When people think of Hiroshima, the Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine typically come to mind. However, for enthusiasts of Japanese sake, the town of Saijo—located just 30 minutes by car from central Hiroshima—represents an absolute must-visit destination. This serene community stands alongside Nada in Hyogo Prefecture and Fushimi in Kyoto as one of Japan's three major sake-producing regions, boasting a rich brewing heritage spanning more than 400 years. To this day, eight traditional breweries continue to carry on the ancient craft that has defined this distinguished town.
The Unique Charm of Saijo Sake
What makes Saijo a premier sake-producing region lies in its exceptional natural environment. The area is blessed with high-quality underground water flowing from the Kamo Plateau, with perfectly balanced water hardness and remarkably low iron content—optimal conditions for premium sake brewing. Additionally, the temperate climate of the Seto Inland Sea provides a stable environment essential for the sake fermentation process. Most local breweries continue to uphold traditional handcrafting methods, employing both the traditional tsubaki (press) and bag-pressing techniques, ensuring that every drop of sake carries the dedication of master craftsmen and the richness of time.
The annual Saijo Sake Festival held every October is the flagship event for sake enthusiasts, drawing over 200,000 visitors. During the festival, approximately 1,000 sake brands from across the nation gather in one place. Visitors can purchase a tasting set for just ¥1,000-¥1,500 and enjoy unlimited sampling of various sake varieties, experiencing the essence of Japanese sake culture firsthand.
Recommended Sake Brewing Facilities to Visit
Kamosakura Shuzo Co., Ltd.
Founded in 1623, Kamosakura is one of the oldest sake breweries in the Saijo region. This historic establishment not only preserves the architectural style of the Edo period but is also renowned throughout Japan for its signature sake, Kamosakura. The brewery offers comprehensive English-guided tours, allowing visitors to gain an in-depth understanding of each step of the sake brewing process—from rice polishing to bottling. The tasting experience package is available for just ¥1,800 and includes a beautiful commemorative sake cup and unlimited tastings, making it an excellent value proposition. Address: 〒739-0011, 4-31 Saijo Honmachi, Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture.
Kamoizumi Shuzo
Operating under the brand philosophy of "Hiroshima's Fine Sake," Kamoizumi specializes particularly in junmai sake production. Their retail store not only offers a wide variety of sake products but also features unique sake kasu (sake lees) products and sake-based seasonings—perfect souvenirs to bring back to family and friends. Weekend tasting events are especially popular, with seasonal limited-edition sake varieties often available for sampling. Business hours are weekdays 08:30-17:00 and weekends 10:00-17:00.
Takenotori Shuzo
This family-owned small-scale brewery is renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship, producing limited quantities each year but maintaining exceptional quality. Takenotori Shuzo offers a special sake hot pot experience—a ¥8,400 package for four guests—that allows visitors to enjoy premium sake while savoring a distinctive hot pot dish featuring sake kasu as a flavoring base, perfectly illustrating the art of pairing sake with cuisine.
Saijo Shuzakori-dori (Saijo Sake Brewery Street)
This street, spanning less than a kilometer, connects eight sake breweries, with red brick chimneys and white-plastered tsuchikura (earthen warehouse) buildings creating a distinctive historical streetscape. As you stroll along, the subtle aroma of sake fills the air, transporting visitors back to the Edo period. Detailed information boards are installed along both sides of the street, allowing visitors to follow the guides and plan their own personalized sake brewery tour.
Practical Visitor Information
How to Get There
From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Saijo Station. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and costs ¥320. For those traveling from the Kansai region, you can ride the Sanyo Shinkansen (bullet train) directly to Hiroshima Station, then transfer to the conventional line for the remaining route to Saijo. This option takes approximately 2 hours total. The walk from Saijo Station to the sake brewery district is just 5-10 minutes, making it highly convenient for visitors.
Cost Overview
Most individual sake brewery visits are free of charge. The sake tasting experience package costs ¥1,800. Professional guided tours range from ¥8,000 to ¥15,000, while the half-day tour package costs ¥14,800 (for visitors aged 13 and above). Entry to the October Sake Festival is free, though it is recommended to purchase the tasting set in advance for ¥1,000-¥1,500 to secure your selection.
Operating Hours
Most sake breweries are open from 09:00 to 17:00, though some may extend their hours until 18:00 on weekends. It is recommended to confirm the specific opening times of each brewery in advance to avoid disappointment.
Travel Tips
The optimal time to visit is on a weekday morning, arriving at 9:00 AM. At this hour, visitor traffic is significantly lighter, allowing you to savor the sake tastings and capture photographs in a more relaxed and unhurried manner. The annual Sake Festival held in October presents an exceptional opportunity to experience the rich sake culture of the Saijo district, though advance planning for accommodations is strongly recommended due to increased demand during this popular event. It is advisable to obtain a complimentary map of the local breweries at JR Saijo Station upon arrival, which will enable you to strategically plan your touring route and maximize your visit. Since sake tasting is an integral part of the experience, utilizing public transportation is highly recommended, and under no circumstances should you operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol. Furthermore, the majority of breweries offer home delivery services, allowing you to send your selected sake directly to your residence, thereby avoiding the inconvenience of carrying bottles during your travels. Remember to prepare an adequate amount of cash, as some of the smaller traditional breweries may not accept credit card payments.
