Top Hiroshima Prefecture Sake Tasting

Saijo is one of Japan's three major sake-producing regions. There are seven sake breweries within walking distance of Saijo Station, and you can efficiently tour three of the seven breweries in an hour and a half while listening to an English guide explain the history of each brewery and the sake they make. You can also sample sake recommended by each brewery. You can sample a variety of sake, including daiginjo, junmai sake, and umeshu, so you're sure to find your favorite. Some breweries do not offer sake tastings on weekdays, so being able to sample at such breweries is extremely valuable. ＊According to Japanese law, the legal drinking age is 20. Participants under 20, including infants, are not allowed to join. ＊This is a tasting tour. Please note that you will not be able to observe the sake brewing process.

In the eastern part of Hiroshima prefecture, one can find the unique town of Saijo. Originally a post-town during the Edo Period, this place has grown into one of the main “Sake Capitals” of Japan. The climate and water of this area allow for the production of excellent Sake of the highest quality. To this day, seven breweries in the city continue to produce their Sake using traditional techniques. This 1-Day Tour has been developed for sake enthusiasts who wish to learn more about the brewing process and also taste different types of high-quality sake. Guests will have the opportunity to step into one of Saijo’s historic breweries, which still retains the appearance it had when it was founded in the early 20th century. Here, you will receive an in-depth tour inside a sake brewery, which will go into the sake making process and techniques. If you enjoy sake and want to learn about its history and production, this tour is a must

Uncover the secrets of Japan's national drink on this small-group sake-tasting tour of Saijo, Hiroshima, one of the three major sake brewing areas in Japan. Visit seven sake breweries and sample their recommended sake while learning what makes each style different, from Daiginjo and Junmai to cloudy Nigori sake.

Let your guide show you some of the best eats and drinks in Hiroshima and help you to navigate the city streets at night, too. You’ll be treated to three different foods and three alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. It’s up to you. If you have certain dietary requirements, those can be accommodated, too. Just let your guide know, and enjoy the evening in Hiroshima.

Originally a post-town during the Edo Period, Saijo has grown into one of the main “Sake Capitals” of Japan. The climate and water of this area allow for the production of excellent sake of the highest quality. Seven breweries in the town continue to producing sake using traditional techniques, providing many insights into Japanese culture. A bit further east of Saijo, one can find the picturesque city of Onomichi. The temples, hills and stone paths around the city create the beautiful scenery which has bestowed Onomichi the title of “miniature garden.” This location is not only beautiful, but also rich in history and culture. Within, one can visit temples such as Senkoji and Saikokuji, both Buddhist temples which provide some insight into Japanese religion and the city’s past. One of these temples is located at the top of a mountain and can be accessed via ropeway, providing a stunning view of the city landscape.

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．

The Yokogawa district, located adjacent to Yokogawa Station in the northwest of Hiroshima City retains a retro character reminiscent of the immediate post-war period. From Yokogawa Station, your local guide will lead you through inviting shopping streets to a district bustling with bars and restaurants. During the three-hour stroll around the town enjoying its vintage atmosphere, you drop into three bars and restaurants recommended by the guide. From the approximately eighty eating and drinking establishment in Yokogawa’s arcades, we’ve identified about twenty with unique owners who are enthusiastic about welcoming overseas visitors. You can try various types of Hiroshima’s renowned sake and enjoy delicious izakaya dishes, while chatting with your guide and other patrons over drinks. This tour is a great way to meet the friendly people of Hiroshima and try some of the great food of the Setouchi region.

The Akinada area of Hiroshima Prefecture is renowned as a premier region for ginjō sake and oysters, thanks to its pure water and nutrient-rich sea. This activity offers a unique culinary experience, allowing you to enjoy the region’s distinctive blessings of water and sea through a sake brewery visit, oyster BBQ, and sake pairing.

Discover the spirit of the samurai in Iwakuni on this full-day guided tour from Hiroshima. Visit a sake brewery using pure Nishiki River water and enjoy exclusive tastings. Try your hand at making Iwakuni sushi - a unique pressed-style dish - and savor a traditional lunch. Walk across the iconic Kintai Bridge, built without nails using ancient techniques. Explore Kikko Park's seasonal blooms and the Kashiwabara Art Museum's stunning samurai artifacts. With a licensed English-speaking guide, this immersive journey blends history, culture, and nature for an unforgettable experience.

