Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Calligraphy and Dinner Private Tour

Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Calligraphy and Dinner Private Tour offers a well-balanced blend of culture, authentic sake experiences, and local cuisine. For $287.76 per person, you’ll spend about five hours exploring Saijo’s renowned sake brewing heritage through visits to three breweries, a visit to the Mitate Shrine, a unique calligraphy workshop, and a delicious sake pairing dinner. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour is designed for those eager to see behind the scenes of sake production while enjoying some genuine Japanese hospitality.

Two things we love about this experience are the chance to visit breweries that are usually closed to the public—thanks to local connections—and the calligraphy activity that uses the very spring water employed in sake brewing. These touches add an authentic, personal feel to the day. A minor consideration? The tour doesn’t include transportation, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point. This tour suits travelers interested in craftsmanship, local traditions, and authentic tastes, especially those who appreciate learning from passionate artisans.

Key Points

• Authentic Access: Visit breweries not typically open to the public, gaining insider insights.
• Cultural Experience: Participate in calligraphy using spring water from Mount Ryuo, creating a personalized souvenir.
• Sake and Food Pairing: End the day with a Setouchi cuisine dinner paired with sake, highlighting regional flavors.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable hosts enhance your understanding of sake history and production.
• Focus on Authenticity: This is a genuine, immersive experience rooted in local traditions.
• Flexible Participation: Only your group joins, emphasizing privacy and personalized attention.

A Detailed Look at the Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tour

The Beginning: Mitate Shrine

We start at Mitate Shrine, a small but significant spiritual site enshrining the deity of sake. It’s a peaceful spot, only a 25-minute visit, but packed with meaning—especially if you’re curious about the spiritual side of sake brewing. Local sake brewers have gathered here for generations, praying for good harvests and quality brews. It’s a quiet reminder that sake isn’t just a drink but a part of community and tradition. The free admission makes it a good introduction without any pressure.

Visiting Kamotsuru Sake Brewery

Next, we head to Kamotsuru Brewery, where the sake museum and shop offer a deeper dive into the brewing process. The exhibits are designed to be accessible, with displays that explain each step of sake making, from rice polishing to fermentation. Here, we loved the chance to see the process up close, especially since this brewery’s museum is usually off-limits to the public.

One reviewer notes, “We were able to visit several sake breweries that are usually closed to the public. It was fascinating to experience the world of sake making with a knowledgeable guide,” making this stop particularly special. The shop also offers a variety of sake for tasting and purchase, so you can bring home a piece of Saijo’s sake craftsmanship.

Hakubotan Brewery: A Heritage Site

The third stop is Hakubotan Brewery, which boasts over 350 years of brewing history. The tour of the Tenpo Brewery facilities showcases traditional methods, with staff eager to explain their techniques. The connection to history provides a tangible sense of how Japanese sake has evolved—and how it remains rooted in tradition.

A highlight here is the chance to walk through the brewery’s historic areas, which many reviews say give a genuine feel for the craftsmanship. The overall experience of visiting a centuries-old brewery adds a layer of depth for anyone interested in Japan’s brewing heritage.

Sanyotsuru Brewery: Calligraphy and Spring Water

The highlight for many is Sanyotsuru Brewery, where you participate in a calligraphy experience that uses the very spring water employed in sake brewing. Using ink and special paper, you create your personalized sake label—an excellent souvenir and a memorable activity. The tradition of calligraphy tied to sake culture emphasizes the artistry involved, making this stop both fun and meaningful.

According to reviews, “Using spring water from Mount Ryuo and sumi ink, I was able to create my own sake label, which was a unique and authentic activity.” The guides’ patience and expertise make this activity accessible even for beginners.

Dinner at France-ya

The tour culminates at France-ya, a restaurant operated by Kamotsuru Brewing. Here, you get to enjoy bishu-nabe, a local hotpot dish made with sake, along with other local appetizers. The pairing of food and sake elevates the tasting experience, showcasing the regional flavors of Saijo and Setouchi cuisine.

We loved the two-hour dinner because it offers a chance to relax, reflect, and savor the flavors while comparing different sake varieties. The reviews repeatedly mention the delicious hotpot and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant.

Practical Details

• The tour starts at 2:00 pm at a central meeting point in Saijo and concludes back there.
• It’s a private experience, so your group will enjoy personalized attention.
• The cost includes all experience fees, some food and beverage costs, sake tasting, souvenirs, and insurance.
• Transportation to the meeting point is not included, so plan for your own commute.
• Most travelers can participate, but if you’re under 20 or don’t drink alcohol, you should inform the guide beforehand.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

If you’re curious about Japanese sake, want to visit breweries that aren’t open to the public, or love the idea of creating your own souvenir, this tour offers a rewarding experience. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate authentic, behind-the-scenes access and enjoy learning about craftsmanship and tradition. Food lovers will also appreciate the regional Setouchi cuisine paired with sake.

This experience is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing, educational, and culturally rich half-day that combines taste, tradition, and artistry. The knowledgeable guides and intimate group setting help foster a genuine connection to Saijo’s brewing culture.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This tour offers an excellent balance of history, hands-on activity, and delicious tasting—making it well-suited for curious travelers eager to understand Japanese sake beyond just drinking it. The inclusion of a calligraphy workshop adds a personal touch that makes the experience memorable, especially if you want a souvenir that truly captures the spirit of your visit.

While it’s a slightly premium-priced experience, the value lies in exclusive access, authentic interactions, and regional cuisine pairing. If you’re someone who appreciates craftsmanship, local traditions, and authentic food experiences, this tour will likely be a highlight of your trip to Hiroshima.

Keep in mind that the tour doesn’t include transportation, so plan accordingly. It’s also best suited for those who want a private, intimate, and immersive day rather than a quick overview. Whether you’re a serious sake enthusiast or just curious about Japanese culture, this tour promises genuine insights and a taste of Saijo’s celebrated brewing scene.

FAQ

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to Saijo’s central meeting location.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about five hours, from around 2 pm to 7 pm, including visits, activities, and dinner.

Is this a group tour or private?
It’s a private experience, so only your group participates for a personalized touch.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but if you are under 20 or cannot consume alcohol, you should notify the guides when booking.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers experience charges, some food and beverages, sake tasting, souvenirs, and insurance.

Can I buy sake at the breweries?
Yes, the breweries have shops where you can purchase sake to take home.

What’s special about the calligraphy activity?
Using spring water used for sake brewing and traditional ink, you create a personal sake label, making it a meaningful souvenir.

Does the tour involve a lot of walking?
Yes, it involves visiting several sites, but each stop is manageable; comfortable shoes are recommended.

What kind of food is served at dinner?
You’ll enjoy Setouchi cuisine, including a local hotpot made with sake, along with other regional appetizers.

This private tour in Saijo blends craftsmanship, history, and authentic flavors into a memorable experience. Perfect for those eager to see a different side of Hiroshima’s cultural landscape, it offers a well-rounded introduction to Japan’s revered sake tradition.