Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour with visit to 7 Breweries

If you’re planning a trip to Hiroshima and want to experience its renowned sake scene, the Saijo Sake Tasting Tour is a gem. For just over $55, you get to explore seven traditional breweries in the heart of Saijo, an area celebrated as one of Japan’s top sake-producing regions. The tour lasts around two hours, and with an English-speaking guide, you’ll learn about the history, brewing techniques, and styles of sake that make Saijo special.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it offers a comprehensive visit to all seven breweries, some of which don’t usually do tastings on weekdays, making this a rare chance to sample a variety of sake styles. Second, the expert guidance ensures you truly understand what you’re tasting—no generic sake here, but a curated experience designed to deepen your appreciation for sake craftsmanship.

A possible consideration? The tour involves walking through multiple breweries within a limited time, so it’s best suited for those with moderate mobility and an interest in tasting rather than a leisurely sightseeing pace. Lastly, since the tour is capped at six travelers, it’s quite intimate—great for those who prefer small groups and personal attention.

This experience is ideal for sake enthusiasts eager to see authentic breweries, foodie travelers seeking local flavors, or anyone curious about Japanese culture beyond temples and shrines. If you enjoy learning with a friendly guide and tasting a variety of high-quality sake, this tour will be a highlight.

Key Points

• Authentic brewery visits in Saijo, with access to 7 breweries in just 2 hours
• Expert guidance provides insightful explanations about sake types, brewing, and history
• Exclusive tasting opportunities of premium sake varieties unavailable on weekdays elsewhere
• Small group size ensures personalized experience and interaction with guides
• Affordable value considering the variety and quality of sake sampled
• Suitable for moderate walkers and those interested in cultural exploration

A Deep Dive into the Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour

Setting the Scene: What to Expect from the Tour

Starting right outside Saijo Station, this tour makes it easy to jump into Japan’s sake culture without complicated logistics. For $55, you gain access to a 2-hour journey that covers the heart of Saijo’s brewing scene, which is quite a feat considering you’ll visit seven breweries—a quick but comprehensive snapshot of the local sake industry.

The tour is led by an English-speaking guide who’s well-versed in sake traditions, helping you understand each brewery’s unique style and history. Many reviewers, like Imre, noted that their guide was delightful and knowledgeable, making the experience both fun and educational.

The Itinerary: What Makes Each Brewery Special?

The flow of the tour is designed for efficiency but also for genuine tasting opportunities. The schedule begins at Saijo Station, a perfect meeting point right outside the ticketing gate, making your start seamless. From there, the group visits each brewery, with stops averaging 10-20 minutes—just enough time to see the brewing process, hear some stories, and sample.

Kamotsuru Sake Brewery is a highlight, especially because it’s a pioneer in Ginjo sake—their Daiginjo Gold Kamotsuru is a signature tasting. Watching a short video about sake making adds a visual element, enriching your understanding.

Next, Fukubijin has produced many master brewers, and tasting their Junmai-Shu gives you a taste of traditional craftsmanship, with the bonus of trying warm sake during winter. Multiple reviews, such as Andrea’s, mention it as a delicious experience—noting that the tour isn’t just about drinking but appreciating the skill behind it.

At Kamoizumi, you’ll learn about junmai-shu, a pure rice sake that uses only rice and mold, which is a point of pride for this brewery. The Junmai Ginjoshu Honjikomi offers a clean, refined flavor that many find appealing.

Halfway through, the Saijo Sakaguradori Information Center provides a handy break for brochures, souvenirs, and restrooms—important details for comfort during the tour.

Kirei Sake Brewery offers a dry taste, with their Yoshidayas Sake being a limited, fresh blend. As one reviewer noted, it’s a distinctly different flavor profile, great for those wanting variety.

Saijotsuru maintains traditional techniques, producing award-winning sake like Junmai Daiginjo Genshu Shinzui—a highlight for sake connoisseurs, appreciated by those who value craftsmanship and consistency.

