🕓 2025/9/16
#Japanese sake
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Traveling through red brick chimneys and white-walled corridors – a journey through seven breweries on Sake Brewery Street in Saijo, Sake Capital
table of contents
- What kind of sake can you enjoy in the Sake Capital of Saijo?
- “Recommended sake breweries” in the sake capital of Saijo
- “Recommended Sake Selection” in Saijo, Sake Capital
- “Model course” touring the sake capital of Saijo and sake breweries
Introduction
Saijo, Hiroshima is a place where the soft water brewing method established by Senzaburo Miura, the father of ginjo sake, and the innovation of the power rice mill invented by Toshiichi Satake intersect with this blessed climate: medium-hard water nurtured by underground water from Mt. Ryuo and a cool climate unique to the basin. Sake Brewery Street, just 1km south of JR Saijo Station, is home to seven breweries, forming a historic townscape with red brick chimneys and storehouses with sea cucumber walls.
The mellow scent of moromi on the wind, the cedar balls on the eaves, and the history of Saigoku Kaido at your feet – this journey is a story that you can enjoy with all five senses, as the technological innovations of the Meiji era and the spirit of the Hiroshima chief brewers meld with each glass. Now, let’s go to the heart of Sake Capital and draw a picture of drinking time.
- 1. What kind of sake can you enjoy in the Sake Capital of Saijo?
- 2. “Recommended Sake Breweries” in Saijo, the Sake Capital
- 1. Kamotsuru Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. | Daiginjo Pioneer
- 2. Fukubijin Sake Brewing Co., Ltd. | “Saijo Sake Brewing School” where brewers were trained
- 3. Hakubotan Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. | The oldest brewery in Saijo, loved by literary figures and artists
- 4. Saijo Tsuru Brewing Co., Ltd. | A brewery of nationally registered tangible cultural properties brewed by one team
- 5. Kirei Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. | Mastering dryness in the climate of Hiroshima
- 3. “Recommended Sake Selection” in Saijo, the Sake Capital
- 1. Kamotsuru Sake Brewery (Daiginjo Special Gold Kamotsuru) | Saijo Honmachi, Higashihiroshima City
- 2. Fukubijin Sake Brewery (Fukubijin Junmai Ginjo) | Saijo Honmachi, Higashihiroshima City
- 3. Hakubotan Sake Brewery (Hakubotan Junmai Ginjo) | Saijo Honmachi, Higashihiroshima City
- 4. Saijo Tsuru Brewing〈Junmai Daiginjo Genshu Essence〉 | Saijo Honmachi, Higashihiroshima City
- 5. Kirei Sake Brewery (Kirei Dry Junmai Yaji) | Saijo Honmachi, Higashihiroshima City
- 4. “Model course” touring the sake capital of Saijo and sake breweries
- ①｜Half-day course to enjoy the essence of Sake Capital
- ②｜Complete tour of Shichikura & gastronomic exploration 1 day full course
- Finally
1. What kind of sake can you enjoy in the Sake Capital of Saijo?
1 | What kind of sake can you enjoy in the Sake Capital of Saijo?
Saijo’s sake brewing is supported by the medium-hard water suitable for brewing that flows through the granite layers of Mt. Ryuo. Minerals encourage strong yeast fermentation and give sake a solid structure. However, the essence of Saijo lies in the wisdom of people who have faced this water.
Senzaburo Miura, known as the “father of ginjo sake,” took advantage of the handicap of soft water and established the “soft water brewing method,” which produces fine-grained and aromatic sake by slowly fermenting moromi at low temperatures. As a result, while Nada sake is known as a powerful “men’s sake”, the uniqueness of Hiroshima sake was born, where it is referred to as a gentle and fragrant “onna sake.”
The technical support for this delicate brewing was Japan’s first powered rice mill, invented by Toshiichi Satake in 1898. It made it possible to polish rice to a high degree of precision, and became the foundation for bringing out the clear flavor and gorgeous aroma of Ginjo.
Water, rice, and human skills. This trinity gives Saijo sake its unique identity.
2 | A day on foot exploring red brick chimneys and sea cucumber walls
Once you pass through the ticket gates of JR Saijo Station, the story of Sake Capital has already begun. Pick up a “Sakagura Street Town Walk Map” at the tourist information center in front of the station, and start by heading towards the red brick chimneys that are the symbol of the street. The street lined with storehouses with beautiful white and black walls made of sea cucumber is the same Saigoku Kaido road that was once used by feudal lord processions.
