Hiroshima’s Saijo district is renowned as a hub for sake production, offering visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the art and tradition of this renowned Japanese beverage. The Sake Town Tour in Saijo Hiroshima promises a captivating 3-hour experience, where participants can explore 4-6 local sake breweries, uncover the intricate sake-making process, and indulge in tastings to appreciate the diverse flavors and aromas. Beyond the breweries, the tour also invites guests to savor a hearty hot-pot lunch, discover charming alleyways, and collect sake-infused souvenirs – a comprehensive journey that unveils Saijo’s rich cultural legacy and the artistry behind Japan’s beloved drink.

This experience made our list of the 10 Best Drinking Tours In Hiroshima.

Key Points

Hiroshima: Sake Town Tour in Saijo Hiroshima - Key Points

  • The 3-hour Sake Town Tour in Saijo, Hiroshima, offers visitors the opportunity to visit 4-6 local sake breweries and learn about the intricate sake production process.
  • The tour includes tasting of local sake samples to appreciate their flavor and aroma, as well as a specialty hot-pot lunch and dessert stop featuring local sweets and snacks.
  • Saijo is renowned as a hub for sake production, and the tour provides insights into the importance of "shikomi mizu" water for sake-making in the region.
  • The tour includes a guided tasting at Kamotsuru brewery, highlighting the aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel of various sake varieties, such as Junmai, Ginjo, Daiginjo, and Junmai Daiginjo.
  • Participants can explore the picturesque streets of Saijo, visit local breweries’ tasting rooms, and purchase sake and sake-infused products as souvenirs.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

Hiroshima: Sake Town Tour in Saijo Hiroshima - Tour Overview

The 3-hour Sake Town Tour in Saijo, Hiroshima, allows visitors to explore the heart of the local sake industry. Over the course of the tour, you will visit 4-6 local sake breweries, witnessing firsthand how these establishments operate and learning about the intricate sake production process.

A highlight of the experience includes tasting local sake samples, providing an opportunity to appreciate the subtle differences in flavor and aroma influenced by the unique "shikomi mizu" water essential for sake making. The tour also includes a specialty hot-pot lunch, as well as a dessert stop featuring local sweets and snacks, offering a well-rounded exploration of Saijo’s renowned sake culture.

Highlights of the Tour

Hiroshima: Sake Town Tour in Saijo Hiroshima - Highlights of the Tour

During the Sake Town Tour, participants can expect several highlights that immerse them in Saijo’s renowned sake culture. They’ll have the opportunity to taste local sake samples, providing a chance to appreciate the subtle differences in flavor profiles across the various breweries.

The tour also includes a hearty lunch of Bishu Nabe, a local specialty hot-pot dish. Afterward, participants can indulge in a dessert stop featuring sweets and snacks.

Throughout the experience, guests will gain insights into sake production as they visit 4-6 local breweries and learn about the importance of "shikomi mizu," the water essential for sake-making in the Saijo district.

Saijo District and Sake Breweries

Hiroshima: Sake Town Tour in Saijo Hiroshima - Saijo District and Sake Breweries

Saijo’s breweries are concentrated in the district due to the availability of "shikomi mizu," the water essential for sake production. This water source has subtle differences in water components according to the brewery location, resulting in unique flavors.

Some key details about Saijo’s sake industry include:

  • Saijo is known as a hub for sake production, with numerous local breweries in the area
  • Visitors can tour the breweries, observe the sake-making process, and learn about the intricacies of sake production
  • Tasting opportunities allow guests to sample a variety of local sake offerings
  • Picturesque streets and brewery tasting rooms provide a charming atmosphere for exploring Saijo’s sake culture
  • Visitors can purchase sake and sake-based products to take home as souvenirs.

Tasting and Sake Explanation

Hiroshima: Sake Town Tour in Saijo Hiroshima - Tasting and Sake Explanation

Visitors to the Kamotsuru brewery can expect an engaging tasting and sake explanation experience. During this portion of the tour, guests will learn about the intricate process of sake production, from the careful selection of local "shikomi mizu" water to the precise fermentation techniques. The knowledgeable staff will guide participants through a tasting of several Kamotsuru sake varieties, highlighting the subtle nuances in aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel. This interactive experience allows guests to develop a deeper appreciation for the artistry and tradition behind Japan’s national beverage.

