1-Day Tour: Onomichi Temples & Saijo Sake Tasting
ID: GYG895910-1406038
Category:
Country: Japan
Duration:
09:00 hours
Description
Discover the history of Saijo, one of Japan's most famous sake brewing towns, on a guided day tour from Hiroshima. Enjoy a stroll along the coast and down Kaigan Dori Street in Onomichi.
Embark on a guided tour of Saijo and Onomichi from Hiroshima. Learn about the history of these towns, visit a sake brewery, and explore the Senkoji Temple. Enjoy a scenic ropeway ride and take in panoramic views of Onomichi.
Meet your guide at Hiroshima Station and head to Saijo Honmachi Historical Square. Learn about the history of the town and how it earned its name as one of Japan’s “Sake Capitals.” Take a stroll through Saijo Sake Brewery Street and stop at 2 breweries to learn about the sake brewing process and taste some sake.
Next, head to Onomichi and enjoy some free time to explore the Hondori Shopping Street and have lunch. Try the local specialty, Onomichi Ramen, which is made with a soy sauce-based broth and pork fat to add flavor. You could also eat some Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki which comes with noodles on top. Lastly, due to its location by the Seto Inland Sea, Onomichi is well-known for its fresh seafood, so this would be a great opportunity to enjoy some sushi as well.
Head to the Saikokuji temple and climb 108 stone steps to reach the Main Hall of the temple. Learn about the history and basics of Japanese Buddhism. Head to the foot of Senkoji mountain and board the ropeway which will take you to the submit. Take in panoramic views of Onomichi from the Senkoji Peak Observatory.
Walk down the Bungakuno Komichi path and read passages from various Japanese authors inscribed upon rocks along the way. Keep an eye out for cats as you explore Mt. Senkoji. The last stop of the tour will be the iconic Senkoji Temple, one of Onomichi’s most famous landmarks. Enshrined within this hall is Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, who people pray to for multiple reasons such as good health, traffic safety, finding a partner, etc.
Highlights
- Discover the history of Saijo, one of Japan's most famous sake brewing towns
- Learn about the sake brewing process and taste some of the highest quality sake
- Explore the Hondori Shopping Street and try some local specialties for lunch
- Enjoy a stroll along the coast and down Kaigan Dori Street in Onomichi
- Visit the Saikokuji temple and the iconic Senkoji Temple on Mt. Senkoji
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Wear comfortable walking shoes as there will be a lot of walking.
Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
Bring cash for personal expenses as not all places may accept credit cards.
Be prepared for a full day of activities, the tour ends back at Hiroshima Station.
The meetup point is under the Tourist Information sign outside of the Shinkansen gates.
If you are arriving via Shinkansen, the sign will be located directly to your left as you exit the gates.
If you are arriving via a JR line, please look for signs directing you towards the Shinkansen gates.
For those coming from outside the station via bus, find an Underground Passage and then following the signs directing you to Hiroshima Station. These underground passages are located very close to bus stops. At Hiroshima Station, follow the signs directing you to the Shinkansen gates.
For those coming from outside the station via Streetcar, Hiroshima Station will be right next to you. Follow the signs directing you to the Shinkansen gates.
If arriving via taxi, ask the driver to drop you off at the Shinkansen Entrance (North Entrance). Look for signs directing you to the Shinkansen gates.
When you arrive, be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign.
INCLUDED
- English speaking guide
- Entry fees at all tour locations
- Transportation to/from activities (ropeway included)
- Sake tasting experience
NOT INCLUDED
- Lunch
- Accommodation
- Transportation to meeting point
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.