In the morning, you will learn about the history of Daiginjo pioneer Kamotsuru Sake Brewery, and experience the traditional taste loved by writers, artists, and artists at Saijo’s oldest brewery, Hakubotan Sake Brewery. For lunch, enjoy the famous “bisake nabe” at a restaurant directly managed by the brewery. A simple hot pot stew with just sake brings out the flavor of the ingredients to the fullest and warms your mind and body.
In the afternoon, take a break at a retro Western-style cafe run by Kamoizumi Sake Brewery, a pioneer of pure rice sake. As you enjoy the coffee brewed with brewed water, you can think about your next brewery. After enjoying a free tasting at Kirei Sake Brewery, which specializes in dry sake, we were impressed by the historic building of Saijo Tsuru Brewery, which is a registered tangible cultural property of the country. By the time you return to the station, the weight of the limited edition sake in your hands and the warmth of the choko in your palms will tell you how fulfilling your day has been.
3 | “Tradition x Innovation”—The story of a sake capital that continues into the future
Sake brewing in Saijo not only preserves tradition, but also always looks to the future. The Sake Festival, held every October, is one of Japan’s largest sake festivals, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the country. At the main venue, Sake Plaza, you can taste famous sake from all over the country, and each brewery entertains visitors with elaborate events.
In addition, Higashihiroshima City is home to Japan’s only alcoholic beverage research institute, the Alcoholic Beverage Research Institute, which contributes to the development of sake brewing technology with a scientific approach. In 2017, the Saijo Sake Brewing Facilities Group was selected as one of Japan’s 20th Century Heritage Sites, and its historical and cultural value has been highly praised both domestically and internationally. The traditional techniques of Hiroshima chief brewers and the latest research combine to ensure that Saijo’s sake continues to evolve.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| location | Saijo, Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture |
| Main tourist destinations | Saijo Sakegura Street, Ochaya Honjin Ruins, Matsuo Shrine, Aki Kokubunji Ruins |
| Japanese sake spot | Kamotsuru Sake Brewery, Fukubijin Sake Brewery, Hakubotan Sake Brewery, Saijo Tsuru Sake Brewery, Kirei Sake Brewery, Kamoizumi Sake Brewery, Sanyo Tsuru Sake Brewery |
| annual event | April “Kura Opening” for each brewery / October “Sake Festival” |
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 Sake Breweries” in Saijo, the Sake Capital
High-quality sake rice is cultivated by the medium-hard water brought by underground water from Mt. Ryuo and the temperature differences unique to the basin. And the outstanding skills of the Hiroshima brewers who established the soft water brewing method. On top of this terroir, seven breweries have their own histories and philosophies, allowing a variety of individualities to flourish.
From the pioneers who pioneered the history of daiginjo, to the seekers of dry sake, to the innovators who continued to focus on pure rice sake, walking along this street will give you a microcosm of the profound world of sake.
1. Kamotsuru Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. | Daiginjo Pioneer
Exhibition: https://www.kamotsuru.jp/
Founded in 1873. In 1958, we were the first in the industry to release Daiginjo sake “Tokusei Gold Kamotsuru,” opening up the history of Japan’s premium sake. Adhering to our principle of quality first, we brew elegant and mellow sake using rice grown in Hiroshima Prefecture, polished in-house, and underground water from the Kamo Mountains. The tour facility “Ichigura” is full of exhibits and a paid tasting bar, and is a must-see as a base for touring Saijo sake breweries.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Kamotsuru Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. |
| Founding year | 1873 |
| Main brands | Daiginjo Special Gold Kamotsuru, Futsuru |
| visit | ○ Partially possible (reservation not required for brewery No. 1, reservation required for brewing brewery) |
| Tasting | ○ Paid |
| Direct sales office | 4-31 Saijo Honmachi, Higashihiroshima City (Kura No. 1) |
| access | JR Sanyo Main Line Saijo Station 3 minutes walk |
2. Fukubijin Sake Brewing Co., Ltd. | “Saijo Sake Brewing School” where brewers were trained
