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Offered languages
- English
On this tour, you'll explore Saijo’s rich sake brewing tradition through a guided visit to three sake breweries. Discover the history and culture of sake, enriched by deep connections to nature, the community, and its people. Taste the unique characteristics of each brewery’s sake and learn about their passion for craftsmanship.
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．
The tour concludes with a sake and food pairing experience at a local restaurant, featuring Setouchi cuisine which perfectly matched with Saijo sake.
This is an authentic tour where you can immerse yourself in the rich spirit of Japanese hospitality and the profound heart of its culture．
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Near the Higashihiroshima City Tourist Information Center outside the Saijo Station ticket gate
Itinerary
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1
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 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
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 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
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 minutes • Admission ticket 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 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
17：00～19：00 France-ya France-ya is a restaurant operated by Kamotsuru Brewing. Here, you’ll enjoy bishu-nabe (Saijo’s local hotpot dish made with sake) and other appetizers perfectly paired with Kamotsuru sake. You will also have the opportunity to sample a variety of Kamotsuru’s finest brews. Enjoy the meal with your local guide, and discover the heart of Japanese traditions and culture through this memorable dining experience.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- During dinner, there will be sake tasting and comparisons. If you are under 20 years old or unable to consume alcohol, please inform us when booking.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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