The historic Hakubotan Brewery, founded in 1675, is one of the oldest in Hiroshima, offering Hyoka, an unfiltered, freshly frozen sake, and plum wine soaked in Daiginjo-shu—an unusual and memorable tasting.

Finally, Sanyotsuru is the only brewery west of Saijo Station, known for cloudy sake and sake ware, which can be purchased on-site. Its unique offerings are especially praised in reviews, with the chance to try sake in its most natural form.

What Travelers Love About the Tour

Reviews consistently highlight the knowledgeable guides and the quality of sake sampled. BongKun Cho from Seoul especially appreciated “the best efforts for explaining,” and Andrea noted the “ton of information” packed into a short tour. The small group size allows for interaction, making it feel personal rather than commercial.

Taste variety is another big draw. The chance to sample Daiginjo, Junmai, and Cloudy sake—some of which are rarely available on weekdays—means you walk away with a broad appreciation for sake styles.

Practical Details

The tour is designed for most travelers, with most participants being adults above 20, as per Japanese law. Most of the breweries do not charge for tastings, which adds to the value, and the guide explains the significance of each sake, helping you understand what makes each one unique.

Timing-wise, the 1:00 pm start leaves plenty of room for lunch afterward or exploring Saijo’s charming streets. Since the walks between breweries are short, you won’t be exhausted, but be prepared for some standing and light walking.

Possible Drawbacks

The main consideration is the short duration at each brewery—only about 10-20 minutes—so if you’re looking for an in-depth, lengthy visit, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, availability depends on weather and minimal group sizes, so booking ahead is essential to secure your spot.

Who Should Join This Tour?

This tour suits sake lovers eager for variety, culture seekers wanting a taste of local tradition, or small-group travelers who prefer a more intimate experience. It’s also perfect if you want a quick yet comprehensive introduction to Saijo’s brewing scene, especially since some breweries only do tastings on weekdays.

Travelers who value guidance and context will appreciate the explanations, while those interested primarily in sampling will find the variety and quality impressive. If you’re curious about Japanese craftsmanship or want to collect some fine sake souvenirs, this tour offers a perfect blend.

The Sum Up: Is This Experience Worth It?

For those interested in authentic sake tasting, local craftsmanship, and small-group experiences, this tour delivers real value. The expert guides make each visit engaging, and the chance to sample seven different breweries in just two hours offers a rare glimpse into Saijo’s brewing traditions.

The moderate price point reflects the quality and variety of sake you’ll sample, along with the convenience of a well-organized, guided experience. It’s ideal for international visitors wanting to avoid language barriers and gain insight into Japanese sake culture firsthand.

However, if you’re looking for an in-depth, leisurely brewery tour or prefer to explore at your own pace, you might find this experience somewhat brief. Still, the small size and exclusive access to weekday tastings make it a memorable, highly recommended choice for short-term visitors eager to dive into local flavors.

FAQ

Can I join this tour if I don’t drink alcohol?
While you are welcome to join, note that the tour involves sake tastings at all seven breweries. If you choose not to drink, you can still participate but won’t be sampling the sake. The tour fee remains the same.

How long does the tour last?
The actual guided part lasts approximately two hours, with visits to all seven breweries, each lasting around 10-20 minutes.

Are the breweries open for tasting on weekdays?
Yes, some breweries do not usually offer tastings on weekdays, so this tour offers a rare opportunity to sample their sake.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking between breweries within Saijo, which are close together, but some walking is required. It’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate walking.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a small bag for souvenirs, and perhaps a bottle of water. The tour is mostly outdoors, so dress appropriately for weather.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Last-minute cancellations are not refundable.

To sum it up, the Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour offers a lively, authentic, and highly informative peek into Japan’s revered sake culture. It’s a perfect choice for travelers wanting a small-group, guided experience that balances education and enjoyment—all at a fair price. Whether you’re a seasoned sake connoisseur or simply curious about Japanese drinks, this tour will deepen your appreciation and leave you with plenty of stories—and maybe a few bottles—to take home.