Hiroshima is not only a symbol of peace remembrance, but also a significant hub for Setouchi's culinary culture. A day trip departing from Hiroshima city allows you to deeply experience this land's unique food traditions and natural scenery, especially the "food culture tourism" routes that have developed in recent years to meet the diverse needs of international travelers.
The distinctive feature of day trips around Hiroshima lies in combining the dual charm of marine culture and mountain brewing industry. The mild climate of the Setouchi Sea cultivates a unique lemon industry, while the clear water sources of the Chugoku mountains have nurtured the celebrated Japanese sake culture. This geographical advantage makes Hiroshima an ideal destination for transitioning from single-attraction sightseeing to in-depth experiential tourism.
Takehara Sake Brewery Street
Takehara is known as the "Little Kyoto," preserving sake brewery building complexes from the Edo period. Here lies the 300-year-old Tritsuru Shuzo, the hometown of Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky. The sake brewery street stretches about 800 meters, hosting 7 traditional breweries, with 3 offering tasting experiences. The most recommended visit is to Fujii Shuzo, whose representative sake "Ryusei" has won multiple awards in international competitions. The lattice-window buildings along the street have now been converted into cafes and souvenir shops, selling sweets and seasonings made from sake kasu. Zip 725-0022, Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Innoshima Lemon Farm Experience
Innoshima is Japan's top lemon-producing island, accounting for 60% of the national output. Spring is the lemon blossom season, with the entire island enveloped in a delicate floral fragrance. A recommended visit is Setoda Lemon Farm, which offers picking experiences and lemon processing workshops. The farm owner teaches how to identify lemons at optimal maturity and the traditional lemon honey-preserving method. The lemon peels here are particularly thick, making them the best原料 for making lemon seasonings. Recently, with fewer Chinese tourists, the farm has focused more on serving Western tourists, with significantly improved English-guided tours. Zip 722-2416, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Setoda-cho
Onomichi Ramen Culture Tour
Onomichi ramen is famous for its clear chicken bone broth topped with back fat pieces, offering a refreshing style completely different from Kyushu's tonkotsu ramen. A recommended visit is "Shukaen," founded in 1947, considered the birthplace of Onomichi ramen. The soup is cooked with Setouchi dried small fish, served with house-made thin noodles, at ¥650 per bowl. Another restaurant, "Tsutafuji," is known for its innovative flavors, launching new varieties like lemon ramen that incorporate local specialties. Onomichi's slope culture is also worth experiencing, with views of the Setouchi Sea from Senkoji Park, especially the "Cat's Narrow Path" walking route during twilight hours. Zip 722-0033, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Hiuchodacho
Kure Navy Curry Cultural Museum
Kure is the birthplace of Japanese Navy curry, a curry dish originally made by stewing vegetables and meat as a nutritional meal for the navy. The current "Maritime Self-Defense Force curry" has become a local specialty, with each restaurant having its own secret recipe. A recommended visit is the restaurant "Hiroshi," whose Friday curry faithfully recreates the taste of the former navy mess hall, at ¥1,200 per serving. Kure also houses the Yamato Museum, displaying a 1/10 scale model of the battleship Yamato, a must-visit for military history enthusiasts. From the museum's top floor, you can overlook the shipyard and learn about the development of modern shipbuilding technology. Zip 737-0029, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Takaramachi
Transportation and Cost Information
Departing from Hiroshima Station, it is recommended to purchase the "Hiroshima Pass" (¥2,000 for a one-day pass), covering JR Sanyo Line and Setouchi car ferries. To reach Takehara, take the JR Kure Line for about 45 minutes; to reach Innoshima, transfer at Onomichi for a ferry ride of about 30 minutes (¥290); to reach Kure, take the JR Kure Line for about 30 minutes. It is recommended to depart at 9 AM, prioritizing the more distant attractions like Takehara or Innoshima first, then stop by Onomichi or Kure on your way back.
The dining budget is approximately ¥3,000-5,000 per person, including sake brewery tasting fees (¥500-800), specialty dishes, and souvenir purchases. The lemon farm experience costs ¥1,500, including picking and processing workshops.
Travel Tips
It is recommended to avoid Sundays and national holidays for sake brewery visits, as some breweries are only open on weekdays. The best seasons to visit lemon farms are the blooming period from April to May and the harvesting period from October to December. Onomichi's slopes are quite steep, so it is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring a cooler bag for fresh lemons and alcoholic products. Due to recent tensions in China-Japan relations affecting the tourist structure, many businesses have strengthened their English services, which反而provides a better experience environment for non-Chinese visitors. For reserved sake breweries and farms, please make a phone reservation 3 days in advance.
