Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour
446273P4
446273P4
446273P4
446273P4
446273P4
446273P4
446273P4
446273P4
446273P4
446273P4
446273P4
446273P4
Overview
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．
Tour at a glance
What's included
- · Experience fees ・Sake tasting fees (partial) · Souvenirs・ Insurance
Not included
- Transportation to the meeting point
Itinerary
-
1
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.
25 min Admission free -
2
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.
30 min Admission free -
3
Hakubotan Brewery
15：10～16：00 Hakubotan Sake Brewery Hakubotan Brewery boasts a rich history of over 350 years. At Hakubotan, brewery staff will give you a special factory tour of the Tenpo Brewery, which is usually not open to the public. Here, you’ll also enjoy a tasting of frozen namazake (unpasteurized sake) – sake frozen immediately after pressing to preserve its freshness and flavor.
50 min Admission free -
4
16：15～17：00 Sanyotsuru Sake Brewery In the charming, traditional interior of Sanyotsuru Brewery, you’ll participate in a unique calligraphy experience. Using spring water from Mount Ryuo and sumi ink, along with traditional Kumano brushes, you will write meaningful words on a sake label while reflecting on your journey in Saijo. This original label will be attached to a sake bottle, resulting in a one-of-a-kind creation. You can take this unique bottle as a souvenir. This activity, called “Tipsy Calligraphy,” invites you to freely express your thoughts and emotions in a relaxed and enjoyable state.
45 min Admission free
Meeting & pickup
Everyone meets at the start point.
Schedule
Good to know
- 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.
Traveller reviews
I really enjoyed this tour. We strolled through atmospheric backstreets and visited three different sake breweries. I tried several kinds of sake, and it was amazing how different the flavors were, even among the same type of sake. We also learned about how sake is made and even tried our hand at calligraphy, which made the experience truly memorable. The guide was warm and friendly, and the whole tour had a relaxed, welcoming feel.
Visiting three sake breweries was such an amazing experience! I got to taste and compare different flavors and aromas. To top it all off, we created our own custom labels for the sake we brought home. It was super fun and I learned so much!
Strolling through the historic sake district is in itself an unique experience. That combined with the tour of production plants of the sake factories, while tasting and comparing various types of sake is a rare opportunity. The guide was very good in explaining the highlights of each spot that we visited. Plus you get to make a personalized sake bottle with you own calligraphy. The tour is definitely worth it.
One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in Saijo was joining a sake brewery tour and discovering the local sake culture through three different breweries: Kamotsuru, Hakubotan, and Sanyotsuru. Our first stop was Kamotsuru, where we learned more about the history and traditional process of sake making through the sake museum. It was really interesting to see the tools, exhibits, and stories behind Japanese sake, and of course, we also had the chance to taste some sake. It was a great introduction to Saijo’s long-standing brewing culture. Next, we visited Hakubotan. What I enjoyed most here was being able to try different types of sake and learn how their flavors can vary. We also had the opportunity to visit the brewery and see more closely where sake is actually made. It made the tasting experience much more meaningful because I could understand a little more about the process behind each bottle. And my favorite stop was definitely Sanyotsuru! Here, we had a really special experience: we could design and write our own sake label. Instead of simply buying a bottle as a souvenir, we could create a personal label for our own sake. It was such a fun and memorable way to finish the tour, and it made the bottle feel much more personal. What I loved about this tour was that each brewery offered a completely different experience, from learning about the history of sake, to tasting different varieties, visiting a brewery, and finally creating something of our own. I came to Saijo thinking I would simply taste some Japanese sake, but I left with a much deeper appreciation for the culture, craftsmanship, and stories behind it. If you’re interested in Japanese culture, local food and drinks, or simply want to experience a different side of Hiroshima, I definitely recommend exploring Saijo’s sake breweries!
It’s my first time visiting the sake builders in Saijo, Higashihiro city.For me, this tour is the best tour I’ve had. Guiders are very nice people,they will tell you all about the Japanese sake and its history.It’s my first time knowing so much about the history of sake and Saijo.Besides sake, I also try Japanese syodo this time. It’s a fantastic try for me.I think all you gays should try this tour.
Very informative and interesting tour.
The behind the scenes sake tour was fantastic. The guide was very knowledgeable and provided an in-depth history of sake production in Japan and the local region. Highlights for me was the visit to the local shrine and the personalised Japanese calligraphy we got to experience making labels for our own sake bottles.
Truly 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
Reviews are collected by Viator and Tripadvisor from verified travellers.
Frequently asked questions
How long does this experience last?
It lasts 3h.
Is hotel pickup included?
Everyone meets at the start point.
Can I cancel for free?
Yes. Cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.
Which languages is the guide available in?
Guide languages: EN
On which days does it run?
It runs Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri. Starts 14:00
How fast is the booking confirmed?
Instantly. Your e-ticket arrives by e-mail right after booking.
Is this a private tour?
No, this is a shared group experience.
Where do I complete the booking?
On viator.com, a Tripadvisor company, with live availability and secure payment. TourViaGo is a Global Partner of Viator.
Product code 446273P4
More in Hiroshima
5.0 (69)
5575209P1
5.0 (62)
Private tour
5505632P4
5.0 (55)
5533130P9
5.0 (40)
Private tour
5505632P1
5.0 (35)
Private tour
5505632P2
5.0 (32)
471096P2