Meet your guide at JR Saijo Station and learn about the town’s sake culture. Discover why Saijo is famous for brewing, how the local climate and pure underground water contribute to high-quality sake, and what the recent UNESCO inscription means for preserving these traditions for future generations.
Walk along the historic Sake Brewery Street, where red brick chimneys and traditional kura storehouses showcase the legacy of centuries-old craftsmanship. Visit five to six breweries, each with its unique style and storey. At every stop, your guide will explain how kōji mould and fermentation techniques are used to create sake — the very practices honoured by UNESCO.
Enjoy tastings of three to five varieties of sake, including seasonal specialities and signature brews. Discover the diversity of sake, from crisp and light to rich and complex, and gain the knowledge to understand labels and flavour profiles. Beyond drinks, some breweries also present sake-inspired treats such as desserts or bread made with sake lees, offering a new perspective on how sake is part of everyday food culture.
Your guide will also highlight architectural details of the breweries, the role of pristine natural spring water, and how Saijo’s brewing culture differs from other regions of Japan. This is not just a tasting experience but a cultural journey into a tradition now recognised on the world stage.
After your brewery visits, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant near the brewery district. The menu focuses on seasonal dishes and Hiroshima specialities, carefully prepared to pair with sake. Expect fresh vegetables, seafood, and regional flavours that showcase the harmony of Setouchi’s food culture. For those who wish, your guide can recommend an additional sake pairing during the meal, allowing you to experience how sake elevates Japanese cuisine.
Before parting, your guide will suggest local souvenirs such as sake manju (sweet buns flavoured with sake) or sake-based sweets, as well as other attractions worth visiting in the area. Leave not only satisfied with fine food and drink but also with a deeper appreciation of sake as a cultural treasure of Japan.
