Hiroshima isn’t just about its historic sites and stunning landscapes. One of its lesser-known but equally compelling attractions is the thriving sake brewing scene. While many travelers flock to the Atomic Bomb Dome or Miyajima, those interested in local craftsmanship will find Hiroshima’s sake culture fascinating. We particularly love the Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour with visit to 7 Breweries, which offers a comprehensive look at the region’s top breweries in just two hours, all within walking distance of Saijo Station. The tour’s blend of history, tasting, and expert commentary makes it a standout.
For travelers pressed for time but eager to sample multiple sake styles, the Hiroshima: Sake Tasting Guided Tour – 7 Breweries in 2 Hours provides a quick, insightful experience. And those wanting an in-depth exploration of craftsmanship and tradition might prefer the Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour, which includes visits to three breweries plus a calligraphy experience. No matter what your interest level or schedule, Hiroshima offers a variety of options to deepen your appreciation of Japan’s iconic sake.
1. Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour with visit to 7 Breweries
At number one, this tour takes you through the famous Saijo area, known as one of Japan’s top sake brewing districts. Within just two hours, you’ll visit seven breweries within walking distance of Saijo Station. The tour is led by an English-speaking guide who shares insights about the history and unique qualities of each brewery. Visitors rave about the variety of sake available, including types like Daiginjo, Junmai, and Cloudy sake, ensuring there’s something for all’s palate.
The itinerary includes stops at iconic breweries like Kamotsuru, a pioneer of Ginjo sake, and Fukubijin, which has produced master brewers for generations. You’ll also visit Kamoizumi, famous for brewing junmai-shu using only rice and koji mold. The tour emphasizes tasting different sake styles directly from the source, making it both educational and delicious. Reviewers praise the informative guides and the chance to sample sake in a relaxed setting, with one calling it “highly recommended.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a quick, rundown of Hiroshima’s sake scene with a friendly guide, all for just over $55.
2. Hiroshima: Sake Tasting Guided Tour – 7 Breweries in 2 Hours
This tour is ideal if you’re short on time but eager to cover a lot of ground. It’s a two-hour guided experience that visits seven breweries, focusing on the mellow, clean taste of Saijo sake, renowned for its smoothness. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of sake brewing in Hiroshima from a knowledgeable guide, with insights into the region’s history and brewing techniques.
The tour highlights include tasting various sake types and learning about their flavor profiles, which is perfect for beginners and connoisseurs alike. It also offers a chance to explore Saijo’s strolling brewery street, lined with buildings from the early 20th century. While this tour is slightly pricier at $65, the focused, intimate experience makes it worth considering for those pressed for time but wanting to maximize their sake knowledge.
Review: With a perfect 5-star rating from nine reviews, participants emphasize the engaging guide and the delicious sake tasting. It’s a good pick for first-time visitors looking for a quick yet authentic experience.
Bottom Line: A fast, focused introduction to Hiroshima’s sake traditions, suitable for those who value expert insights and multiple tastings in a short period.
3. Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour
For those interested in craftsmanship and tradition, this tour offers a three-hour deep dive into Saijo’s brewing culture. It visits three breweries, including Kamotsuru, Hakubotan, and Sanyotsuru, with a focus on the process, history, and community behind sake production. The tour begins at Mitate Shrine, where local sake brewers pray for their harvest, connecting spirituality with craftsmanship.
What sets this tour apart is the interactive experiences—like a calligraphy session at Sanyotsuru using the same spring water as the brewers, or exploring exhibits that illustrate the brewing journey. The tour is highly personalized and immersive, providing a rare behind-the-scenes look at traditional methods still used today. It’s perfect for culture lovers and those who want a meaningful, less commercialized experience.
Reviews highlight the passion of the guides and the quality of the sake tasting, with many noting the educational aspect and the chance to understand the craftsmanship intimately. At $117, it offers excellent value for a comprehensive, hands-on experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for serious sake enthusiasts and those craving an authentic, in-depth journey into Hiroshima’s brewing traditions.
4. Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour with visit to 3 Breweries
This tour offers a condensed version of Hiroshima’s sake experience, perfect for travelers with limited time. In about 1.5 hours, you visit three breweries—including Kamotsuru and Fukubijin—where you’ll sample a variety of sake, like Daiginjo and Junmai. The tour emphasizes learning about the brewing process and tasting different styles, making it a value-packed introduction.
