Saijo Sake Festival 2026: Dates, Tickets & Access
Saijo Sake Festival 2026 runs October 10–11 in Hiroshima's sake capital — Japan's largest sake-tasting event. Confirmed dates, 2025 reference ticket price, and access below.
When · Where
- When
- 2026/10/10 10:00 – 2026/10/11
- Where
- Saijo, Higashihiroshima（Saijohonmachi, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima）
- City
- Hiroshima
- Getting there
- Walk from JR Saijo Stn
- Price
- Festival free to enter; the 'Sake Plaza' tasting pass is paid
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- Walk from JR Saijo Stn Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Check tickets and details on the official page (button above).
- Paying
- Festival free to enter; the 'Sake Plaza' tasting pass is paid. Smaller venues in Japan are often cash-first — carry some yen (cards/IC not guaranteed).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- food lovers, groups of friends, culture seekers
Highlights
- Tasting hundreds of sake from across Japan
- Strolling Saijo's historic sake-brewery district
- Local food stalls to pair with your sake
Background & story
Saijo's white-walled brewery district is one of Japan's three great sake-producing areas; the festival celebrates this heritage each October.
Good to know
Pace yourself with the tastings and drink water between pours. Day trips from Hiroshima city are easy by train.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a tasting ticket cost at Saijo Sake Festival?
- As of the 2025 event (2026 pricing not yet announced), the advance 'Sake Hiroba' tasting pass cost ¥3,900, including 8 tasting tickets, a souvenir sake cup, and a bottle of chaser water. Sessions run in timed slots and entry to the tasting plaza is restricted to ages 20+.
- How do I get to Saijo Sake Festival?
- The festival is a 1-minute walk from JR Saijo Station (Sanyo Main Line), about 40 minutes by local train from Hiroshima Station. Paid overflow parking with a free shuttle is available at a Hiroshima University lot.