Hiroshima might be famous for its tragic history, but today it’s also a lively spot for drinking tours that showcase Japan’s favorite beverages—sake and craft beer. Whether you’re a sake connoisseur eager to taste some of the finest brews or a beer lover looking for local craft pints, Hiroshima offers a variety of authentic experiences. We love how tours like the Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour blend local nightlife with delicious bites, giving you a taste of Hiroshima’s unexpectedly vibrant scene. Plus, the Saijo Sake Tasting Tours highlight the region’s rich sake culture, which is a highlight for many travelers.
Hiroshima’s drinks scene is especially notable because of its local sake breweries and craft beer bars. The city’s accessible, manageable size makes it easy to hop between authentic spots, while tours like the Hiroshima Night Tour: Craft Beer and Local Bites provide a fun, guided way to explore. Whether your goal is to understand sake’s subtle differences or sample Hiroshima’s unique craft beers, there’s something here for every taste.
Quick Overview
This list includes a mix of sake brewery tours, bar hopping adventures, and nighttime craft beer explorations. Some tours focus on sake tasting and brewery visits (like the Saijo Sake Tasting Tours), ideal for those wanting an educational dive into Japan’s rice wine. Others, such as the Hiroshima Night Tour, are more about sampling local craft beers and enjoying Hiroshima’s lively nightlife. Several tours combine food and drink, giving you a full evening experience, while some focus on behind-the-scenes brewery visits. Check each experience to find the best fit for your interests and schedule.
1. Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour
At number 1, the Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour offers a lively introduction to Hiroshima’s nightlife. For about $109, you spend around 3 hours strolling through local streets with a guide, visiting izakayas and other small bars. The highlight is sampling Japanese sake in a relaxed, small-group setting—max five people—ensuring personalized attention. You’ll also get to experience Hiroshima’s famous Okonomiyaki (savory pancake) at Okonomimura, included in the itinerary. Reviewers love the mix of delicious food, local drinks, and the chance to see Hiroshima from a resident’s view.
What makes this tour stand out is its local focus and intimate group size, perfect for travelers who want to experience Hiroshima’s authentic drinking scene without touristy clichés. The guide’s insights ensure you learn about local drinking customs and favorite spots. The only downside is that some might wish for more historical discussion, but overall, it’s a fun, friendly way to start your evening.
Bottom line: Great for small groups wanting a casual, fun introduction to Hiroshima’s bars and food.
2. Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour with visit to 7 Breweries
Number 2 on our list is the Saijo Sake Tasting Tour, which is perfect for sake enthusiasts. For just over $55, you’ll cover seven breweries within walking distance over 2 hours. Your guide offers explanations about the history and brewing process as you sample Daiginjo, Junmai, and even cloudy sake—a great way to find your favorite. The tour includes visits to historic breweries like Kamotsuru and Fukubijin, which have been producing sake for generations.
Guests rave about how much they learn and taste during this short, efficient tour. One review notes, “The sake was delicious—I appreciated the variety and the knowledge shared.” It’s ideal for those who want a focused, educational experience in a compact timeframe. The only limitation is the short duration, so if you’re a serious sake fan, consider supplementing with additional tastings later.
Bottom line: Excellent value for sake lovers wanting a quick, in-depth look at Hiroshima’s brewing scene.
3. Hiroshima: Sake Tasting Guided Tour – 7 Breweries in 2 Hours
At number 3, this guided sake tasting offers a rapid overview of Saijo’s sake culture. For $65, you visit seven breweries in just two hours, tasting a variety of sake and learning about each brewery’s distinctive style. The tour emphasizes regional differences in brewing techniques and flavor profiles, making it perfect for those who want to sample many styles efficiently.
Guests say the tour is “informative and fun,” with one noting how they appreciated the chance to taste multiple types of sake and gain a better understanding of Japanese brewing traditions. It’s well-suited for travelers short on time but eager to explore Hiroshima’s sakescape in depth. Keep in mind, the fast pace might not suit those wanting a slow, immersive experience.
Bottom line: A brisk, educational tour ideal for curious drinkers wanting to maximize their sake sampling.
4. Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour
Number 4 is the Behind-the-Scenes Saijo Brewery Tour, which provides a more immersive experience. Over approximately three hours, you’ll visit three breweries and participate in activities like a calligraphy session at Sanyotsuru, using the same spring water that brews sake. The tour also includes visits to Mitate Shrine, where sake patrons traditionally pray for good harvests.
Guides share detailed stories about the passion and craftsmanship behind each brew. Reviewers mention how special it is to see the local sake culture up close and create your own sake label. The tour is ideal for those interested in cultural insights and want more than just tasting—the combination of history, craftsmanship, and hands-on activities makes it stand out.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want an authentic, artisan experience of Hiroshima’s sake culture.
