Saijo, a district of Higashihiroshima City, is home to seven sake breweries clustered around JR Saijo Station and is known as one of Japan’s leading sake-producing areas, alongside Nada and Fushimi. Every year, a distinctive sake-themed festival is held on Saturday and Sunday of the three-day weekend in October, attracting large crowds.
A portable shrine bearing a giant sugidama cedar ball like those displayed at sake breweries is carried through the streets following a Shinto ceremony at Matsuo Shrine, which is dedicated to the deity of sake. Other events held around town, including the Sake Midare Bayashi performance and the Hime Mikoshi procession, add to the festive atmosphere.
During the festival, a variety of events take place at venues throughout the area, centered on the main venue with stage performances and food. The sake breweries around Saijo Station also host their own creative events, including paid tastings, brewery tours, and sales of limited-edition sake.
The Sake Hiroba, where visitors can sample approximately 800 varieties of local sake from across Japan, is popular every year. Visitors under 20 are not admitted, except for children of junior high school age or younger accompanied by a guardian. For those who do not drink alcohol, the Meisui Tea Ceremony offers matcha prepared with the same water used for sake brewing.
Highlights
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A distinctive sake-themed festival held in Saijo, Higashihiroshima City.
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A portable shrine bearing a giant sugidama cedar ball is carried through the streets.
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The main venue features stage performances and food.
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Sake breweries around Saijo Station also hold special events.
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Visitors under 20 are not admitted to the Sake Hiroba tasting area.
