Saijo "The Sake Capital"

Hiroshima Premium Sake Culture and Tasting Tours

Discover Japan's Sake Capital Through the Eyes of a Local Expert

Certified Higashi-Hiroshima Tourism Association Guide • SSI Certified International Sake Sommelier • Sake Tasting & Brewery Tour Guide • 20-Year Japan Local • English & Español

• About the guide

• About the "The Sake Capital"

• About the tour options

• About the guide

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"Authentic local experiences, fair prices, small groups, and sustainable sake tourism."

MEET YOUR GUIDE

YOUR LOCAL SAKE EXPERT IN HIROSHIMA

"Kampai! I'm Ione, your local guide.
For 20 years I've called Higashi-Hiroshima my home. My passion is bridging the gap between deep Japanese traditions and international travelers. As a certified sake sommelier and local association guide, I don't just show around the breweries, I introduce you to the brewery staff, decode the complex world of sake flavor profiles, recommend signature sake brands, and share the living history of Saijo.
Tours are available fully in English and Español. Let's discover your next favorite sake together!"

Trusted by Travelers & Local Breweries

* Featured on Inaka Adventure: See me in action! I was selected by the popular Japan travel channel Inaka Adventure to showcase the hidden secrets of Saijo to thousands of viewers worldwide.* Official Brewery Insider: Beyond independent guiding, I am trusted directly by historic local breweries to guide their guests, giving you true behind-the-scenes access.* Top-Rated on Viator: Don't just take my word for it—read real stories and 5-star reviews from international travelers on the
Official Viator Page.

• Higashi-Hiroshima

DISCOVER SAKAGURA STREET

SAIJO: THE SAKE CAPITAL

The ultimate hassle-free day trip!Saijo is located just 40 minutes by train from Hiroshima Station and 30 minutes from Hiroshima Airport. 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.A Powerful Mix of History & High-Tech InnovationWhile brewing began here in the Edo Period, Saijo exploded as a national sake capital during the Meiji Period thanks to two legendary local pioneers:* Miura Senzaburo: Inventor of the soft-water brewing technique, which gave birth to premium Ginjo sake.
* Riichi Satake: Revolutionized global production by inventing Japan’s very first power-driven rice polishing machine.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.

• The Experience

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TOUR OPTIONS

CHOOSE YOUR SAIJO SAKE EXPERIENCE

Discover the hidden world of Japan's sake capital with a local guide, certified sake sommelier, and cultural interpreter.
Whether you're new to sake or a passionate enthusiast, there's an experience designed perfectly for you.

MAIN TOUR OPTIONS:
🍶 Tier 1: Essential Saijo Sake Discovery Tour
Perfect for first-time visitors wanting a classic, engaging overview.
⏱️ Duration: 2 Hours
💰 Price: ¥9,000 per person
What You'll Experience: 5 Historic Breweries: Walk along Saijo’s famous Sakagura Street.
6 Curated Tastings: Sip six carefully selected sake brands.
350+ Years of History: Discover the fundamentals of sake production, local heritage, and family brewing legacies.
Miracle Water: Taste the famous underground spring water used by the masters.
Ideal For: First-time sake drinkers, culture lovers, and travelers looking for a fun, foundational introduction to Saijo,.

🍶🍶 Tier 2: Premium Sake & Culture Experience
For travelers seeking a deeper, more sophisticated understanding
⏱️ Duration: 3 Hours
💰 Price: ¥11,000 per person
What You'll Experience:
Deep-Dive Tasting: Sample approximately 10 different premium sake brands.
Masterclass Comparison: Learn to compare styles, polishing ratios, etiquette & pairings. Learn about Saijo's History, too!
Ideal For: Wine lovers, food enthusiasts, sake fans, and curious travelers who want to go way beyond the basics.

🍶🍽️ Tier 3: Gourmet Sake & Local Cuisine Experience
The complete culinary journey through Saijo.
⏱️ Duration: Approx. 5 Hours
💰 Price: ¥16,000 per person
What You'll Experience:
Everything in the Premium Experience plus: traditional Local Lunch: Indulge in a sit-down meal featuring Bishu Nabe (Saijo’s famous sake hot pot)
Learn exactly how sake enhances, cuts through, and elevates traditional Japanese cuisine.
⚠️ Important: Lunch reservations must be secured two days in advance.

🍶🏭 Tier 4: Ultimate Brewery Insider Experience
The most immersive, VIP sake experience available.
⏱️ Duration: Up to 6 Hours
💰 Price: ¥20,000 per person
What You'll Experience: Everything in the Gourmet Experience, **plus: Exclusive Brewery Access: Go behind the scenes with a guided brewery tour.
Hidden Craftsmanship: Step into restricted areas not accessible during standard public tastings and view authentic equipment up close.
The Brewing Process: Gain a profound understanding of Hiroshima's traditional sake brewing techniques.
⚠️ Important: Brewery tours require strict advance arrangements. Please contact us before booking to confirm available schedules.

🏆 Why Choose This Experience? Certified Expertise: Guided by an official SSI Certified Sake Sommelier.
Access: Deeply trusted by local breweries and local brewery staff.
Intimate
Groups: Small, high-end group sizes for a highly personalized experience.

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