• Sakakiyamahachiman Shrine - 14:15～15:00 Visit Sakakiyama Hachiman Shrine, established in the 6th century, which holds significant ties to the history of sake brewing in Akitsu. Here, visitors will discover the story of Miura Senzaburo, the pioneer who invented the soft-water brewing technique that gave rise to Ginjo sake. His innovation revolutionized Japanese sake brewing and facilitated the spread of sake culture to areas in Japan with soft water.
• Tsuka Sake Brewery - 15:20～16:30 Explore Tsuka Sake Brewery, established in 1848, with the guidance of the 9th-generation master brewer, Soichiro Tsuka. Learn about the brewery’s transformation from a maritime shipping enterprise to a sake producer and hear the inspiring tale of its recovery following the catastrophic 2018 floods. The visit concludes with a sake tasting and pairing with local delicacies from Higashihiroshima, along with a special sake-label calligraphy activity.
• Akitsu Harbor - 16:45～16:55 The tour wraps up at Akitsu Harbor, where the town’s story both begins and ends. For centuries, this port has been a crucial point for the distribution of rice and later sake throughout Japan. While taking in the tranquil views of the Seto Inland Sea, reflect on the brewers’ stories, the town’s resilience, and the profound connection between the sea and sake culture.

• Professional guide
• Brewery tour experience, sake pairing, and calligraphy activity
• Souvenir: one sake cup and one 300 ml bottle of sake
• Insurance coverage

• How to get to the meeting point

Akitsu is a charming port town overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, historically recognized as the birthplace of Ginjo sake. This tour offers an opportunity to delve into the tales of the sea, sake, and the individuals who have shaped this distinctive locale. Stroll through the historic harbor town, whose roots trace back to ancient times, visit Sakakiyama Hachiman Shrine to offer prayers to the deity of sake brewing, and tour a traditional brewery with guidance from Soichiro Tsuka, the 9th-generation master brewer. At the brewery, which was reconstructed following the severe floods of 2018, enjoy a sake and local cuisine pairing experience and design your own unique sake label. The journey concludes at the serene Akitsu Harbor, where the tranquil views of the Seto Inland Sea provide a perfect backdrop for reflecting on Akitsu’s story.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.