The tour’s small-group setting allows for personalized explanations, and reviews mention how informative and fun the experience is. The price point of $39 makes it an accessible option for budget-conscious travelers who want a taste of Hiroshima’s sake scene without committing to a longer tour. It’s ideal for first-timers or those looking for a light, engaging experience.
Bottom Line: A quick, affordable way to sample Hiroshima sake and learn about its history without sacrificing depth or quality.
5. Private Full-Day Okunoshima and Hiroshima Sake Breweries Tour
If you’re after a full-day adventure, this private tour offers an unforgettable experience combining nature, history, and sake. It begins with a ferry ride to Okunoshima, famous as Rabbit Island, where over 900 rabbits roam freely. After a couple of hours exploring the island, the tour continues with sake tastings in Saijo or Takehara.
What makes this tour special is the combination of outdoor activity and culinary culture. Traveling with a private guide means personalized attention, and the tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The price reflects the luxury experience and includes transport and ferry tickets.
Reviewers mention how well-organized and informative the trip is, with plenty of time to enjoy rabbits and sake alike. It’s perfect for families or couples looking to combine nature, culture, and drinks in a single day.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want a diverse day trip with nature, history, and sake, and don’t mind a higher price tag.
$233.01 per person
6. Half-Day Saijo Tour Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour in Hiroshima
This half-day combines a stroll through Saijo’s famous brewery street with visits inside multiple breweries. Over approximately 4.5 hours, you’ll learn about the history of Saijo, its architecture, and traditional brewing techniques. The tour includes inside tastings at several breweries and opportunities to try different sake styles, including Umeshu.
The experience is particularly suited for travelers interested in local culture and architecture, as well as sake aficionados. Priced at $135, it balances depth and time without becoming overwhelming, making it good for casual enthusiasts or those with limited time.
Review comments focus on the informative guide and the chance to try multiple sakes in a relaxed setting. It’s an excellent choice if you want a comprehensive half-day experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting to combine cultural exploration with sake tasting in a moderate timeframe.
$135.20 per person
7. Hiroshima Sake Tasting Guided Tour – Visit 7 Breweries in 2 Hours
This tour is designed for speed and variety, visiting seven breweries in just two hours. It’s perfect for travelers who want a broad overview with minimal time commitment. While this tour is the most affordable at $68, it still offers tasting opportunities and brief insights into each brewery.
The tour takes you along Saijo’s famous brewery street, where you’ll get a quick snapshot of the town’s sake diversity. Though brief, reviews highlight the enthusiasm of the guide and the variety of sake sampled. This tour is best suited for those who want a taste of Hiroshima’s sake without a lengthy commitment.
Bottom Line: A quick, energetic tour ideal for curious travelers on a tight schedule.
$68.47 per person
8. Hiroshima: Private Goma Fire Ritual, Lunch & Sake Brewery Visits
Looking for a unique cultural experience? This private tour combines a Goma fire ritual—a traditional ceremony for purification and blessing—with visits to local sake breweries. The tour lasts about 6.5 hours and includes lunch, sake tastings, and the spiritual Goma fire ritual at a historic temple.
This tour is perfect for those interested in spiritual rituals and authentic traditions. The ritual involves watching sacred flames and writing wishes on wooden tablets, adding a meaningful dimension to your Hiroshima visit. The breweries visited are selected for their quality and cultural significance.
While this is the most expensive option at $200, it offers a deep culture that appeals to spiritual travelers or those wanting a memorable, transformative experience. Reviewers mention the powerful atmosphere and personalized attention.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a soulful, culturally profound experience, blending tradition with tasting.
$200.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Hiroshima Brewery Tour
When selecting your perfect tour, consider your budget, available time, and interest level. If you want a quick introduction to Hiroshima’s sake, Tours #2 or #7 are excellent choices for price and efficiency. For a more immersive experience, the Visit behind the Scenes offers a deep dive into craftsmanship. Traveling with family or a group? The full-day tour combines nature and culture, while the cultural ritual tour appeals to those interested in spiritual traditions.
Timing also matters. The summer months may be best for the full-day Okunoshima experience, whereas the shorter tours work well during tight schedules. Book early, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Hiroshima’s sake breweries offer a surprisingly rich experience—whether it’s sampling premium sake, learning about traditional brewing techniques, or exploring cultural rituals. For those with just an hour or two, Tours #2 and #7 deliver great value and variety. If you’re after an authentic, in-depth experience, the Visit behind the Scenes or the full-day private tour are well worth considering.
No matter your style, Hiroshima’s sake scene promises plenty of memorable moments. So, plan ahead, book early, and get ready to taste your way through Japan’s sake capital.