Saijo: Japan's Premier Sake Town Where Legendary Underground Water Springs Up

Saijo: Japan's Premier Sake Region Born from Ishizuchi's Underground Water

Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, is a water city known for the unusual phenomenon of "uchinu-ki (artesian wells)" where abundant underground water flowing from the Ishizuchi mountain range naturally springs up to the surface. Sake brewing using this clear underground water is thriving, with sake quality consistently earning top rankings at national new sake competitions.

What is Uchinu-ki?

"Uchinu-ki" can be seen at various locations in Saijo City, where underground water springs to the surface through natural pressure. This water is soft water with balanced minerals after passing through Ishizuchi's granite, ideal for sake brewing. Uchinu-ki faucets are also at street corners throughout the city, used daily by residents.

Saijo Sake Breweries

At Saijo City, where long-established sake breweries including "Ishizuchi Sake Brewery," "Kamogawa Sake Brewery," and "Takeda Sake Brewery" are gathered, tasting and tour programs at each brewery are also held. The Ehime sake culture can be deeply enjoyed from junmai daiginjo to local sake.

Saijo Festival

The "Saijo Festival" held every October in the autumn is a traditional autumn festival where "danjiri (festival floats)" weighing several tons parade through the streets. A solemn Shinto ritual offering sacred sake brewed with Uchinu-ki famous water is performed.

Access

City sightseeing possible from JR Iyo-Saijo Station. Approximately 30 minutes from Matsuyama city by limited express.