Discover a different side of Higashihiroshima on a private 5.5–6-hour journey through ancient history, local faith, historic streets, and Saijo’s sake culture. Rather than spending the whole tour hopping between breweries, follow a storey that spans more than 1,500 years.

Meet your guide at JR Saijo Station and take a short local loop bus to Mitsujo Kofun. Walk around the restored burial mounds, including a large keyhole-shaped tomb dating to the early 5th century, and see ancient history set against modern Saijo.

Take a second short bus ride back towards central Saijo, then continue on foot to Aki Kokubunji Historical Park. Explore the remains of an ancient provincial temple before walking to Mitate Shrine, Saijo’s guardian shrine with a long connection to local sake brewing.

Continue into the old town, following traces of the former Saikoku Kaido. Stop at Saijo Honmachi Historical Square and the former Honjin site before entering the sake brewery district. Photograph white kura walls, wooden facades, and red-brick chimneys while your guide explains how Saijo developed into one of Japan’s major sake-producing towns.

Step inside a historic sake exhibition and shop to see brewing tools and displays, then enjoy an included three-sake tasting set.