Delve into the rich traditions of Japanese sake with this interactive cultural experience that goes beyond mere tasting. Participants will uncover the fascinating customs surrounding sake, such as the significance of pouring drinks for one another and the unique etiquette involved in receiving drinks. Guided by an English-speaking instructor who holds a Sake Certification, you'll explore three exceptional sake varieties from Hiroshima—Kamotsuru, Ugo no Tsuki, and Fukucho—while mastering the art of traditional sake enjoyment. Complete your experience with a Sake Brewery Map to further immerse yourself in Hiroshima's sake culture. - Engage with the traditions and etiquette of Japanese sake - Sample three selected sake varieties from Hiroshima - Learn from a certified instructor fluent in English - Receive a Hiroshima Sake Brewery Map for continued exploration

Experience three incredible destinations in one seamless adventure! Our exclusive full-day tour includes comfortable car transportation with pickup and drop-off, eliminating travel stress. Discover Japan's sake capital with three premium tastings at historic Saijo breweries, explore perfectly preserved Edo-period Takehara while enjoying an authentic Japanese Teishoku lunch, then journey across the stunning Shimanami Kaido to unique Hakko Park for wellness discovery. This isn't just sightseeing - it's cultural immersion combining traditional crafts, historic architecture, scenic coastal beauty, and culinary experiences. From ancient brewing secrets to fermentation innovation, you'll taste, learn, and explore authentic Japan beyond typical tourist paths. Book now for memories that last a lifetime!

If you are staying in Hiroshima and want to enjoy evening activities like the locals, this tour is highly recommended. It is the tour to enjoy bouldering, tachinomi, okonomiyaki, and walking around a local area with a guide. The tour starts at Yokogawa Station, 4 minutes by train from Hiroshima Station. Yokogawa is the district for locals, not for tourists. So, you can feel the different atmosphere from the tourist attractions. The instructor at the bouldering gym speaks English. Beginners, experts and kids can all have fun. Hiroshima is the place where Ginjo Sake was developed. Why don't you try Hiroshima's selected sake? Guests between the ages of 12 and 59 can participate in the tour. For guests under 20 and those who don't drink alcohol, we offer soft drinks. Okonomiyaki is Hiroshima's specialty. We will take you to a retro okonomiyaki restaurant. Your Hiroshima-based guide (a licensed Japanese guide or a trained American guide) will introduce you to various things as you walk.

Join us to the Rabbit island and Saijo Breweries tour with English Speaking Private Guide! Let's discover Okunoshima island which is popularly known as Rabbit Island. Okunoshima is the only place in the world where visitors can wander freely among wild rabbits. There are over 900 rabbits there. They are so familiar and cute. You can enjoy tasting Sake(Japanese alcohol) in Saijo or Takehara city. If there is one drink that represents Japan, it is sake! This is Saijo Sake, the Japanese sake brewery town. We’ve also included how you can buy sake and how best to taste sake. So you can enjoy sake tasting at home.

This 6-hour tour from Hiroshima takes you to Saijo, one of Japan’s most celebrated sake districts. Known for its soft underground water and ideal brewing climate, Saijo is home to a cluster of historic breweries within walking distance of each other, making it the perfect destination for an immersive sake experience. During the tour, you will visit renowned breweries such as Kamotsuru Sake Brewery, Hakubotan Brewery, and Saijotsuru Brewery, where you can learn about traditional brewing methods and enjoy tastings of distinctive Hiroshima sake. Strolling through the charming streets lined with white-walled kura storehouses, this tour offers a rich blend of craftsmanship, history, and refined flavors—all easily accessible from Hiroshima.

Have You Heard of Japan’s Finest Red Vinegar, Born in Onomichi? While rice vinegar is common for sushi, traditional Edo-style sushi used red vinegar (akazu). Today, premium red vinegar is made from sake lees aged for at least three years, giving the sushi rice a subtle reddish hue with rich aroma and umami. With over 440 years of history, Onomichi Zousu crafts pure red vinegar using 100% Hiroshima-grown sake lees, gaining high acclaim. Enhancing the best seafood from across Japan with this vinegar is Sushi Yakushido, an exclusive, reservation-only sushi spot serving just eight guests per night. This ultimate sushi tour offers a rare experience: Explore why Onomichi became a vinegar hub on a guided walk. Visit a historic vinegar brewery. Savor a premium sushi course with exquisite red vinegar. A journey into the heart of Japan’s sushi tradition, right in Onomichi.

