Experience Japan's Sake Capital Through the Eyes of an Expert Local Guide
Discover the sake, history, craftsmanship, and stories that make Saijo one of Japan’s most renowned sake towns
Walk the historic Sakagura Street, visit traditional sake breweries, taste locally brewed sake, and discover what makes Saijo's sake culture unique.
Led by Ione, an English-speaking local guide who has lived in Higashi-Hiroshima for nearly 20 years and holds an SSI Certified International Sake Sommelier qualification.
"From your first taste of sake to a deeper exploration for sake enthusiasts — your Saijo experience can be tailored to you"
DISCOVER SAKAGURA STREET
SAIJO: THE SAKE CAPITAL
Today, you can walk from brewery to brewery, discover centuries of history and taste sake directly where it is made.But Saijo is more than a place to drink sake.It is a place to understand how water, rice, climate, microorganisms, craftsmanship and local culture come together in one bottle!
WHY SAIJO IS UNIQUE?
The ultimate hassle-free day trip!Saijo is located just 40 minutes by train from Hiroshima Station and 35 minutes from Hiroshima Airport. This historic town is proudly regarded as one of Japan’s top three legendary sake districts, alongside Nada (Hyogo) and Fushimi (Kyoto).Nestled in a scenic basin blessed with a perfect brewing climate and pure mountain spring water, Saijo offers a completely unique layout: seven historic, world-class breweries operating side-by-side along Sakagura Street—all within less than one kilometer and an easy walking distance right from the station.
A Powerful Mix of History & High-Tech InnovationWhile brewing began here in the Edo Period, Saijo exploded as a national sake capital during the Meiji Period. Today, Saijo beautifully bridges ancient heritage with cutting-edge global technology. It is the proud home of the National Research Institute of Brewing (the only one in Japan) and the world-leading Satake Corporation, while thriving as a modern educational and tech hub hosting Hiroshima University and global semiconductor giant Micron Technology
CHOOSE YOUR SAIJO EXPERIENCE
Your First Taste of Saijo
4 Breweries | 2 hours
5 Tastings
¥9,000 / person
A relaxed introduction to Saijo’s sake culture. Visit four historic breweries along Sakagura Street, taste five different sake, and discover the traditions, history, and local character of this famous sake town. Perfect for first-time visitors and those who want to explore different sake styles without spending the whole day tasting.
The Complete Saijo Journey
7 Breweries | 3 hours
9 Tastings
¥12,000 / person
Explore all seven historic breweries along Saijo’s famous Sakagura Street, taste nine different sake, and discover the unique character of each brewery while learning about Saijo’s history, water, rice, and traditional brewing craftsmanship.This is my signature Saijo experience!
Experience Saijo Your Way
Customized Experiences
(Contact for a quote)
Create your own Saijo experience with options such as:- Lunch featuring local cuisine (Bishu nabe or sake hot pot)
- A visit inside a sake brewery (when available)
- Private celebrations and special occasions
- Large-group experiences for companies and organizations
- Customized cultural and historical walks
Tell me what you are looking for, and we can plan the experience together!
Note on Pricing!
My fee covers your guided experience — insight, translation, stories, and navigation between breweries — and varies based on group size and tour length. Sake tasting itself is paid directly to each brewery as you go; as an SSI Certified Sake Sommelier, I select and recommend which sakes to taste at each stop, so you get a thoughtfully curated tasting rather than a random pour.