Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
On this tour, you'll explore Saijo’s rich sake brewing tradition through a guided visit to three sake breweries. Discover the history and culture of sake, enriched by deep connections to nature, the community, and its people. Taste the unique characteristics of each brewery’s sake and learn about their passion for craftsmanship.
At Sanyotsuru, enjoy a special calligraphy experience using the same spring water used in sake brewing. Grind ink and create your own sake label on special paper, which is typically used for authentic sake labels. This can be your original souvenir．
This is an authentic tour where you can immerse yourself in the rich spirit of Japanese hospitality and the profound heart of its culture．
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
There will be sake tasting and comparisons. If you are under 20 years old or unable to consume alcohol, please inform us when booking.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Mitate Shrine
14：05～14：30 Mitate Shrine Mitate Shrine enshrines the deity of sake and has been cherished by the sake brewers of Saijo for generations. Representatives from the seven breweries gather here to pray before the sake brewing season begins. Since ancient times, Japanese people have celebrated the abundant harvest of rice, used it to brew sake, and offered it to the gods as an expression of gratitude. One essential offering to the gods is omiki—sacred sake made from this precious rice. Here, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the connection between sake and Japan's cultural and spiritual traditions.
Kamotsuru Sake Brewery
14：30～15：00 Kamotsuru Sake Brewing Co. Ltd（Sake museum shop） At Kamotsuru Sake museum shop, you can learn about the process of sake brewing through unique displays and exhibits. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to sample Junmai Daiginjo Hiroshima Nishiki, a premium sake served to world leaders during the “Working Dinner” at the 2023 G7 Hiroshima Summit. Furthermore, you can taste the well water used for sake brewing, drawn from the Fukujin Well, which is open to the public at this location.
What‘s Included
· Experience fees ・Sake tasting fees (partial) · Souvenirs・ Insurance
Transportation to the meeting point
Options
Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Visiting a Sake Brewery You Can’t Usually Visit: A Special Sake Experience Only in Saijo
GrandTour67469035071,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I participated in the Sakato Saijo Sake Journey held in Saijo, Higashi Hiroshima City, and it was a more fulfilling experience than I had imagined. The tour began with a visit to a shrine dedicated to the god of sake. The introduction was very impressive and gave me a sense of the connection between Japanese sake and Japanese culture, and I felt a different depth than just visiting sake breweries. During the brewery tour, in addition to the detailed explanations given by the guide, you can actually hear directly from the brewery staff, which is easy to understand even for those who are not familiar with sake, and conversely, I think it is a lot of learning for those who are knowledgeable. The most impressive thing was the visit to the brewery, which is not normally accessible. It was a very valuable and interesting experience to see the sake brewing process up close while being guided by the brewery staff. The tastings were also substantial, and sake as well as prepared water (relaxed water) were very delicious and impressive. It's nice to know that even those who can't drink amazake are offered a tasting. In addition, it is fun to create your own sake labels through the calligraphy experience, and there is a special feeling that you can take home your own bottle. I was also very happy with the sake and original chocolates that they gave me as souvenirs. It was a very satisfying tour, recommended not only for those who like sake but also for those who want to become interested in it.
PREMIUM experience tour around Sakako Saijo!!
masuchan,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Learn about the history of Sake Brewery Saijo and visit three breweries for a special experience! You could hear directly from the brewers about their commitment to sake brewing, as well as how delicious you are! It was also interesting to discover new things while exploring the taste of your favorite sake and experiencing the difference in taste! This time, I was given a special opportunity to enter the brewery and learn how to make the distinctive sake of each brewery while inheriting the long history of sake brewing, and the taste of the sake I drank afterwards was exceptional! Thank you very much for the PREMIUM experience, as we ended up with a brush on the sake label, which we stuck on the bottle and created a one-of-a-kind special bottle that we could take home as a souvenir!
