Chugoku · HiroshimaFood
One of Japan’s premier sake towns opens its breweries for a weekend of tasting hundreds of varieties from across the country.
Overview
Saijo, in Higashihiroshima, is one of Japan’s three great sake-brewing districts, its skyline studded with red-brick chimneys and white-walled breweries. Each October the Saijo Sake Matsuri celebrates that heritage with brewery tours, live music, parades and a vast tasting hall where visitors can sample hundreds of sake from across Japan. The two-day event draws well over 100,000 people into the compact brewery quarter.
When & Where
Held on the second Saturday and Sunday of October — 10–11 October 2026 — in the brewery district around Saijo Station, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima.
Getting There
Take the JR Sanyo Line to Saijo Station; the brewery streets begin just outside the station, so no further transport is needed. Saijo is roughly 30–40 minutes east of Hiroshima by local train, making it an easy day trip.
What to Expect
Expect self-guided walks between historic breweries, sampling of freshly brewed local sake, a large ticketed tasting hall (the “Sakehiroba”) pouring hundreds of varieties nationwide, plus food stalls, stages and street parades throughout the town.
Tickets & Access
Wandering the town and many brewery events are free, but the main tasting hall requires a paid ticket (often sold in advance). Check the official site for current pricing, session times and any reservation requirements.
Tips for Visitors
Buy tasting-hall tickets ahead of time as they sell out, and pace yourself — pairing sake with the town’s food stalls helps. Trains back to Hiroshima are busy on the evenings, so allow extra time.
Access and Map
| Dates | 10–11 October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Saijo brewery district, Higashihiroshima |
| Access | Beside JR Saijo Station |
| Admission | Town free; tasting hall ticketed |
| Official site | Saijo Sake Matsuri |
Source: Saijo Sake Matsuri Official Site
