- A Hiroshima Journey: Purify Your Mind at Itsukushima Shrine and Savor Local Sake
- Recommended Sake Breweries and Brands in Hiroshima Prefecture
- 1. SAKURAO BREWERY AND DISTILLERY | A Notable Brewery Blending Tradition and Innovation
- 2. A Selection of Recommended Hiroshima Local Sake
- 1. Ichidai Misen | SAKURAO BREWERY AND DISTILLERY
- 2. Fukucho Junmai Ginjo Hattanso | Imada Shuzo Honten
- 3. Ugo no Tsuki Junmai Daiginjo | Aihara Shuzo
- [Note | Where Can You Drink or Buy It?]
- Related Articles
- Frequently Asked Questions
A Hiroshima Journey: Purify Your Mind at Itsukushima Shrine and Savor Local Sake
Table of Contents
- Recommended Sake Breweries and Brands in Hiroshima Prefecture
- A Selection of Recommended Hiroshima Local Sake
Introduction
Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社) stands with its vermilion Great Torii gate seeming to float on the sea. Its majestic presence quietly moves everyone who visits, and this shrine, renowned as a World Heritage Site, is truly a sacred symbol of Hiroshima. Hiroshima Prefecture, meanwhile, is home to Saijo (西条) in Higashihiroshima City, known alongside Nada and Fushimi as one of Japan’s representative sake-brewing areas, and many fine sakes have been born here thanks to its pure water and mild climate.
This article introduces Hiroshima’s local sake and breweries, along with places to taste local sake, to enjoy together with a trip to Itsukushima Shrine. The mystique of the shrine and the profound world of local sake: we hope both give you ideas for a trip where you can feel what makes Hiroshima “Hiroshima.”
Recommended Sake Breweries and Brands in Hiroshima Prefecture
Hiroshima breweries worth a side trip from Itsukushima Shrine
There are no sake breweries on Miyajima itself, but breweries that make sake drawing on their local climate and history are scattered across Hiroshima Prefecture. In particular, Hatsukaichi City (廿日市市), the same city Miyajima belongs to, has a brewery that is easy to stop by on the JR line from Miyajimaguchi.
Here we introduce a Hatsukaichi brewery that is easy to visit from Miyajima. The selection that follows also covers brands from other parts of the prefecture, such as Akitsu in Higashihiroshima City and Kure City.
1. SAKURAO BREWERY AND DISTILLERY | A Notable Brewery Blending Tradition and Innovation
This sake company was founded in 1918 (Taisho 7) in Sakurao, Hatsukaichi City, and was long known by its former name, Chugoku Jozo (中国醸造). Today, as SAKURAO BREWERY AND DISTILLERY, it produces gin and whisky in addition to sake. Its flagship sake brand is the Ichidai Misen (一代 弥山) series.
On the paid distillery tour (reservation required), you can see how gin and whisky are made, and after the tour you can enjoy a tasting of whisky, gin and more. From Miyajima, take the ferry to Miyajimaguchi, then the JR Sanyo Line to Hatsukaichi Station; the distillery is about a 10-minute walk south of the station.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | SAKURAO BREWERY AND DISTILLERY Co., Ltd. (formerly Chugoku Jozo) |
| Founded | 1918 (Taisho 7) |
| Main brands | Ichidai Misen (Junmai Daiginjo, sparkling, etc.) |
| Features | In addition to sake, produces gin and single malt whisky made with Hiroshima-grown ingredients. |
| Tours | Available (paid, reservation required, ages 20 and over) / about 90 minutes, 2,000 yen per person (tax included, as of September 2026; check the official website for the latest information) |
| Tasting | Available at the visitor center (offerings vary by season; not available to those driving) |
| Shop | Yes (SAKURAO DISTILLERY VISITOR CENTER) |
| Access | About a 10-minute walk south of Hatsukaichi Station (JR Sanyo Line) / about an 8-minute walk from Hiroden-hatsukaichi Station (Hiroden Miyajima Line) |
2. A Selection of Recommended Hiroshima Local Sake
We have selected Hiroshima local sakes to enjoy along with your Miyajima sightseeing and introduce them from angles such as flavor, how to drink them and food pairings. They are perfect for a drink between sights or as a guide when choosing souvenirs.
