🕓 2025/6/15
#Japanese sake
Purify your soul at Itsukushima Shrine and savor local sake on a trip to Hiroshima
more
table of contents
- Recommended sake breweries around Miyajima
- Recommended selection of sake around Itsukushima Shrine
- History and highlights of Itsukushima Shrine
- Model course to visit Itsukushima Shrine and sake brewery
Introduction
Itsukushima Shrine has a large vermillion torii gate that appears to float on the sea. Its majestic appearance quietly moves the hearts of visitors, and this shrine, which is also famous as a World Heritage Site, is truly a sacred presence that represents Hiroshima. On the other hand, Hiroshima Prefecture is also counted as one of Japan’s three major sake producing regions, and is blessed with clear water and a mild climate, where many famous sakes have been produced.
In this article, we will fully introduce the charms of Itsukushima Shrine, while also proposing a model itinerary that combines sightseeing and taste, with the theme of Hiroshima local sake and sake brewery tours that can be enjoyed in the surrounding area. The mystery of shrines and the deep world of local sake. We hope these tips will help you enjoy your trip with all five senses, where you can feel the “Hiroshima-ness”.
1. Recommended sake breweries around Miyajima
A sacred place for local sake that Hiroshima is proud of, which you should visit after visiting Itsukushima Shrine
Although there are no sake breweries on Miyajima, Miyajimaguchi and Hiroshima Prefecture are dotted with breweries that produce sake that takes advantage of the local climate and history. Hatsukaichi City, in the western part of Hiroshima, is home to a notable sake brewery that is the easiest to access from Itsukushima Shrine.
Here, we’ll pick up some recommended sake breweries you can stop by around Itsukushima Shrine, and introduce the specialties of sake brewing and how to enjoy them.
1. SAKURAO BREWERY AND DISTILLERY | A notable brewery that combines tradition and innovation
Exhibitor:https://www.sakuraodistillery.com
Founded in 1918 (Taisho 7), this brewery, formerly known as China Brewery, is now a multifaceted sake brewing facility that operates on three pillars: sake, whiskey, and gin as “SAKURAO BREWERY AND DISTILLERY.” The sake brand “Ichidai Misen” series is attracting attention as a locally-made sake that uses rice, yeast, and water from Hiroshima.
**Distillery tours (reservations required)** are also popular for visitors, where you can see the sake brewing process in a modern and sophisticated space, and enjoy tastings of sake and craft gin. It is also easily accessible from Itsukushima Shrine, taking about 10 minutes on foot after crossing to Miyajimaguchi by ferry.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Sakurao Brewery and Distillery Co., Ltd. (formerly China Brewery) |
| Founding year | 1918 (Taisho 7) |
| Main brands | Ichidai Misen (Junmai Daiginjo, sparkling nigori sake, etc.) |
| Features | Made with rice from Hiroshima Prefecture and Momiji yeast. Manufactures sake, craft gin, and whiskey. |
| visit | Possible (reservation required) / Approximately 90 minutes / 2,000 yen |
| Tasting | Available at the visitor center (varies depending on tasting content) |
| Direct sales office | Yes (SAKURAO DISTILLERY VISITOR CENTER) |
| access | About 10 minutes walk from Miyajimaguchi Pier / About 10 minutes by ferry from Miyajima + walk |
We are currently launching a tourist destination x sake site.This is a site where you can get the information you want that you didn’t have before.We will be adding more information in the future, so please bookmark it.
2. Recommended selection of sake around Itsukushima Shrine
We will select recommended local sake that can be enjoyed at breweries and surrounding shops that are easily accessible from Itsukushima Shrine, and introduce them from perspectives such as “taste,” “how to drink,” and “compatibility with food.” Perfect for a drink while sightseeing or as a reference when choosing souvenirs.
1. Ichidai Misen｜SAKURAO BREWERY AND DISTILLERY
A bottle that expresses the climate of Hiroshima, using water and rice from the local Hatsukaichi area.
Among the “Ichidai Misen” series, Junmai Daiginjo is characterized by its gorgeous aroma and sharp taste. It has an attractive balance that will satisfy both sake beginners and sake enthusiasts.You can sample it at the visitor center attached to the brewery, and it is also popular as a souvenir.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Brewery | SAKURAO BREWERY AND DISTILLERY |
| type | Junmai Daiginjo/sparkling nigori sake, etc. |
| taste | Fruity and light taste, clean aftertaste |
| How to drink | Chill well/as a before/dinner drink |
| Compatible dishes | Sea bream carpaccio, dishes using Hiroshima lemon, salt-grilled local fish, etc. |
2. Fukucho Junmai Ginjo Hattangusa｜Imada Sake Brewery Main Store
Imada Sake Brewery Headquarters is located in Akitsu-cho, Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and is a sake brewery led by a female brewer, Miho Imada. “Fukucho Junmai Ginjo Hattangusa” produced by this brewery is a special bottle made from the legendary sake rice “Hattangusa”.
This sake has a soft texture, and you can feel the umami and sourness unique to Hattangusa. Although it is rich in flavor, it has a clean and sharp aftertaste. We have also received high praise at domestic and international fairs.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Imada Sake Brewery Main Store (Fukucho) |
| type | Junmai Ginjo (Hattangusa preparation) |
| taste | Moist flavor, soft acidity, and a transparent finish |
| How to drink | Cold sake to room temperature |
| Compatible dishes | White fish from Setouchi, sea bream rice, boiled tofu, etc. |
3. Amego no Tsuki Junmai Daiginjo｜Aihara Sake Brewery
Aihara Sake Brewery is a sake brewery located in Nikata Honmachi, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and brews the famous sake “Amego no Tsuki.” This “Amego no Tsuki Junmai Daiginjo” is a masterpiece carefully brewed using special “Omachi” rice from Akaiwa, Okayama Prefecture, which has been polished to 40%. Along with the gorgeous aroma, you can feel the soft sweetness unique to Omachi rice, and it is characterized by an elegant and beautiful taste.
In addition, Aihara Sake Brewery uses ultra-soft water gushing out from granite layers along the Seto Inland Sea as brewing water, in pursuit of a rich and refreshing sake quality.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Aihara Sake Brewery (Moon after the rain) |
| type | Junmai Daiginjo |
| taste | Fruity and elegant, with scents like melon and white peach. |
| How to drink | Chill well and enjoy the aroma slowly. |
| Compatible dishes | Pairs well with sea bream sashimi, vinegared oysters, and Japanese sweets. |
[Supplementary information: Where can I drink it? Can I buy it? ]
| Store name | Features | Location/Access |
|---|---|---|
| SAKURAO DISTILLERY VISITOR CENTER | Tasting, sales, and distillery tours available | About 10 minutes walk from Miyajimaguchi |
| Sake and utensils Kubota (Miyajima) | A long-established liquor store specializing in local sake, with tastings available. | Inside Miyajima Omotesando shopping district |
| Mametanuki (Miyajima) | Rich in local cuisine and Hiroshima local sake | Inside Miyajima Ryokan “Kinsuikan” |
| Kura Vitto (Miyajima) | Hotel bar with alcohol, beer, and wine | Inside Hotel Miyajima Villa |
