Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 18 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour worth booking?
Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour is a 3-hour experience in Hiroshima, Japan, from $18000 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 18 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (18)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $18000 per person
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 pe
What you get
- · Experience fees ・Sake tasting fees (partial) · Souvenirs・ Insurance
About this experience
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． 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
Included
- · Experience fees ・Sake tasting fees (partial) · Souvenirs・ Insurance
Not included
- Transportation to the meeting point
What you'll see and do
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 minutes here
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 minutes here
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 minutes here
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 here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Hiroshima
Near the Higashihiroshima City Tourist Information Center outside the Saijo Station ticket gate
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Near the Higashihiroshima City Tourist Information Center outside the Saijo Station ticket gate
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- みちしるべ
Know before you go
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 18 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
18 verified traveler reviews for Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Peaceful stroll while experiencing the uniqueness of a variety of Sake
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.
via Tripadvisor
Discovering Saijo through Japanese Sake
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!
via Tripadvisor
Sake tour in saijo
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.
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful town. Fantastic tour
Very informative and interesting tour.
via Tripadvisor
Behind the scenes sake
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.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 20+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hiroshima.
How much does Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour cost?
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Prices start at $18000 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Hiroshima usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Hiroshima is not rushed.
Is Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 18 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Hiroshima, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 20. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 3-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour?
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Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Hiroshima can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Hiroshima and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Hiroshima within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Hiroshima?
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On Outty we rank every Hiroshima experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Peaceful Hiroshima & Miyajima UNESCO 1 Day Bus Tour, Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites, Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Hiroshima?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Hiroshima?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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