Sake Variety Aroma Flavor Mouthfeel
Junmai Rich, earthy Full-bodied, savory Smooth, creamy
Ginjo Fruity, floral Delicate, refined Light, refreshing
Daiginjo Fragrant, complex Elegant, balanced Silky, refined
Junmai Daiginjo Aromatic, sophisticated Nuanced, harmonious Luxurious, exceptional
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Exploring the Picturesque Streets

Hiroshima: Sake Town Tour in Saijo Hiroshima - Exploring the Picturesque Streets

After the engaging tasting and sake exploration at Kamotsuru, the tour participants now set out to discover the picturesque streets of Saijo. Winding through the historic district, they admire the charming architecture, quaint storefronts, and time-honored buildings.

The group stops to:

  • Stroll past the iconic Saijo Brewery, a renowned sake producer with a long heritage
  • Explore the narrow alleyways lined with traditional machiya townhouses
  • Visit local breweries’ tasting rooms to sample more premium sake offerings
  • Peruse specialty shops selling artisanal crafts, pottery, and sake-infused delicacies
  • Capture the serene atmosphere of this sake-making hub, immersed in its rich cultural legacy.

The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the unique character of Saijo’s sake-centric community.

Purchasing Sake and Products

As the tour progresses, participants eagerly browse the local shops, seeking out the opportunity to bring home a taste of Saijo’s renowned sake culture. The tasting rooms within the breweries offer an array of sake varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile. Visitors can purchase bottles of their favorite sips, as well as sake-infused products like cookies, candies, and even soaps.

The quaint streets are dotted with specialty shops showcasing the craftsmanship of local artisans, allowing guests to enjoy the rich heritage of Saijo’s sake industry. This final stop on the tour provides the perfect chance to collect souvenirs and continue savoring the essence of this celebrated sake destination.

Meeting Point and Duration

Hiroshima: Sake Town Tour in Saijo Hiroshima - Meeting Point and Duration

The tour begins at the front of the Higashihiroshimashi Information Centre inside Saijo Station. The tour lasts for 3 hours and is limited to a group size of 8 participants. This allows for a more personalized and intimate experience.

Key details:

  • Meeting point: Front of Higashihiroshimashi Information Centre inside Saijo Station
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Group size: Limited to 8 participants
  • Availability: Check for starting times
  • Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

The tour’s compact duration and small group size ensure you can fully learn about the sake-making process and local culture without feeling rushed or overcrowded.

Cancellation Policy

Hiroshima: Sake Town Tour in Saijo Hiroshima - Cancellation Policy

According to the information provided, travelers can cancel their tour reservation free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. This flexible cancellation policy allows participants to adjust their plans if needed without incurring any penalties.

The tour is limited to 8 participants, so this policy ensures that spots can be reallocated to those on the waiting list. This consideration for the travelers’ schedules and the efficient management of tour logistics demonstrates the organizers’ commitment to providing a seamless and enjoyable experience for all.

The cancellation policy adds to the overall appeal of this sake-focused tour in the Saijo district of Hiroshima.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hiroshima: Sake Town Tour in Saijo Hiroshima - Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Guide Fluent in English?

The tour guide is likely fluent in English, as the tour is marketed towards international visitors and details are provided in English. However, the level of English proficiency may vary and should be confirmed when booking the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks on the Tour?

No, participants are not allowed to bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour includes a local specialty hot-pot lunch and dessert stop, providing a comprehensive tasting experience of the area’s cuisine and sake.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour appears to be wheelchair accessible, as it takes place on the streets and in the breweries of the Saijo district, which are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs. However, it’s best to confirm this directly with the tour operator.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Breweries?

Participants are generally allowed to take photos inside the sake breweries, though they should be respectful and avoid disrupting the production process. It’s best to check with the tour guide or brewery staff before extensively photographing the facilities.

Is There an Option to Book a Private Tour?

Yes, there’s an option to book a private tour of the Saijo sake breweries. The private tour can be customized for the group’s preferences and schedule, offering a more personalized experience compared to the regular group tour.

Recap

The Sake Town Tour in Saijo, Hiroshima offers a captivating exploration of Japan’s rich sake culture. Visitors can enjoy the intricate sake-making process, indulge in tastings, and savor a hearty hot-pot lunch. With the opportunity to purchase favorite bottles and sake-infused products, this tour provides a unique chance to explore the artistry and legacy of Japanese sake.

You can check if your dates are available here: