Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour

5.0 (20 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

20 reviews

5.0

Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

On this tour, you'll explore Saijo’s rich sake brewing tradition through a guided visit to three sake breweries. Discover the history and culture of sake, enriched by deep connections to nature, the community, and its people. Taste the unique characteristics of each brewery’s sake and learn about their passion for craftsmanship.

At Sanyotsuru, enjoy a special calligraphy experience using the same spring water used in sake brewing. Grind ink and create your own sake label on special paper, which is typically used for authentic sake labels. This can be your original souvenir．

This is an authentic tour where you can immerse yourself in the rich spirit of Japanese hospitality and the profound heart of its culture．

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Sake Tasting Sake Brewery Tour Seasonal

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 5 people
People per booking: 1–5
Guide: English
Operated by: みちしるべ

Ages: Adults (20–70 years)

What is included

Included

Included: · Experience fees ・Sake tasting fees (partial) · Souvenirs・ Insurance

Not included

Not included: Transportation to the meeting point

Itinerary

Mitate Shrine

25 min

14：05～14：30　Mitate Shrine

Mitate Shrine enshrines the deity of sake and has been cherished by the sake brewers of Saijo for generations. Representatives from the seven breweries gather here to pray before the sake brewing season begins. Since ancient times, Japanese people have celebrated the abundant harvest of rice, used it to brew sake, and offered it to the gods as an expression of gratitude. One essential offering to the gods is omiki—sacred sake made from this precious rice. Here, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the connection between sake and Japan's cultural and spiritual traditions.
Kamotsuru Sake Brewery

30 min

14：30～15：00　Kamotsuru Sake Brewing Co. Ltd（Sake museum shop）

At Kamotsuru Sake museum shop, you can learn about the process of sake brewing through unique displays and exhibits. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to sample Junmai Daiginjo Hiroshima Nishiki, a premium sake served to world leaders during the “Working Dinner” at the 2023 G7 Hiroshima Summit. Furthermore, you can taste the well water used for sake brewing, drawn from the Fukujin Well, which is open to the public at this location.
Hakubotan Brewery

50 min

15：10～16：00　Hakubotan Sake Brewery

Hakubotan Brewery boasts a rich history of over 350 years. At Hakubotan, brewery staff will give you a special factory tour of the Tenpo Brewery, which is usually not open to the public. Here, you’ll also enjoy a tasting of frozen namazake (unpasteurized sake) – sake frozen immediately after pressing to preserve its freshness and flavor.
Stop 4

45 min

16：15～17：00　Sanyotsuru Sake Brewery

In the charming, traditional interior of Sanyotsuru Brewery, you’ll participate in a unique calligraphy experience. Using spring water from Mount Ryuo and sumi ink, along with traditional Kumano brushes, you will write meaningful words on a sake label while reflecting on your journey in Saijo. This original label will be attached to a sake bottle, resulting in a one-of-a-kind creation. You can take this unique bottle as a souvenir. This activity, called “Tipsy Calligraphy,” invites you to freely express your thoughts and emotions in a relaxed and enjoyable state.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Near the Higashihiroshima City Tourist Information Center outside the Saijo Station ticket gate

End point

Near the Higashihiroshima City Tourist Information Center outside the Saijo Station ticket gate

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
There will be sake tasting and comparisons. If you are under 20 years old or unable to consume alcohol, please inform us when booking.