Located in the heart of Higashihiroshima City, Saijo is one of Japan’s three leading sake-producing regions with Hyogo’s Nada and Kyoto’s Fushimi. Not far from JR Saijo Station, you will find Saijo Sake Brewery Street, the perfect place for sake lovers. Within walking distance, you can explore seven sake breweries, which attract many visitors from Japan and abroad.
Enjoy sake tastings, brewery tours, and cultural activities as you stroll through the charming streets lined with white walls, Namako walls, and red roof tiles.
Access to Saijo is very convenient. It is about 35 minutes by train from Hiroshima Station and about 25 minutes by bus from Hiroshima Airport, making it the ideal place to stop by while visiting Hiroshima or Miyajima.

・Kamoizumi Sake Brewery
・Kamotsuru Sake Brewery
・Kirei Sake Brewery
・Saijotsuru Sake Brewery
・Sanyotsuru Sake Brewery
・Hakubotan Sake Brewery
・Fukubijin Sake Brewery
Sample a variety of sake, browse special exhibits, and pick up brewery-only items at each stop. Even if it’s your first time, it’s an easy and enjoyable way to step into the world of sake.
The scenic streetscape, framed by rows of red-brick chimneys, is so picturesque you’ll find yourself reaching for your camera again and again.

You can, of course, explore the various breweries by yourself, but there are also special tours allowing you to visit the breweries with a local guide who can provide English translations. They will explain in great detail the history of sake, how each brewery came to be, and the different flavors for an even more immersive experience.

There are two tourist information centers to use as convenient starting points for sightseeing.

・Higashihiroshima City Tourist Information Center (2nd floor of JR Saijo Station)
The information center is located immediately outside the JR Saijo Station ticket gates and provides information on sightseeing spots, restaurants, souvenirs, etc. Maps and pamphlets are also available in multiple languages, including English and Chinese.

・Saijo Sake Brewery Street Tourist Information Center (inside Kugurimon) Tourist Information Center (inside Kugurimon)
The information center is located on the west side of a unique building built over the road in the center of Saijo Sake Brewery Street, known as Kugurimon. It provides various information on sake breweries, such as opening hours and tastings. You can also purchase Saijo Sake Brewery Street exclusive merchandise, local sweets, sake-related items, and other souvenirs.

Additionally, the official English website dedicated to international visitors, VISIT Higashihiroshima, offers clear information on sightseeing spots, activities, events, and restaurants on Saijo Sake Brewery Street. Check the website before your trip for an even smoother sightseeing experience.

When you visit Saijo, you must try the local Bishu Nabe hot pot.
Originally a meal provided for sake brewery workers, this simple yet rich dish features chicken, gizzard, and vegetables seasoned only with sake, salt, and pepper. It's a popular lunch to have after visiting sake breweries.
You can also find a wide selection of sweets made with sake, including ice cream and truffles, which we definitely recommend trying on your visit.

The temple, located within walking distance of Saijo Sake Brewery Street, is a popular destination for those wishing to experience Japanese spiritual culture in a tranquil setting. Here, you can enjoy a variety of traditional activities, such as zazen meditation, sutra copying, Buddhist image tracing, goma fire ritual, and scented sachet making. We recommend checking the schedule in advance, as many activities require reservations.
The temple also offers accommodation, allowing you to completely immerse yourself in Japanese culture.

Founded in London, England, in 1984, the International Wine Challenge (IWC) is one of the world's most prestigious blind wine tasting competitions. The sake division was established in 2007 and is now considered one of the largest and most influential sake events held outside of Japan.
In 2026, the IWC will be held in Hiroshima Prefecture, marking 20 years since the sake competition’s establishment. This year, Higashihiroshima City will be hosting the competition.
Japan’s only National Research Institute of Brewing dedicated to sake is located in Higashihiroshima. The city is also known as the birthplace of ginjo sake, as it was where Miura Senzaburo, a brewer from Akitsu Town, developed a soft water brewing method. Additionally, the SATAKE Group used its technical skills to develop Japan's first motorized rice polishing machine. Holding the IWC’s sake competition in Higashihiroshima, the city of sake, further elevates its status as an internationally recognized sake haven.