Saijo Sake Brewery Street: Tasting SAKE at Red Brick Sake Breweries, One of Japan's Three Great Sake Regions

"Saijo" in Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima is known as one of Japan's three great sake regions alongside Hyogo's Nada and Kyoto's Fushimi. 8 breweries including Kamotsuru, Hakubotan, Kireizake, and Saijozuru are concentrated within walking distance of JR Sanyo Main Line Saijo Station, developed as "Sake Brewery Street."

Characteristics and History of Saijo Sake

Saijo sake is characterized by dry sake made using the "soft water brewing method" with "soft water." This method established by Hiroshima-born brewer Miura Senzaburo in the Meiji era brought revolution to the sake industry when hard water brewing was mainstream.

Brewery Tours and Tastings

Many Saijo breweries offer tours and tastings, allowing comparison drinking of each brewery's representative brands. Sake Brewery Street with red brick chimneys and white-walled breweries is also popular as a photogenic tourist spot.

Saijo Sake Festival (October)

The "Saijo Sake Festival" held the second Saturday and Sunday of October each year is one of Hiroshima Prefecture's largest festivals, attracting approximately 100,000 visitors. Each brewery serves their prized sake, and sake enthusiasts gather from nationwide.

Access

5-10 minutes on foot from JR Sanyo Main Line Saijo Station. About 30 minutes from Hiroshima Station by rapid or regular train.