Hiroshima

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Comprehensive Guide to Sake and Beverages in Hiroshima, Japan

Hiroshima is one of Japan's most renowned sake-producing regions, thanks to its pristine water sources, high-quality rice, and centuries-old brewing traditions. The city and its surrounding areas offer a rich variety of sake and beverages, making it a must-visit destination for enthusiasts. Below is a detailed guide to help you explore Hiroshimaโ€™s sake culture and other beverage options.

1. Why Hiroshima is Famous for Sake

Hiroshima is one of Japan's top three sake-producing regions, alongside Nada (Hyogo) and Fushimi (Kyoto). The region's sake is known for its smooth, slightly sweet flavor profile, which is attributed to:

  • Soft Water: Hiroshimaโ€™s water is soft, which requires a slower fermentation process, resulting in a more delicate and refined taste.
  • Hattan Rice: Hiroshima is home to unique sake rice varieties like Hattan Nishiki and Hattan No. 35, which are ideal for brewing.
  • Innovative Brewing Techniques: Hiroshima brewers pioneered the "ginjo" sake brewing method, which involves low-temperature fermentation to create aromatic and high-quality sake.

2. Local Sake Breweries to Visit

Hiroshima Prefecture has over 50 sake breweries, many of which are concentrated in the Saijo district of Higashihiroshima City, just a short train ride from Hiroshima City. Here are some notable breweries and areas to explore:

Saijo Sake District

Saijo is often referred to as the "Sake Capital of Hiroshima." The district is home to several historic breweries, many of which are open to visitors for tours and tastings. The area is walkable, with traditional white-walled kura (storehouses) lining the streets.

  1. Kamoizumi Brewery

    • Known for its rich, full-bodied sake with a focus on junmai (pure rice) styles.
    • Offers brewery tours and tastings.
    • Signature Sake: Kamoizumi Junmai Daiginjo.

  2. Kamotsuru Brewery

    • One of Hiroshimaโ€™s most famous breweries, known for its premium daiginjo sake.
    • Their sake was famously served to U.S. President Barack Obama during his visit to Hiroshima.
    • Signature Sake: Kamotsuru Tokusei Gold Daiginjo (with gold flakes).

  3. Saijotsuru Brewery

    • A smaller, family-run brewery with a focus on traditional brewing methods.
    • Offers intimate tours and tastings.

  4. Fukubijin Brewery

    • Known for its light and refreshing sake, perfect for beginners.
    • Signature Sake: Fukubijin Junmai Ginjo.

Other Notable Breweries in Hiroshima Prefecture

  • Imada Shuzo (Akitsu Town): Famous for its "Fukucho" brand, which includes innovative sake like sparkling junmai.
  • Miyake Honten (Takehara City): Known for its "Sekiya" sake, brewed in a picturesque historic town.

3. Recommended Sake Types

When exploring Hiroshimaโ€™s sake, look out for these styles:

  • Junmai Daiginjo: Premium sake with a fruity aroma and smooth finish. Hiroshima breweries excel in this category.
  • Ginjo: Light, aromatic, and slightly sweet, perfect for pairing with seafood.
  • Nigori: Unfiltered sake with a cloudy appearance, offering a creamy texture and sweet flavor.
  • Sparkling Sake: A modern twist on traditional sake, often light and effervescent.

4. Sake Tasting Experiences

Hiroshima offers a variety of ways to enjoy sake, from brewery tours to festivals and specialized bars.

Brewery Tours

  • Many breweries in Saijo and beyond offer guided tours where you can learn about the brewing process and sample different types of sake. Tours typically cost between ยฅ500โ€“ยฅ2,000 and often include a souvenir bottle.

Sake Tasting Bars

  • Sake Hiroba (Saijo): A sake-tasting bar where you can sample over 100 varieties of Hiroshima sake. Tastings start at ยฅ100 per glass.
  • Kurayoshi (Hiroshima City): A cozy izakaya specializing in local sake and Hiroshima-style dishes.

Sake Festivals

  • Saijo Sake Festival (October): One of Japanโ€™s largest sake festivals, attracting over 200,000 visitors annually. You can sample sake from Hiroshima and other regions for a flat fee (around ยฅ2,500โ€“ยฅ3,000).
  • Hiroshima Sake Kanpai Festival (March): A smaller event held in Hiroshima City, featuring local breweries and food pairings.

5. Customs and Etiquette for Drinking Sake

  • Pouring for Others: In Japan, itโ€™s customary to pour sake for your companions rather than yourself. Hold the bottle with both hands as a sign of respect.
  • Temperature: Sake can be enjoyed warm, room temperature, or chilled. Hiroshimaโ€™s premium sake, like ginjo and daiginjo, is best served chilled to appreciate its delicate flavors.
  • Pairing: Hiroshima sake pairs beautifully with local dishes like oysters, okonomiyaki, and anago (grilled eel).

6. Other Beverage Options in Hiroshima

While sake is the star, Hiroshima also offers other unique beverages worth trying.

Craft Beer

  • Rihga Royal Hotel Brewery (Hiroshima City): Offers locally brewed craft beer with seasonal varieties.
  • Kure Beer (Kure City): A microbrewery producing German-style beers, including pilsners and dunkels.

Hiroshima Lemon Drinks

Hiroshima is Japanโ€™s top producer of lemons, and the fruit is used in various beverages:

  • Lemon Chu-Hi: A refreshing alcoholic drink made with shochu, soda, and Hiroshima lemons.
  • Lemon Cider: A non-alcoholic sparkling drink with a tangy lemon flavor.

Matcha and Green Tea

  • Hiroshimaโ€™s tea culture is less prominent than other regions, but you can still enjoy high-quality matcha and sencha at traditional tea houses or cafes.

7. Costs and Budgeting

  • Sake Bottles: Prices range from ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 for a standard 720ml bottle, depending on the grade (junmai, ginjo, daiginjo).
  • Tastings: Individual tastings at breweries or bars typically cost ยฅ100โ€“ยฅ500 per glass.
  • Sake Sets: Many izakayas offer sake tasting sets (3โ€“5 varieties) for around ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ2,000.

8. Notable Sites and Events Related to Beverages

  • Saijo Sakagura Dori (Sake Brewery Street): A historic street in Saijo lined with breweries, perfect for a day of exploration.
  • Hiroshima Sake Museum: Located in Saijo, this museum offers insights into the history and production of sake in Hiroshima.
  • Okonomimura (Hiroshima City): While primarily a food destination, many stalls offer sake and Hiroshima craft beer to pair with okonomiyaki.

9. Practical Tips

  • Transportation: Saijo is accessible via the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station (about 35 minutes). Consider purchasing a JR Pass for unlimited train travel.
  • Language: While some breweries have English-speaking staff, itโ€™s helpful to learn basic sake-related terms like "junmai" (pure rice sake) and "kanpai" (cheers).
  • Seasonal Visits: The Saijo Sake Festival in October is the best time to experience Hiroshimaโ€™s sake culture, but breweries are open year-round.

10. Conclusion

Hiroshima offers a rich and immersive experience for sake and beverage enthusiasts. From the historic breweries of Saijo to the innovative sake styles and local lemon-based drinks, thereโ€™s something for everyone. Whether youโ€™re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious beginner, Hiroshimaโ€™s sake culture is sure to leave a lasting impression. Cheersโ€”or as they say in Japan, Kanpai!