Hiroshima Saijo Sake Tasting Tour with visit to 3 Breweries

Taking a sake tour in Hiroshima’s Saijo region isn’t just about drinking. It’s an engaging blend of history, craftsmanship, and authentic Japanese flavors, all wrapped into a compact, 90-minute experience. Whether you’re a sake novice or a seasoned enthusiast, this tour offers a balanced mix of education, tasting, and cultural insight—without feeling rushed or superficial.

What really makes this experience stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides who make the complex world of sake approachable. Second, the chance to sample premium varieties like daiginjo and junmai, often unavailable during weekday tastings. Third, visiting historic breweries, some dating back centuries, provides a tangible connection to Japan’s sake-making traditions. The one potential consideration? Since it’s a tasting tour, you won’t see brewing in action, only taste and learn about it. Overall, it’s best suited for curious travelers eager to understand Japan’s sake culture in a relaxed, friendly setting.

Good To Know

• Authentic Experience: Visit three of Saijo’s top breweries, some of which are century-old establishments.
• Expert Guidance: Enjoy insights from an enthusiastic English-speaking guide who explains each brewery’s unique story.
• Tasting Variety: Sample five different types of sake, including premium options like daiginjo and junmai.
• Convenient & Compact: Tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, perfect for a quick yet immersive experience.
• Local Insight: Learn about the history of sake brewing in Hiroshima, a major sake-producing region.
• Affordable Value: At just under $36, this tour offers a high-quality introduction to sake culture that’s easy on the wallet.

An Introduction to Saijo and Its Sake Heritage

Saijo, often called the “Sake Capital of Hiroshima,” boasts seven breweries within walking distance of Saijo Station. This region’s reputation for sake is rooted in centuries of brewing tradition, and it’s a highlight for anyone interested in Japanese alcohol or local culture. The tour begins right outside Saijo Station’s Tourist Information Center, a convenient starting point that sets the tone for an accessible, city-centered experience.

The tour’s duration of around 1 hour 30 minutes makes it a manageable activity—even for those with tight schedules—yet it’s packed with enough details and tastings to feel thoroughly satisfying. The group size is capped at 10, ensuring personalized attention, and the tour is ideal for those over 20, given Japan’s legal drinking age.

Visiting Three Breweries: What to Expect

First Stop: Kamotsuru Sake Brewery

Kamotsuru holds the title as a pioneer in Ginjo sake brewing, and it’s a must-visit for understanding premium sake production. Here, the highlight is a 10-minute video that introduces you to sake making, setting a visual and contextual foundation.

Guests are then invited to taste Daiginjo Gold Kamotsuru, a celebrated variety known for its smoothness and refined flavor profile. Visitors are given a clear understanding of what makes ginjo sake special—its polished rice grain and meticulous brewing process. Reviewers have appreciated the guide’s enthusiasm here, noting that “our guide was enthusiastic, incredibly knowledgeable, and a lot of fun to be with,” which really enhances the experience.

Second Stop: Fukubijin Sake Breweries

Fukubijin, once called the “Saijo Brewing School,” is renowned for producing many master brewers, highlighting its importance in the local sake scene. Here, tasting Fukubijin Junmai-shu offers a chance to savor a more traditional style of sake. If visiting during winter, you might even get to try warm sake, which adds a cozy twist to the tasting.

While the brewery itself isn’t described as having a formal tasting included in the admission, the emphasis is on sampling and learning. The guide’s story-telling makes this stop engaging, emphasizing Fukubijin’s role in shaping Hiroshima’s sake expertise.

Third Stop: Hakubotan Brewery

Founded in 1675, Hakubotan is one of the oldest breweries in Hiroshima Prefecture. Visiting such a historic site provides a tangible sense of tradition. Here, you’ll taste Hiroshima Gensyu, a sake that reflects the local climate and water quality, plus plum wine soaked in Daiginjo-shu—a delightful fusion of flavors.

