Saijo

Hiroshima, or more precisely, Saijo, is known as one of the best sake brewing areas in the whole of Japan. Saijo is located approximately 40 minutes from Hiroshima Station, in the eastern area of Hiroshima Prefecture. Saijo serves as the administrative center of the larger Higashihiroshima City, but it is primarily known for being THE place to go if you are looking to sample some quality sake. The town is also home to Hiroshima University, also known as Hirodai, and is the hometown of the popular 100-yen shop, Daiso. There are also many exciting sightseeing places around, including the keyhole-shaped Mitsujo Burial Mound, but the most popular reason for visiting is to learn about and try some of the sake on offer. The normally sleepy town is fairly quiet for most of the year, but the population swells during October when the annual Saijo Sake Festival is held. University students, older locals, and foreigners alike rub shoulders as they consume copious amounts of sake, all in the name of festive cheer. This year, the festival will be held online in light of the ongoing pandemic, but usually, tickets are 1300 yen if you pre-purchase them or 1600 yen on the…