5. Sake Town Tour in Saijo Hiroshima
Number 5 offers an in-depth stroll through Saijo’s Sake Brewery Street with the Sake Town Tour. For about $209, this 3-hour tour takes you to 4–6 breweries, with tastings and insight into what makes Saijo’s sake so special. You’ll also enjoy a local hot-pot lunch and sweets, making it a full cultural experience.
Guests describe it as a fun day filled with great sake tastings and local food. It’s suited for those who want to dive deep into the town’s brewing traditions and see the difference between breweries firsthand. The tour offers a mix of history, tasting, and food, making it a comprehensive introduction to Saijo’s sake scene.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for serious sake lovers wanting to explore multiple breweries and enjoy regional cuisine.
6. Hiroshima Night Tour: Craft Beer and Local Bites
Number 6 is the Hiroshima Night Tour, combining craft beer with local foods. For about $86, the 3-hour experience starts in Hiroshima Peace Park, then takes you to three hidden bars in the Tokaichi neighborhood. Included are three drinks and snacks, with the chance to meet local drinkers and bartenders.
Reviewers praise the friendly guide and the off-the-beaten-path venues. One says, “Levi is an excellent host, working at the pace of our drinking style,” which emphasizes the tour’s flexible, relaxed atmosphere. This tour is perfect for beer lovers who want to discover Hiroshima’s craft beer scene beyond the tourist spots.
Bottom line: Ideal for those interested in craft beer and authentic local nightlife.
7. Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Calligraphy and Dinner Private Tour
At number 7, this private tour offers a full 5-hour immersion into Saijo’s sake culture, combined with calligraphy and a traditional dinner. The tour visits three breweries and culminates in a hands-on calligraphy experience at Sanyotsuru. It’s a luxurious and personalized experience, perfect if you’re celebrating a special occasion.
Reviewers mention the deep connection to nature and community that the tour fosters. The inclusion of dinner with sake pairing makes it a comprehensive cultural package. Suitable for those who want a more intimate, in-depth experience with ample time to savor each element.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers seeking a luxury, all-encompassing sake experience.
8. Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour with visit to 3 Breweries
Number 8 takes you on a short but sweet journey through Saijo’s three breweries for about $39. It’s perfect for budget travelers or those with limited time. Over 1.5 hours, you’ll explore famous breweries like Kamotsuru and Fukubijin, tasting their signature sake and walking along Sakagura-Dori.
Reviews highlight how this tour offers a taste of history and culture in a quick format. One reviewer notes, “We visited breweries I wouldn’t have found on my own—great value for the price.” It’s recommended for sake beginners or anyone wanting a quick introduction.
Bottom line: Compact, affordable, and ideal for a taste of Saijo’s sake scene.
9. Bouldering, Sake and Food, Local Gem Hiroshima Evening Tour
Number 9 combines active fun with local drinking culture. For around $157, it includes bouldering at a gym, sake tasting, and local food over 3 hours. Starting from Yokogawa Station, you’ll explore an off-the-beaten-path neighborhood, drinking local sake and enjoying home-style bites.
Reviewers say, “It’s a fun way to escape the crowds and experience Hiroshima like a local,” appreciating the mix of sports, culture, and drinks. It’s perfect for adventurous travelers or those who like combining activities with their drinking experience.
Bottom line: Great for active, curious travelers wanting a multi-faceted evening.
10. Private Full-Day Okunoshima and Hiroshima Sake Breweries Tour
This full-day private tour offers an immersive experience combining Rabbit Island (Okunoshima) with sake brewery visits. Costing around $233, it spans over 9 hours, including a ferry ride to the island where over 900 rabbits roam freely. Afterward, you visit Saijo’s breweries, tasting sake and learning about local brewing traditions.
Reviewers love the personalized attention and the chance to combine nature and culture. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, customizable day, especially if they’re interested in wildlife as well as Japanese drinks.
Bottom line: Ideal for adventurers and families wanting an all-in-one Hiroshima experience.
$233.01 per person
How to Choose Your Hiroshima Drinking Tour
When selecting a tour, think about your interests: Are you more into sake or craft beer? For educational insights and brewery visits, look at tours like the Saijo Sake Tasting Tours. If you prefer a mixed nightlife experience, the Hiroshima Night Tour is perfect. Budget travelers should consider shorter tours like the Saijo Sausage and Sake Tour, while those seeking a luxury, personalized experience might prefer the Calligraphy and Dinner Private Tour.
Timing also matters: some tours are best in the evening, others work well during the day. Book early, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.
Final thoughts
Hiroshima offers a surprisingly diverse drinking scene, from sake breweries to craft beer bars and lively night tours. For an educational dive into sake, the Saijo Tours are unmatched. Meanwhile, the Hiroshima Night Tour is perfect for those wanting to discover the city’s vibrant evening culture. For something more personalized, the private tours are tough to beat.
No matter your style or budget, Hiroshima’s drinking tours promise authentic, fun, and often delicious ways to experience the city like a local—so don’t wait to book and make the most of your trip!