4 DaysJapanCultureFood
Saijō
Your 4-day travel guide
October to March for brewing season
Saijō•4D•Couple
Saijō, Japan
Duration:4 Days
Activities:12
Best for:Couple
Sake, Shrines, and Small-Town Charm
Welcome to Saijō, where the air carries the sweet, malty scent of brewing sake from morning till night. This compact city in Hiroshima Prefecture feels like Japan's best-kept secret, a place where ancient Shinto traditions meet modern craftsmanship in the most delicious ways. You'll hear the gentle clinking of sake bottles being filled at family-run breweries that have operated for centuries, and see locals bowing respectfully at shrines tucked between residential streets. For couples, Saijō offers a uniquely intimate experience—no crowds, no rush, just the pleasure of discovering exceptional food and deep cultural roots together. Get ready to taste some of Japan's finest sake straight from the source, explore quiet temple grounds, and experience hospitality that feels genuinely personal.
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1
Sake Brewery Discovery
Day 1 of your journey
Start your day walking along the charming street lined with traditional sake breweries, many dating back to the Edo period. The distinctive black-and-white storehouses create a picturesque atmosphere as you pass by seven major breweries including Kamotsuru and Sakurao. You'll see the traditional brewing process through windows and can pop into tasting rooms. The area is particularly beautiful in the morning light when the streets are quiet. Most breweries offer guided tours in Japanese with English pamphlets available.
Saijō Sake Breweries Street
Why Visit
Saijō is one of Japan's three major sake-producing regions, famous for its soft water and ideal brewing conditions. This concentrated brewery district lets you experience centuries of sake-making tradition in a single walkable area. The intimate scale makes it perfect for couples to explore at their own pace, sampling different styles from multiple producers without the crowds of larger tourist destinations.
Visit between October and March to see actual brewing in progress. Most breweries offer free tastings, but consider purchasing a tasting set for 500-1000 yen to sample premium varieties. Address: Saijōsakagura-dori, Saijō, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture.
2
Cultural Heritage and Local Life
Day 2 of your journey
3
Free Day & Local Exploration
Day 3 of your journey
4
Day Trip to Hiroshima
Day 4 of your journey
Before You Go
Essential Travel Tips
Saijō Station is your transportation hub with regular trains to Hiroshima (30 minutes) and Okayama (90 minutes).
Most sake breweries offer free tastings, but purchasing a tasting set (500-1000 yen) gives access to premium varieties.
Cash is still preferred at many local establishments, though credit cards are increasingly accepted.
Learn a few Japanese phrases: 'sumimasen' (excuse me), 'arigatō gozaimasu' (thank you), and 'kampai' (cheers) will be appreciated.
Saijō is very walkable—comfortable shoes are more important than public transportation within the city center.
Brewery hours vary but most are open 9:00-17:00. Some close on Mondays or irregular days, so check in advance.
Tipping is not customary in Japan. Excellent service is standard and included.
If purchasing sake to bring home, most breweries can arrange shipping within Japan or provide packaging for checked luggage.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Saijō depends on your interests. For seeing sake production in action, visit between October and March when breweries are actively fermenting and pressing. Spring (March-May) offers pleasant weather and fewer tourists, with cherry blossoms appearing in early April. Autumn (September-November) brings comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer (June-August) can be hot and humid, though it's less crowded. The annual Saijō Sake Festival in October is particularly lively but requires advance accommodation bookings.
Local Insights & Tips
Saijō's identity is deeply connected to sake brewing, which influences everything from local festivals to daily life. The city has a proud but unpretentious character—residents know they produce exceptional sake but don't feel the need to boast about it. You'll notice how breweries are integrated into residential areas rather than isolated industrial zones. When visiting shrines, observe how sake barrels are offered as gifts to deities. Locals are generally reserved but warm to visitors who show genuine interest in their traditions. Remember that quiet appreciation is valued over loud enthusiasm—enjoy the sake respectfully rather than treating it like party alcohol. The pace of life here is deliberately slow, matching the patient process of sake fermentation.