Note that the brewery doesn’t include an admission fee and the tasting here is more casual, but it offers insight into how history and place influence flavor profiles.

The Tasting Experience: What You’ll Sample

The tour includes five different types of sake, selected by the breweries based on their specialties. These range from daiginjo (a premium, highly polished sake) to junmai, offering a broad taste spectrum. The opportunity to sample Umeshu (plum wine) soaked in Daiginjo-shu at Hakubotan adds a sweet, fruity note to the experience.

Most reviewers feel that the tasting is generous and well-curated, with one noting that “sampling at breweries that don’t usually offer tastings on weekdays was extremely valuable.” This means you’ll get to taste varieties not always available to the casual visitor, making it both accessible and exclusive.

The Value of the Tour

At $35.93 per person, this tour offers excellent value. You get a guided, informative experience, tasting at three renowned breweries, and learning about sake’s history and cultural significance. For travelers wanting a deep but manageable introduction to sake without committing an entire day or large expense, it’s a smart choice.

Guides are praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge, which really enhances the tour’s educational aspect. One reviewer said, “Our guide was enthusiastic, incredibly knowledgeable, and a lot of fun to be with,” highlighting the importance of good storytelling to make the experience memorable.

Practical Considerations

• Booking in advance is recommended, with an average reservation time of about 38 days prior.
• The tour starts at 10:30 am and is suitable for most travelers, provided they can arrive on time.
• Age restrictions are strictly enforced; participants under 20 are not permitted.
• The tour doesn’t include watching the brewing process, only tasting and learning, which might disappoint those hoping for a behind-the-scenes look.
• For non-drinkers, the fee remains the same, so it’s best to consider whether tasting aligns with your preferences.

Who Should Join This Tour?

This experience is perfect for culture lovers, foodies, and curious travelers interested in Japanese traditions. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate a mix of history, craftsmanship, and flavorful sampling, rather than just a party atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Hiroshima’s Saijo breweries with a guided tasting tour offers a blend of authenticity, education, and fun. The expert guides and carefully curated tastings** make it a memorable introduction to sake and region-specific brewing styles. While it lacks a brewing demonstration, the opportunity to sample rare varieties and learn their stories makes it worthwhile.

This tour’s affordable price point, intimate group size, and rich historical context make it an ideal choice for travelers wanting a genuine, behind-the-scenes look into Japan’s sake culture without the hassle of DIY planning.

• Historic breweries deepen the cultural experience.
• Expert guides enhance understanding with engaging stories.
• Premium sake tastings are often unavailable elsewhere on weekdays.
• Short, manageable duration fits well into busy sightseeing schedules.
• Price offers great value for an authentic, guided tasting.
• No brewery observation means focus is on tasting and learning.

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
Yes, the tour remains the same price even if you choose not to drink, but keep in mind that it is primarily a tasting experience.

Can I see the sake brewing process?
No, the tour focuses on tasting and learning about sake’s history. You won’t observe the brewing in action.

How many breweries are visited?
Three breweries are included in the tour, out of seven in the Saijo area, offering a good sample of the local sake scene.

What varieties of sake will I taste?
You’ll sample five different types, including high-end daiginjo, junmai sake, and possibly umeshu, depending on the breweries’ selections.

Is this tour appropriate for families or children?
Participants must be 20 years or older, as per Japanese law, so it’s best suited for adults.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a quick but rich experience.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended. Since the tour involves walking and tasting, no special attire is necessary.

Is transportation included?
The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation, but the tour does not provide transportation between breweries.

What if I’m late or need to cancel?
Arriving more than 15 minutes late counts as a cancellation without refund. Cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance.

This Hiroshima Saijo sake tasting tour offers a well-rounded, authentic peek into Japan’s sake tradition—guided by passionate experts, with the chance to taste rare and premium varieties. It’s perfect for those who want to deepen their appreciation of Japanese beverages, all within a short, engaging format. For anyone curious about sake, history, or local culture, this experience is a solid choice to add flavor and insight to your Hiroshima visit.