1. Ichidai Misen | SAKURAO BREWERY AND DISTILLERY
A sake brewed by a brewery in Hatsukaichi City, the same city as Miyajima.
Within the Ichidai Misen series, the Junmai Daiginjo is characterized by a lovely aroma and a crisp taste. Its appeal is a balance that satisfies everyone from sake beginners to enthusiasts. It can be purchased at the visitor center next to the brewery, which makes it convenient for souvenir shopping.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brewery | SAKURAO BREWERY AND DISTILLERY |
| Type | Junmai Daiginjo / sparkling, etc. |
| Flavor | Fruity and light on the palate, with a clean aftertaste |
| How to drink | Well chilled / as an aperitif or with meals |
| Food pairings | Sea bream carpaccio, dishes made with Hiroshima lemons, salt-grilled local fish, etc. |
2. Fukucho Junmai Ginjo Hattanso | Imada Shuzo Honten
Imada Shuzo Honten (今田酒造本店) is a brewery in Akitsu-cho, Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, led by toji (master brewer) Miho Imada. Its Fukucho (富久長) Junmai Ginjo Hattanso is made with Hattanso (八反草), a native Hiroshima sake rice whose cultivation had once died out and was revived.
It is soft on the palate, with the umami and acidity characteristic of Hattanso. Although rich in umami, it is distinguished by a clean, crisp finish. Imada Shuzo Honten’s sakes have also been recognized at competitions in Japan and abroad.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Imada Shuzo Honten (Fukucho) |
| Type | Junmai Ginjo (brewed with Hattanso) |
| Flavor | Smooth, mellow umami and gentle acidity, with a clear, transparent finish |
| How to drink | Chilled to room temperature |
| Food pairings | White fish from the Seto Inland Sea, tai-meshi (sea bream rice), yudofu (simmered tofu), etc. |
3. Ugo no Tsuki Junmai Daiginjo | Aihara Shuzo
Aihara Shuzo (相原酒造) is a brewery in Nigata Honmachi, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, that brews the renowned sake Ugo no Tsuki (雨後の月). Ugo no Tsuki Junmai Daiginjo comes in products made with different sake rices, such as Yamada Nishiki, Omachi and Aiyama (the rice polishing ratio also differs by product), and is characterized by a lovely aroma and a refined, clean taste.
For its brewing water, it uses subterranean water from Mt. Noro, praised as an excellent water source.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Aihara Shuzo (Ugo no Tsuki) |
| Type | Junmai Daiginjo |
| Flavor | Fruity and elegant, with aromas reminiscent of melon and white peach |
| How to drink | Well chilled, slowly savoring the aroma |
| Food pairings | Sea bream sashimi, vinegared oysters; also pairs well with Japanese sweets |
[Note | Where Can You Drink or Buy It?]
| Shop | Features | Location / Access |
|---|---|---|
| SAKURAO DISTILLERY VISITOR CENTER | Tastings, sales and distillery tours | About a 10-minute walk from JR Hatsukaichi Station |
| Sake to Utsuwa Kubota (酒と器 久保田), Miyajima | A long-established sake shop founded more than 120 years ago; tastings by the glass | Machiya-dori, Miyajima (about a 10-minute walk from Miyajima Pier) |
| Mametanuki (まめたぬき), Miyajima | Conger eel and oyster dishes with Hiroshima local sake | Inside the ryokan Kinsuikan (錦水館), Miyajima |
| Kura Vitto (蔵Vitto), Miyajima | A hotel bar offering local sake, gin, craft beer and more | Inside Hotel Miyajima Besso |
Related Articles
Here are some recommended articles related to this one.
- Hiroshima Hotels: Best Accommodation & Ryokan Guide
- Hiroshima Gourmet Guide: Best Local Food & Cuisine
- History of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Atomic Bomb Dome: Symbols of Peace
- Itsukushima Shrine: Miyajima’s Floating Torii History
- Hiroshima Sake: Saijo Brewery District & Tasting Guide
