Hiroshima/The Birthplace of Ginjo Sake Learn and Taste

Hiroshima , Japan

Hiroshima/The Birthplace of Ginjo Sake Learn and Taste

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About this experience

Ginjo-shu is one of the most famous types of sake. This tour will take you to Akitsu, the birthplace of ginjo-shu, and Saijo, one of Japan’s three major sake brewery regions, to learn about sake while tasting Hiroshima's sake. The tour guide will explain about sake and sake brewing methods in Hiroshima, so you can deepen your knowledge of sake. Lunch will be served at a restaurant owned by Kamotsuru Sake Brewery, one of Saijo's sake breweries, where you can enjoy the famous local dish "Bishu-nabe" (sake hot pot).
During the sake brewery tour, you will be given a sake stamp book so that you can keep your own memories of your sake brewery tour by picking up a representative sake label at each brewery you visit, pasting it on the book, and writing your impressions of the sake.

Available options

Hiroshima/The Birthplace of Ginjo Sake Learn and Taste

What's included

-France-ya's Bishu-nabe lunch fee in Saijo

-Sake seal book + cost of sake labels for each brewery

-Shrine stamp at Sakakiyama Hachiman Shrine

-Transportation fee; Hiroshima Station =(Shinkansen&Taxi)= Akitsu

-Transportation fee;Akitsu=(Taxi)= Saijo =(JR train)=Hiroshima Station

-Licensed Hiroshima local English interpreter guide

Detailed itinerary

The meeting place is in front of the entrance of Hiroshima Station General Information Center at 9:15 in the morning. It takes about 11 minutes from Hiroshima Station to Higashi-Hiroshima Station by Shinkansen bullet train.

A cab will take you from Higashi-Hiroshima Station to the sightseeing spots. Cab fare is included in the trip fee.

Senzaburo Miura laid the foundation for the spread of Hiroshima sake. We will visit Sakakiyama Hachiman Shrine in Akitsu Town, where his bronze statue is located, to learn about his achievements. After visiting the shrine, we’ll receive a shrine stamp.

We’ll visit Tsuka Sake Brewery, a local sake brewery made according to the brewing methods established by Senzaburo Miura, and have a sake tasting.
Then travel by taxi for 30 minutes.

Lunch in Saijo will be Bishu-nabe, which was originally provided for the sake brewery employees. Enjoy a simple, lightly seasoned nabe.

The guide will introduce you to the sake breweries that line the streets of Saijo, one of Japan’s three major sake brewing areas! You can taste and compare local sake made at each brewery.

After the sake brewery tour,There are many stores that use Saijo sake as ingredients, including a chocolate store that collaborates with Saijo sake and a bakery that uses sake lees. At the end of the tour, please enjoy a free tour of Saijo.

You will transfer from Saijo Station to Hiroshima Station to end the tour after this.

What's not included

-Means of transportation to the meeting place

-Souvenirs and personal purchases

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

In front of the entrance of Hiroshima Station General Information Center

About Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a vibrant city known for its poignant history and remarkable resilience. It is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture and serves as a powerful reminder of the atomic bombing during World War II, while also offering rich cultural experiences and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Peace Memorial Park and Museum

A poignant and powerful site dedicated to the memory of the atomic bombing in 1945. The park and museum serve as a symbol of peace and a reminder of the horrors of war.

Historical 2-3 hours Free (Museum: ¥200)

Miyajima Island

A beautiful island known for its floating torii gate, scenic views, and historic temples. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination near Hiroshima.

Nature/Historical Full day Ferry: ¥360 (round trip), Shrine: ¥300

Shukkeien Garden

A beautiful traditional Japanese garden with ponds, bridges, and meticulously landscaped areas. It offers a peaceful retreat from the city bustle.

Nature 1-2 hours ¥260

Hiroshima Castle

A reconstructed castle that offers a glimpse into Hiroshima's feudal past. The castle houses a museum and provides panoramic views of the city.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours ¥370

Hiroshima Okonomimura

A multi-story building dedicated to Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki (savory pancake). It houses several restaurants and offers a fun, interactive dining experience.

Food/Cultural 1-2 hours Budget to Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki

A layered savory pancake made with noodles, cabbage, and various toppings, typically cooked on a teppan (iron griddle).

Dinner Contains wheat, meat, and seafood. Vegetarian and vegan options may be available.

Hiroshima-style Oysters

Hiroshima is famous for its oysters, which are often grilled, fried, or served raw. They are typically harvested from the Seto Inland Sea.

Snack/Dinner Contains shellfish. Not suitable for those with seafood allergies.

Hiroshima-style Udon

Thick, chewy wheat noodles served in a hot broth, often with various toppings like tempura or beef.

Lunch/Dinner Contains wheat. Vegetarian and vegan options may be available.

Hiroshima-style Anago Meshi

Grilled saltwater eel served over rice, a local delicacy with a rich, savory flavor.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish. Not suitable for those with seafood allergies.

Popular Activities

Hiking on Miyajima Island Cycling around Hiroshima Kayaking in the Seto Inland Sea Visiting Shukkeien Garden Taking a leisurely streetcar ride Enjoying a traditional tea ceremony Visiting the Peace Memorial Park and Museum Exploring the Hiroshima Castle

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

Spring offers cherry blossoms and mild weather, while autumn provides comfortable temperatures and vibrant foliage. These are the best times to visit for pleasant weather and outdoor activities.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Hiroshima is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and pickpocketing or petty theft is uncommon. However, travelers should still exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of unlicensed taxis and always check that the taxi has a meter.
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.
• Use reputable tour guides and services, and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.

Getting there

By air

Hiroshima Airport • 50 km from city center

By train

Hiroshima Station

By bus

Hiroshima Bus Center

Getting around

Public transport

The streetcar system is the main form of public transport in Hiroshima, offering an affordable and convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Naka-ku Higashi-ku Nishi-ku Minami-ku Asaminami-ku

Day trips

Miyajima Island

10 km from Hiroshima • Full day

A beautiful island known for its floating torii gate, scenic views, and historic temples. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination near Hiroshima.

Onomichi

80 km from Hiroshima • Full day

A charming port city known for its historic temples, scenic views, and literary connections. Onomichi offers a mix of cultural attractions and natural beauty.

Iwakuni

50 km from Hiroshima • Full day

A historic city known for its stunning castle, beautiful gardens, and traditional samurai district. Iwakuni offers a mix of cultural attractions and scenic views.

Festivals

Hiroshima Flower Festival • May 3-5 Hiroshima International Animation Festival • August (varies by year) Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony • August 6

Pro tips

Get a Hiroshima Amazing Pass for unlimited rides on the streetcar, bus, and ferry to Miyajima Island, as well as entry to major attractions.
Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum early in the morning for a more serene and reflective experience.
Try cooking your own Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura for a fun and interactive dining experience.
Hike Mount Misen on Miyajima Island for stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding area.
Use IC cards like ICOCA for seamless payments on public transport and to save money on fares.