Let’s discover Saijo, one of Japan’s most celebrated sake regions and a truly hidden gem. We will embark on a flavorful journey through its historic breweries. As you stroll down the charming streets, the air fills with the rich, warm aroma of fermenting rice.. With each step, discover the craftsmanship behind Japan’s beloved rice wine in this off-the-beaten-path district, home to eight unique breweries, each with its own time-honored techniques and flavors. We will visit 3-4 breweries during the tour based on opening hours and season. With an expert guide leading the way, sip on a variety of sake styles—from crisp, dry notes to smooth, fruity finishes—all while admiring the traditional white-walled breweries and towering red brick chimneys that define Saijo’s distinctive skyline. If a particular brew delights your palate, the brewery shops offer exclusive bottles to take home, ensuring you bring a taste of Saijo with you.

Choose from three distinct areas—Hiroshima Station, Nagarekawa, or Yokogawa—and discover a different side of the city’s food and nightlife culture. Your guide will select two suitable local venues based on your preferences, allowing for a more flexible and personal experience than a fixed restaurant itinerary. Enjoy regional dishes, casual izakaya favorites, and local drinks while learning how Hiroshima residents eat, drink, and socialize. Food and drinks worth up to JPY 1,500 per venue are included, with any additional orders paid separately.

Kurahashi Island in Hiroshima Prefecture is a tranquil island in the Seto Inland Sea with several remarkable attractions, from breathtaking mountain vistas and hot springs to a world-renowned brand and Japan’s finest craftsmanship. Departing Kure Station by taxi, you drive to Kurahashi Island and hike rocky Mt. Hiyama. Towards the summit, breathtaking panoramas of the Inland Sea unfold. After descending the mountain, you drop into the natural hot spring by the seaside at Katsurahama to freshen up before lunch of regional specialties of the Seto Inland Sea. The afternoon is spent enjoying the island’s unexpected cultural treasures, visiting the F.H. Royce Museum with its remarkable collection of Rolls-Royces and Bentleys. The last stop of the day is Hayashi Shuzo, a sake brewery founded in the Edo period, which also houses a huge collection of kimono created by master craftsmen. You can taste and purchase sake at the brewery.

Miyoshi City sits at the confluence of three rivers in Hiroshima Prefecture. Its geography made it a thriving trade hub, with a foggy mountain landscape that gave rise to a rich tradition of folklore. On this self-guided audio tour, you'll follow the old Iwami Ginzan Roadway – once used to transport silver that represented a third of the world's supply – through a castle town where history and supernatural legend blur at the edges. The tour starts at Miyoshi Station's cormorant fishing monument, a nod to the city's 450 year continuous practice of the folk tradition. You'll encounter the legend of Heitarō Inō, the unflinching teenager harassed by supernatural creatures for thirty straight nights. Along the way, you'll visit Dasai Shrine, where three deities are enshrined together. The tour ends at the Yumoto Koichi Memorial Japan Yokai Museum, Japan's first museum dedicated to yōkai, housing over 5,000 artefacts.

Take a stroll back in time at Takehara, Hiroshima's Little Kyoto. The ecotour site, Takehara, located in the south-central part of Hiroshima Prefecture, and facing the Seto Inland Sea, is known as a ”Little Kyoto'' town in Hiroshima. The Takehara Townscape Preservation District, lined by historical buildings from the Edo period (1603-1867) to the Meiji (1868-1912), Taisho (1912-1926), and Showa (1926-1989) eras, is designated as a Japan Heritage surrounded by a nostalgic landscape. In addition, saké using Hiroshima's unique “soft water brewing method'' and wa-én (和塩, Japanese salt) rich in mineral and nutritious are produced in Takehara by taking advantage of nature's blessings. A special experience for those who love art, history, nature and culture. The ecotours will provide an opportunity for visitors to see art making processes or experience ‘the artistic space of hospitality’ created by shohekiga paintings. Please join us!!