Hiroshima: Koto Performance, Workshop, and Sake Tour

Traveling to Japan offers countless ways to explore its rich traditions, but few experiences manage to combine music, craftsmanship, and local flavor quite like this Hiroshima-based tour in Saij. This 4.5-hour journey brings you face-to-face with Japan’s musical and brewing heritage, all in one well-curated package.

What makes this experience stand out? We love the opportunity to watch a master koto player perform live, try our hand at this centuries-old instrument, and walk through a traditional sake brewery with an expert guide. The chance to taste local sake and bring home a souvenir bottle adds a tangible keepsake to the day.

However, it’s worth noting that lunch isn’t included in the tour fee, so travelers should plan accordingly. This experience suits those curious about Japanese culture, music lovers, and anyone intrigued by sake craftsmanship.

Good To Know

• Authentic culture through live music and hands-on activities.
• Learn about sake brewing from a certified guide in a historic brewery district.
• Participation open to beginners, making the koto experience accessible.
• Tasting and souvenir sake bottle included for participants over 20.
• Convenient location just a short walk from Saij Station, ideal for travelers exploring Hiroshima.
• Flexible cancellation policy with full refunds if notified 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

A Rich Cultural Setting in Saij

Saij is renowned for its sake brewing tradition, with streets lined by beautifully preserved buildings that echo Japan’s brewing past. The tour’s starting point, the Kamotsuru Sake Brewery, is a symbol of this heritage, offering a picturesque backdrop for the day’s activities. The historic setting immediately sets the right tone, blending old-world charm with modern appreciation for traditional crafts.

The Live Koto Performance

At the core of this experience is a live performance by Keiko Nishimoto, a master of the Ikutaryu koto and Jiuta sangen. With over 50 years of experience, Nishimoto-san’s performance is both technically impressive and emotionally evocative. Guests are invited to sit close in the historic brewery, where the delicate sounds of the koto fill the air with a soothing, authentic tone.

Reviewers highlight how captivating the performance is, with one noting, “Watching Keiko Nishimoto play was mesmerizing, and her passion makes the music feel deeply personal.” This isn’t a staged concert — it’s a genuine showcase of a traditional art form that continues to thrive in Japan.

The Hands-On Koto Workshop

Following the performance, everyone gets a chance to try playing the koto themselves. This workshop is intentionally beginner-friendly, offering a relaxed environment where no prior musical experience is needed. Participants often find it surprisingly approachable; one reviewer shared, “I was nervous about playing, but the instructor was so encouraging that I managed to get a few notes right.”

This part of the experience isn’t just about making noise — it’s about feeling connected to a centuries-old tradition, even if just for a few minutes. It’s a memorable activity that will resonate long after the tour ends.

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Guided Sake Brewery Tour

After the musical interlude, a local guide leads a walking tour of Saij’s sake brewery district. This is where the story of sake comes alive. The guide, Ione Madinabeitia, a certified sake sommelier, shares insights about the brewing process, cultural significance, and the architectural features unique to Saij.

Guests learn about Saij’s long brewing heritage, with many of the buildings dating back in some form to earlier eras. The guided walk isn’t rushed — at a comfortable pace, you’re encouraged to explore shopfronts, sample different sake varieties, and absorb the traditional atmosphere.

Tasting & Souvenir

Of course, no sake tour is complete without sampling the local product. Guests will have the opportunity to taste a variety of sake, guided by knowledgeable staff. As a bonus, each participant receives a 180ml bottle of Kamotsuru sake to take home, a lovely token of the day’s experience.

Participants over 20 can enjoy the tasting, which is often praised for its quality and variety. Reviewers appreciate that the sake is well-selected, and the souvenir bottle makes for a thoughtful keepsake.

Practical Details

The entire experience is conveniently situated just about 10 minutes on foot from JR Saij Station, making it easy to incorporate into a day of sightseeing around Hiroshima. The tour runs from 11:00 am to approximately 3:30 pm, with a flexible schedule that includes a lunch break (note that lunch isn’t included in the fee).

The group size tends to be cozy, fostering a friendly atmosphere where questions and interactions are encouraged. Pricing is reasonable considering the combination of live entertainment, hands-on activity, guided tour, and tastings. Plus, the full cancellation policy offers peace of mind, allowing cancellations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What the Reviews Say

Many attendees comment on the warmth and expertise of the guides, noting that Ione’s background as a sake sommelier and Hiroshima University Ph.D. graduate enhances their understanding of sake’s cultural importance. “Ione made everything accessible, and I learned so much about sake brewing I never knew,” one guest shared.

The performance by Keiko Nishimoto is consistently highlighted for its authenticity and emotional depth. Reviewers also appreciate the opportunity to try playing the koto, describing it as a surprisingly enjoyable challenge rather than a daunting task.

Some mention that lunch is not provided, but in their view, it’s a small trade-off for the richness of the activities offered. The tasting and souvenir bottle are often seen as nice bonuses that add value.

Final thoughts from reviewers include praise for the stunning views of Saij’s traditional streets, which make the walking tour particularly memorable. Several mention that the relaxed pace of the tour allows for genuine enjoyment without feeling rushed.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This experience is especially suited for culture lovers eager to see beyond the usual sightseeing spots, those curious about traditional Japanese music and sake, and anyone seeking a meaningful, hands-on activity. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate learning in a relaxed setting and like to bring home tangible mementos.

It’s also a great choice if you want a local, authentic experience that’s both educational and entertaining. Keep in mind, it’s not suitable for children under 20, given the sake tasting component.

The Sum Up

The Hiroshima: Koto Performance, Workshop, and Sake Tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of Japanese tradition in a warm, accessible way. You’ll get to witness stunning performances, try your hand at one of Japan’s most revered instruments, and explore the intricate craft of sake brewing, all in one memorable outing.

The combination of live music, cultural storytelling, and tasting makes it a valuable addition to any Hiroshima itinerary — especially if you want to go beyond the typical and experience something truly authentic. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a curious traveler, or a sake aficionado, this tour provides meaningful insights with a welcoming atmosphere.

For those interested in Japanese heritage, this tour is both educational and fun. Plus, the opportunity to take home a souvenir sake bottle ensures the memories last long after the day is over.

FAQ

Is the koto performance suitable for everyone?
Yes, the performance is designed to be accessible and engaging. Even beginners can enjoy the music and participate in the hands-on session.

Can I participate if I have no musical experience?
Absolutely. The workshop is open to beginners, and no prior musical knowledge is required.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not part of the tour fee, so plan to eat beforehand or after the activities.

Are the sake tastings alcohol-free?
No, the tastings involve actual sake, and participants over 20 can enjoy this part of the experience.

How long is the walking tour?
The brewery walk takes about 1.5 hours, at a relaxed pace, allowing ample time to explore and learn.

Where does the tour take place?
At the Kamotsuru Sake Brewery and surrounding district in Saij, a town famous for sake brewing.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended as you’ll be walking and standing for parts of the tour.

How do I book?
You can reserve through the provided platform, with a flexible “reserve now, pay later” option and full cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Is it suitable for non-Japanese speakers?
Yes, the entire experience is guided in English, making it accessible for international travelers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, providing peace of mind.

This Hiroshima: Koto Performance, Workshop, and Sake Tour offers a unique, culturally rich experience, perfect for those who want to connect with Japanese traditions in an engaging, friendly setting. Whether you’re discovering Japan’s musical heritage or learning about sake, this tour provides a memorable peek into local life and craftsmanship.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby