Saijo Sake Festival 2026

• October 11, 2026 at 12:46 am
  Event date:
• October 12, 2026 at 12:47 am
  Event end:

Taste the Nation. Celebrate the Spirit of Sake Capital, Saijo.

About the Festival

The Saijo Sake Festival is one of Japan’s grandest tributes to sake, drawing 100,000–200,000 revelers each year to the venerable brewing heartland of Saijo in Higashi-Hiroshima. This spirited extravaganza honors centuries-old traditions with immersive brewery tours, vibrant parades, rhythmic live music, captivating cultural shows, tantalizing food stalls, and an astonishing array of over 900 sake varieties sourced from Japan’s finest distilleries.

Festival Highlights

Sake Square (Chuo Park West)

• The pinnacle of sake immersion, pouring 900+ varieties for discerning palates.
• Entry: ¥1,800 (includes a keepsake sake cup and unlimited tastings).
• Specialty Sips: Extra fee for creative twists like sake cocktails and rare vintages.

Brewery Tours & Sake Making Experience

• Guided explorations of Saijo’s 10 legendary breweries, steeped in history.
• Hands-on lessons in time-honored brewing methods, from rice polishing to fermentation magic.
• Complimentary tastings at key stops, with optional workshops for aspiring toji (master brewers).

Live Entertainment & Cultural Performances

• Osaka-bayashi Parade: A thunderous procession bearing the sake brewery emblem from Matsuo Shrine to the central stage.
• Mesmerizing kagura dances, booming taiko drumming, and lively karaoke showdowns.
• Women’s Shrine Procession: An empowering parade where women shoulder a sacred mikoshi through cheering crowds.

Local Food & Specialties

• Bishu-nabe: Saijo’s iconic sake-infused hot pot stew (¥8,400 for a party of 4).
• Eclectic stalls hawking festival favorites like grilled yakitori, takoyaki, and seasonal sweets (purchases via festival tickets).

Family-Friendly Activities

• Freewheeling concerts and shows at Chuo Park East for all ages.
• Kid-centric games, crafts, and mini-tours at participating breweries.

Dates: October 11 – October 12, 2026

We Recommend These Must-Try Moments

1. JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
Travel unlimited on JR trains across Kansai to Hiroshima for 5 days.
Includes access to the Sanyo Shinkansen (non-reserved seats).
Ideal for exploring cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Hiroshima.

2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Ticket
Learn about the tragic history and resilience of Hiroshima.
Explore powerful exhibits detailing the atomic bombing.
A moving and educational visit for travelers seeking deeper understanding.

3. Orizuru Tower Admission Ticket in Hiroshima
Enjoy panoramic views of Hiroshima and the Peace Park.
Experience interactive exhibits and fold your own paper crane.
A serene and symbolic stop next to the Atomic Bomb Dome.

4. Hiroshima & Miyajima 1 Day Bus Tour
Visit iconic spots like Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island.
Explore Hiroshima Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
A full-day guided journey through history and heritage.

5. Mt. Senkoji Ropeway
Ride the ropeway up to Mt. Senkoji for stunning city and sea views.
Explore the beautiful Senkoji Temple nestled in the hillside.
A peaceful escape above the charming port town of Onomichi.

Important Festival Tips

• Entry to Festival Grounds: Free (Sake Square and tours extra).
• Food & Drink Purchases: Swap cash for non-refundable festival tickets at info booths.
• Re-entry Not Allowed: Pack wisely—water, sunscreen, and portable fans for autumn warmth.
• No Outside Food Allowed (Unofficially Ignored): Discreet picnics are a common, low-key tradition.
• Seating: Bring tarps or foldable chairs for prime viewing—lawn spots fill fast.

How to Get There

From Hiroshima Station: Hop the JR Sanyo Line to Saijo Station (~30 minutes). From Saijo Station: A leisurely 10–15 minute stroll to the Chuo Park epicenter; shuttles available during peak hours.

Online Sake Festival

For virtual voyagers, the online edition delivers premium sake kits from nationwide breweries, paired with live-streamed tastings, expert talks, and interactive Q&As—bringing Saijo’s soul to screens everywhere.

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