5 Reasons to Visit Saijo, Japan's Sake Capital

The streetscape of Saijo is a revelation for any sake lover. Brick brewery buildings, towering chimneys, and a distinctive blend of Western and Japanese architecture evoke the golden age of sake brewing, from the Meiji to the Showa era.

Saijo's success as a brewing center was no accident. The arrival of the railway enabled local breweries to distribute their sake throughout Japan, while innovations in brewing techniques developed here helped shape the modern style of Hiroshima sake.

As mass production became the norm in the sake industry, many traditional brewery towns lost their historic character. Saijo, however, is a rare exception.

Thanks to the efforts of local residents and generations of brewers, much of its historic landscape has been remarkably preserved. Today, it remains one of the best places in Japan to experience the original scenery and spirit of a sake town. In this article, we explore the reasons behind Saijo's enduring significance and unique charm.

1: Seven Historic Breweries Within One Kilometer

One of Saijo's greatest attractions is its walkability. Located just a short distance from the train station, the town's breweries can all be explored on foot. While brewery districts were once common throughout Japan, few remain today. As a rare surviving example, Saijo's brewery district was recognized as part of Japan Heritage in 2023.

The breweries are also open to visitors, offering sake tastings and bottle sales on most days. Walking between the breweries while admiring the historic streetscape, with its distinctive chimneys and blend of traditional and Western-style architecture, is a unique experience for any sake lover.

2. Insightful Tours Led by English-Speaking Guides

In Saijo, visitors can explore the town with passionate local guides from overseas who have fallen in love with the region and its sake culture. As they lead you through the historic streets and breweries, they also provide guided tastings at each stop. Touring with an expert guide offers valuable insight into the history of Hiroshima sake and the unique character of each brewery, making for a far richer and more rewarding experience.

Reservations for this experience can be made here.

3. Taste Bishu Nabe, Saijo's Signature Sake Hot Pot

Bishu Nabe, a local specialty of Saijo, is a unique hot pot dish in which ingredients are simmered with sake, resulting in rich flavors and exceptional tenderness. In addition to the traditional seafood-based version, visitors can also enjoy modern interpretations, including Western-style meat stews cooked with sake. During your stay, be sure to try the different styles of Bishu Nabe and discover your favorite.

4. A Unique Fragrance Experience at a Temple

At Aki Kokubunji Temple in Saijo city, visitors can experience zuko, a traditional powdered incense used in Japan to purify the body and mind before prayer. Guided by the temple's head priest, participants can create their own blend while learning about the history, aromas, and cultural significance of this centuries-old practice.

Reservations for this experience can be made here.

5. Meet Nonta Daimyojin, the Guardian of Sake Drinkers

Saijo is home to a guardian deity that could only exist in a town devoted to sake. Start by picking up a wish card at the tourist information center inside Saijo Station, then make your way to Mitate Shrine on the north side of the station. Beside the steps leading into the shrine grounds, you'll find Nonta Daimyojin.

Whisper your past drinking mishaps into Nonta's ear, then place your wish card into the designated box. Legend has it that Nonta Daimyojin will guide you toward a happier and more enjoyable life with sake.

To learn more about Saijo and plan your visit, please visit the website here.

photo by Cindy Bissig