Established in 1917 through joint investment by sake brewers in western Japan. Because of its outstanding techniques, brewers from all over the country have come to learn from it, earning it the nickname “Saijo Sake Brewing School.” The sake quality is characterized by “a plump, deep flavor and a crisp aftertaste.” “Ebisu Storehouse”, whose landmark is the tallest red brick chimney on Sake Brewery Street, is free to tour and you can even drink the brewed water.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Fukubijin Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. |
| Founding year | 1917 |
| Main brands | Fukubijin, Saijo Sake Brewing School |
| visit | ○ Partially available (Ebisu warehouse) |
| Tasting | × Not possible (prepared water is allowed) |
| Direct sales office | 6-21 Saijo Honmachi, Higashihiroshima City (Ebisu Waro) |
| access | JR Sanyo Main Line Saijo Station 4 minutes walk |
3. Hakubotan Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. | The oldest brewery in Saijo, loved by literary figures and artists
Exhibition: https://www.hakubotan.co.jp/
Founded in 1675. Saijo’s oldest brewery boasts a history of over 350 years. Traditionally, it brews a sweet (umami) sake with a refreshing aftertaste, and is known for being a favorite drinker of the great literary figure Natsume Soseki, and for having the label created by the world-renowned printmaker Shiko Munakata. In the main exhibition room, you can enjoy a tasting (reservation required on weekdays) while feeling the history along with Shiko Munakata’s works.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Shirobotan Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. |
| Founding year | 1675 |
| Main brands | White Peony, Geiyang Otokoyama |
| visit | ○ Partially allowed (Head Office Exhibition Room) |
| Tasting | ○ Paid (Saturday and Sunday) / Free (reservation required on weekdays) |
| Direct sales office | 15-5 Saijo Honmachi, Higashihiroshima City |
| access | JR Sanyo Main Line Saijo Station 4 minutes walk |
4. Saijo Tsuru Brewing Co., Ltd. | A brewery of nationally registered tangible cultural properties brewed by one team
Exhibition:https://saijotsuru.co.jp/
Founded in 1904. The sake brewery and main building built since the company’s founding have been designated as nationally registered tangible cultural properties. With the spirit of “one team” in which not only the chief brewer but also all employees, including the brewery, are involved in the entire sake brewing process, we practice careful sake brewing that waits for the natural fermentation of the moromi. In a historic building, sake with a warm handmade feel is produced.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Saijo Tsuru Brewing Co., Ltd. |
| Founding year | 1904 |
| Main brands | Tsuru Saijo, Essence |
| visit | ○ Reservation required (paid tour) |
| Tasting | ○ Paid |
| Direct sales office | 9-17 Saijo Honmachi, Higashihiroshima City |
| access | JR Sanyo Main Line Saijo Station 4 minutes walk |
5. Kirei Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. | Mastering dryness in the climate of Hiroshima
Exhibition: https://kireikireikirei.jimdofree.com/
Founded in the mid-Meiji era. Although sweet Hiroshima sake is the mainstream, this sake is unique in that it consistently produces refreshing and dry sake. As the name suggests, “A crane is a millennium, a turtle is a thousand years old.” As the name suggests, it is a wish for longevity and prosperity, and is fermented slowly at low temperatures to achieve a sharp, crisp flavor without any unpleasant taste. Free tastings are available at the direct sales store Mannenkamesha.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Kirei Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. |
| Founding year | Mid-Meiji period |
| Main brands | Tortoise age |
| visit | × Not possible |
| Tasting | ○ Free |
| Direct sales office | 8-18 Saijo Honmachi, Higashihiroshima City (Mannenkamesha) |
| access | JR Sanyo Main Line Saijo Station 5 minutes walk |
3. “Recommended Sake Selection” in Saijo, the Sake Capital
Hiroshima Prefecture is also a producer of excellent sake rice such as Hattan Nishiki and Senbon Nishiki. Brewers in Saijo bring out the characteristics of this local rice to the fullest and express a variety of flavors using the traditional techniques of Hiroshima chief brewers. From the gorgeous aroma of Daiginjo to the rich flavor of Junmai sake, to the sharp sharpness of dry sake. Here, we will introduce a gem that embodies the philosophy of each brewery.
