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Higashi-hiroshima
Your 4-day travel guide
Spring for cherry blossoms, autumn for foliage
Higashi-hiroshima•4D•Couple
Higashi-hiroshima, Japan
Duration:4 Days
Activities:12
Best for:Couple
Sake, Science, and Serene Temples
Welcome to Higashi-Hiroshima, where the air carries the sweet, earthy scent of fermenting rice from world-famous sake breweries and the quiet hum of university life blends with ancient temple bells. This is a city that feels both deeply traditional and vibrantly modern, where you can sip premium sake straight from the source in the morning and explore cutting-edge science museums in the afternoon. For couples seeking culture and culinary delights, you'll discover intimate moments in peaceful temple gardens, hands-on sake tasting experiences where you learn to appreciate the subtle differences between brews, and local restaurants serving Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki with a personal touch. The pace here is gentle, perfect for strolling hand-in-hand through campus grounds that feel more like botanical gardens than educational institutions. Get ready to experience Japan's sake capital in a way few tourists do, with empty streets, genuine hospitality, and flavors that tell centuries-old stories.
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1
Sake Culture and University Exploration
Day 1 of your journey
Saijo is one of Japan's three great sake brewing towns, with seven major breweries clustered within walking distance. The area has perfect water quality from Mount Ryuo for sake production. You can visit multiple breweries like Kamotsuru and Kirei to see traditional brewing methods and taste different varieties. Many offer free or inexpensive tastings and have small museums explaining the brewing process. The district has a charming atmosphere with old wooden buildings and sake-related shops. Plan 2-3 hours to visit 3-4 breweries at a relaxed pace.
Saijo Sake Brewery District
Why Visit
This is the heart of Japan's sake culture, where you can taste premium sake directly from producers in a historic setting. For couples, it's a unique cultural experience where you can learn about sake together and discover your preferences. The intimate tasting rooms and knowledgeable staff make it educational and romantic. Unlike crowded tourist spots, Saijo offers authentic interactions with brewers who are passionate about their craft.
Visit Kamotsuru Sake Brewery first as they have excellent English materials and friendly staff. Address: 8-12 Saijohonmachi, Higashihiroshima. Try the 'junmai daiginjo' varieties for the highest quality experience. Most breweries are closed on Mondays.
2
Temples, Museums, and Local Crafts
Day 2 of your journey
3
Free Day & Local Exploration
Day 3 of your journey
4
Departure or Extended Relaxation
Day 4 of your journey
Before You Go
Essential Travel Tips
Purchase an IC card like ICOCA or Suica for convenient train and bus travel throughout the region
Cash is still king in many local establishments, especially smaller restaurants and shops
Learn basic Japanese phrases like 'sumimasen' (excuse me) and 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you)
Public transportation is reliable but infrequent in some areas, check schedules in advance
Tipping is not customary in Japan and may cause confusion
Many museums and attractions close on Mondays, plan accordingly
Sake breweries often have limited English support, but staff try to be helpful
Wear comfortable shoes as you'll do considerable walking between attractions
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) offers mild weather and cherry blossoms at Hiroshima University campus, making it particularly beautiful. Autumn (September to November) has comfortable temperatures and colorful foliage. Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, while winter (December to February) is cold but less crowded. The sake brewing season runs from October to April, with some breweries offering special winter tours.
Local Insights & Tips
Higashi-Hiroshima has a unique identity as both a traditional sake brewing town and a modern university city. This creates an interesting mix of elderly brewers maintaining centuries-old techniques and young students from across Japan. The pace is slower than major cities, with people generally friendly to visitors. When visiting temples, observe proper etiquette like washing hands at the chozuya before entering. At sake tastings, it's customary to pour for others rather than yourself. The city takes pride in its sake heritage, so showing genuine interest in the brewing process is appreciated. While not as internationally known as nearby Hiroshima, this means fewer crowds and more authentic interactions.