a place to drink sake.
It is a place to understand how water, rice, climate, microorganisms, craftsmanship and local culture come together in one bottle!

Guide Fees cover interpretation, navigation, and curated brewery insights, with fees varying by group size and tour length.Sake tastings are paid directly to each brewery as you go, typically ¥300–¥600 per tasting.As an SSI Certified International Sake Sommelier, I will recommend specific pours at each stop to help create a personalized and enjoyable tasting experience.

WHY YOU CAN TRUST ME?

Local experience・Sake knowledge・A scientific curiosity