1. Kamotsuru Sake Brewery (Daiginjo Special Gold Kamotsuru) | Saijo Honmachi, Higashihiroshima City
Exhibit: https://www.kamotsuru.jp/
Released in 1958, this is a legendary bottle that pioneered the history of Daiginjo. Carefully polished rice grown in Hiroshima Prefecture, suitable for sake brewing, has an elegant aroma and rich taste. The cherry blossom petal-shaped gold leaf dancing on the sake cup will brighten up your celebration. It is also famous for being served at a dinner when former President Obama visited Japan.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| type | Daiginjo sake (rice polishing ratio not disclosed) |
| taste | Elegant fragrance/mellow and mellow |
| How to drink | Cold sake ◎ / Room temperature ○ |
| Compatible dishes | Fried oysters, white fish meuniere, celebratory dishes |
| Where can I buy/drink it? | Brewery direct sales office, Butoran Nishiya, special dealers nationwide |
2. Fukubijin Sake Brewery (Fukubijin Junmai Ginjo) | Saijo Honmachi, Higashihiroshima City
Exhibitor:https://www.fukubijin.co.jp/
A bottle that embodies the style of a brewery called “Saijo Sake Brewing School.” It has the flavor and richness of rice, but the aftertaste is refreshing and crisp, so you won’t get tired of drinking it. As an accompaniment sake, it pairs wonderfully with Japanese cuisine in general, especially home-cooked dishes with a slightly sweet and spicy seasoning.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| type | Junmai Ginjo sake (rice polishing ratio 60%) |
| taste | Plump rice flavor/clean aftertaste |
| How to drink | Room temperature ◎/Nukewarm ○ |
| Compatible dishes | Meat and potatoes, chicken teriyaki, braised pork belly |
| Where can I buy/drink it? | Brewery direct sales office, special dealers nationwide |
3. Hakubotan Sake Brewery (Hakubotan Junmai Ginjo) | Saijo Honmachi, Higashihiroshima City
Exhibitor:https://www.hakubotan.co.jp/
A traditional, slightly sweet (umami) style cultivated over 350 years of history. It is characterized by its gentle aroma and the gentle sweetness of the rice that gently spreads in your mouth. By pairing it with delicate Japanese food made with dashi soup, the flavors of each dish will be brought out, creating a relaxing meal time.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| type | Junmai Ginjoshu (rice polishing ratio not disclosed) |
| taste | Mild fragrance/gentle sweetness |
| How to drink | Room temperature◎/Human skin warm○ |
| Compatible dishes | Dashi-rolled eggs, simmered dishes, and grilled conger eel |
| Where can I buy/drink it? | Brewery direct sales office, special dealers nationwide |
4. Saijo Tsuru Brewing〈Junmai Daiginjo Genshu Essence〉 | Saijo Honmachi, Higashihiroshima City
Exhibitor:https://saijotsuru.co.jp/
The pinnacle of Senbon Nishiki from Hiroshima Prefecture, which has been polished to 40% and brings together the best of the brewery’s techniques. It is characterized by the concentrated rice flavor, gorgeous aroma, and powerful taste that can only be achieved by unprocessed sake without adding water. Its presence is comparable to rich dishes such as roast beef and lean tuna.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| type | Junmai Daiginjo original sake (rice polishing ratio 40%) |
| taste | Bright aroma/concentrated flavor and acidity |
| How to drink | Cold sake ◎ / Room temperature ○ |
| Compatible dishes | Roast beef, lean tuna sashimi, steamed sea bream |
| Where can I buy/drink it? | Brewery direct sales office, online shop, special agent store |
5. Kirei Sake Brewery (Kirei Dry Junmai Yaji) | Saijo Honmachi, Higashihiroshima City
Exhibitor:https://kireikireikirei.jimdofree.com/
By purposely polishing only 80% of the edible rice “Chusei Shinsenbon,” this is an amazing product that retains the flavor of the rice while producing an extremely sharp and dry taste. Its versatility is noteworthy, and it is the best sake to accompany a meal, enhancing the flavors of a wide range of Japanese dishes, from sashimi and sushi to hot pot dishes.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| type | Pure rice sake (polishing ratio 80%) |
| taste | Umami of rice/sharp dryness |
| How to drink | Cold sake ◎ / Room temperature ◎ / Hot sake ◎ |
| Compatible dishes | Sashimi, sushi, hotpot, grilled fish |
| Where can I buy/drink it? | Brewery direct sales office, special dealers nationwide |
4. “Model course” touring the sake capital of Saijo and sake breweries
Starting from JR Saijo Station, Saijo Sake Brewery Street has all the breweries within walking distance. This unparalleled compactness allows you to enjoy drinking to your heart’s content without having to worry about the driver. Here, we propose two model courses to efficiently enjoy the charms of Saijo. Choose from a half-day stroll to enjoy the atmosphere of the Sake Capital, or a full day of exploring seven breweries and enjoying gourmet food, depending on your travel style.
