Hiroshimaga Motsuru Sake Brewery Tour & Yuanso Sake Nabe Set

Must Do Experiences

• Tour the historic Kamotsuru Sake Brewery to witness the traditional brewing process firsthand and learn about the craftsmanship behind Hiroshima's famous sake.

• Savour the Furansuya Ganzo Bishunabe, a rich and flavourful sake hot pot set meal curated by Kurodo at the Kamotsuru Sake Dining.

• Sample premium and limited-edition sakes elegantly served in refined Kimoto Glassware at the tasting counter.

• Explore the surrounding Saijo Shuzo-dori district, home to seven distinct breweries within a one-kilometre radius.

Hidden Gems

• Look out for the multilingual informational billboards scattered around the brewery, offering fascinating brewing insights in English, Chinese, Korean, and French.

• Ask the staff about the Kuramoto limited-edition merchandise, an exclusive souvenir available for a small nominal fee that most casual visitors overlook.

• Take a short walk down Saijo Shuzo-dori to discover the distinct architectural styles and unique tasting profiles of the six other nearby breweries.

What Makes it Special

• The exclusive Furansuya Ganzo Bishunabe hot pot experience perfectly pairs local culinary traditions with the brewery's premium sake creations.

• Guests receive a highly curated tasting session featuring three kinds of high-quality alcohol served in authentic Kimoto Glassware, elevating the sensory experience.

• The tour offers a deeply immersive look into Hiroshima's sake-making legacy, set in the heart of Japan's most concentrated brewery district.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The best time to visit is during the autumn and winter months, from October to February, when the air is crisp and the sake brewing season is in full swing, offering the most vibrant atmosphere. Aim for a late morning or early afternoon booking to fully enjoy the warming sake hot pot and comfortably explore the outdoor brewery district before the evening chill sets in.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the rustic charm of the traditional cedar sake barrels and historic brewing equipment inside the Kamotsuru facility, using the natural light from the windows.

• Take a beautifully lit, close-up shot of the premium sake being poured into the delicate Kimoto Glassware at the tasting counter.

• Snap a scenic street-level photo of the iconic white-walled breweries and traditional noren curtains lining the picturesque Saijo Shuzo-dori avenue.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When tasting sake, it is customary to hold your glass with both hands as a sign of respect when receiving a pour, and to offer a polite nod or say kanpai before drinking. Please refrain from taking flash photography inside the active brewing areas to respect the artisans at work and preserve the serene atmosphere of the facility.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• The annual Saijo Sake Festival, typically held in October, transforms the brewery district into a lively celebration with special tastings, street food, and traditional performances.

• Winter brewing season events from December to February often feature exclusive tastings of freshly pressed, unpasteurized arabashiri sake directly from the vats.

• Spring cherry blossom season offers a beautiful backdrop for strolling between the seven breweries, with special seasonal limited-edition spring sakes available for purchase.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Pace yourself during the sake tasting session and stay hydrated, as sampling multiple high-quality alcohols can have a strong effect.

• Watch your step when walking through the traditional brewery areas, as the wooden floors and stone pathways can be uneven or slightly slippery.

• If you plan to explore the wider Saijo Shuzo-dori district after your tour, ensure you have a designated driver or use public transport, as drink-driving laws in Japan are strictly enforced.