Luxurious 3 hours to love sake more
Scenic52293460112,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I joined Sakato Saijo : Sake brewing trip Premium (no dinner) and it was more fulfilling than I expected! ■ Deep learning because we have a guide During the shrine tour, we reaffirmed the manners of visiting shrines, such as the way torii walk. The history of the area came to my mind very quickly as he explained his local beliefs and connection to the brewery with photographic materials. ■ Prepared water and community exchange enjoyed by all five senses The prepared water you receive immediately after learning the background of the underground water is exceptional! Casual conversations with local people who came to fetch water were also warm feelings as if they were touched by the everyday life of the area. ■ Discover special attendance and personal preferences I was impressed by the special feeling of being shown around an area that is usually closed to the public. The tasting style, where you have to face down the brand to find your own taste, was a great experience that would guide your sake selection in the future. ■ At the end of your trip, one self label for the world Create your own labels with your tour impressions in kanji. The process of making your own souvenir while reflecting on your trip was a great memory. Knowledge, experiences and delicious drinks. If you want to fully enjoy Saijo, I definitely recommend this tour!
Deep dive in Saijo's Sake tradition - a recommended tour, close to Hiroshima
marcof513,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Truly wonderful and unique experience. I was welcomed in Saijo (met in the train station) and accompanied in a three hours personal trip through history, brewing techniques and peculiarities of each brewery and product (amazing tastings and souvenirs included!). The guide staff is very knowledgeable, kind and truly passionate in showing the mastery of sake's brewing and the long history of sake in Saijo. Best for a half-day trip from Hiroshima and for non-Japanese speakers (English was very good!). Thank you Shiori
Saijo Sake Brewery Tour for Foreigners
edikana2025,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience getting to see different parts of Saijo its famous sake. My tour guide was Shiori san and she was really kind and took her time to explain the details of Japanese Saijo brewing process. She was also very knowledgeable about the history of each brewery location. Would 100% recommend if planning to visit Saijo.
Let's enjoy a drink.
Explorer48161448338,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00You could hear more about sake brewing at the brewery. It was very interesting for people who usually like sake and drink it. It was also helpful when choosing.
A deep and fun experience tour at a sake brewery!
Venture32648126706,Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was my first time taking part in a sake brewery tour in Saijo. We started at a shrine dedicated to the god of sake, then heard about the sake brewing process and the attention to detail from people who actually make sake at several breweries, and we also had the chance to taste and compare different types of sake. It was fun to taste and compare different types of sake after hearing detailed explanations about sake brewing. At the end, I received a souvenir of my own sake with an original label that I had written with a calligraphy brush. Our guide, Shiori, was also very kind, and it was a very educational and enjoyable tour. The brewery is just a 30-minute train ride from Hiroshima Station by JR train and a few minutes' walk from the nearest station, Saijo Station, making it highly recommended for both Japanese people and tourists from overseas.
Enjoying the Charm of Saijo, Japan’s Sake Capital, in the Perfect Amount of Time🍶
shokoh799,Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I joined the tour solo, but really enjoyed the small group style of around five people, where we could share the experience and chat with other participants. Starting with a stroll through town, then visiting a brewery, and finally tasting sake, I was able to see the brewing process up close and hear detailed explanations, which gave me a much deeper appreciation of Japanese sake. The sake sommelier’s advice on how to order according to your personal taste was also incredibly helpful. The location is convenient—just about a kilometer from JR Saijo Station. This is highly recommended for those who want to experience more than just visiting sake breweries, and the historic townscape of Saijo adds even more to the charm.🍶
It was a wonderful way to experience Japanese culture!
Maps15002354549,Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really enjoyed the sake brewery tour and learned so much about Japanese sake. Through the tastings, I discovered what kind of sake I personally like. What impressed me the most was realizing how important and wonderful the water is. In the calligraphy experience, I was able to create my own sake label, which made me really happy. It was such a unique experience to enjoy both sake and Japanese culture together.
Fresh taste of sake in Saijo
Z5973YJjulian,Aug 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had really good experience trying the Sake from Saijo, learning about the process ans the different taste. I am really grateful for the experience!
From ¥18,000
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