①｜Half-day course to enjoy the essence of Sake Capital
🕒 Required approximately 4 hours | 🧭 Difficulty ★☆☆ (almost flat) | 🍶 Easy to sample 3-4 breweries
The easiest and most satisfying course that takes you around Saijo’s highlights in half a day. Learn about the history of Daiginjo, compare the dry and sweet versions, and finish off with a gourmet specialty.
| time zone | Spots & experiences |
|---|---|
| 10:00 | Start at JR Saijo Station. Get a “town walking map” at the tourist information center on the second floor of the station. |
| 10:15 | Arrived at Kamotsuru Sake Brewery. Learn about the history of sake brewing at the “Ichigogura” tour room and enjoy paid tastings at the premium bar. |
| 11:15 | Go to Kirei Sake Brewery. Enjoy a free sample of the famous dry Junmai sake at the direct sales store Mannenkamesha. |
| 11:45 | Go to Shirobotan Sake Brewery. Taste traditional sweet sake at Saijo’s oldest brewery (sample tasting available on Saturdays and Sundays). |
| 12:30 | Lunch at Butoran Nishiya. Enjoy the famous “Mishu Nabe Gozen” at a restaurant directly managed by Kamotsuru Sake Brewery. |
| 13:45 | After-dinner coffee at Kugurimon Coffee Shop. Soak in the afterglow of your trip with a mellow cup of sake brewed with brewed water and sake sweets. |
| 14:30 | We returned to JR Saijo Station and dispersed. |
②｜Complete tour of Shichikura & gastronomic exploration 1 day full course
🕒 Required approximately 7 hours | 🧭 Difficulty ★★☆ (longer walking distance) | 🍶 Easy to sample 5-7 breweries
The ultimate course that allows you to visit all seven breweries on Saijo Sake Brewery Street and enjoy their diverse personalities. If you include lunch at a hidden cafe or a pairing dinner at a Japanese restaurant attached to a brewery along the way, you’ll have a perfect day to fully enjoy the Sake Capital.
| time zone | Spots & experiences |
|---|---|
| 09:30 | Start at JR Saijo Station. Aim for Kamoizumi Sake Brewery at the eastern end. |
| 09:45 | Arrived at Kamoizumi Sake Brewery. Tour the brewery of a Junmai sake pioneer (reservation required) and enjoy the retro atmosphere of Shusenkan. |
| 10:45 | Go to Fukubijin Sake Brewery. Tour Ebisu Warehouse and take a photo of the tallest chimney in Sake City. Sample the prepared water. |
| 11:30 | Free tasting of dry Junmai sake at Kirei Sake Brewery. |
| 12:00 | Lunch at Cafe Trecasa. At an old folk cafe in a back alley, you can enjoy “Seiro-mushi,” which is gentle on the body. |
| 13:30 | Go to Saijo Tsuru Brewery. Participate in the paid “Sake Brewery Story Experience Tour” (reservation required) at the brewery, which is a registered tangible cultural property of the country, or purchase limited edition sake at the direct sales store. |
| 14:30 | Sample traditional sweet sake at Hakubotan Sake Brewery. |
| 15:15 | Enjoy a paid tasting of premium Daiginjo at Kamotsuru Sake Brewery’s “Ichigogura”. |
| 16:15 | Go to Sanyo Tsuru Sake Brewery at the west end. Enjoy paid tastings at the direct sales shop and try the “Ochoko Gacha”. |
| 17:30 | Dinner at Kubomachi Kappo Shinsuke. Enjoy authentic Kaiseki cuisine and sake pairings inside the Sanyo Tsuru Sake Brewery. |
Finally
A red brick chimney and a storehouse with sea cucumber walls. The history of sake brewing condensed into just 1km of road is also a story of Japan’s modernization. The structure provided by the underground water of Mt. Ryuo, the gentleness created by the skill of the Hiroshima brewer, and the rich flavor of Hiroshima rice.
Every time you drink a glass, the local climate and the passion of our predecessors come together again and again, and a new landscape emerges with every sip – that is the real pleasure of Saijo, the Sake Capital. I sincerely hope that this one-stroke journey will remain deeply engraved in your heart.
