Higashihiroshima City
City in Hiroshima, Japan
East of Hiroshima city, Higashihiroshima is best known for Saijō’s sake-brewery streets, spring festivals and university cafés. People visit to tour historic breweries, cycle rural rice fields and use the town as a quieter base for Miyajima and Hiroshima sights.
A quiet university and brewing city in Hiroshima Prefecture, Higashihiroshima is best known for Saijo’s century‑old sake breweries and relaxed small‑town rhythms. Visitors come for sake tours, local taverns, and a peaceful contrast to nearby Hiroshima.
Getting around: Use the JR Sanyo Line to Saijo and Higashihiroshima stations, local Geiyo buses for neighborhoods, taxis via JapanTaxi app, or cycle between breweries.
Infrastructure & convenience: Small-city streets around Saijo are walkable; convenience stores (7‑Eleven, Lawson) plentiful, coin lockers at stations, limited English signage outside central areas.
Local tips: Respect sake etiquette in Saijo breweries-don’t pour your own drink, offer refills for others; bow politely, avoid loud phone calls on trains.
Dining: Saijo’s taverns and brewery tasting rooms serve local sake flights; try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and oyster dishes in neighboring towns; many izakaya.
70°F
Why Visit Higashihiroshima?#
The city draws visitors for Saijo, its famous sake district where centuries-old breweries open for tastings during the Saijo Sake Festival, and for rolling vineyards that produce local Koshu-style wines. Hiroshima University campuses add a student energy and occasional cultural events. Quiet countryside scenery and historic shrines pair with sake-themed tours to create a different flavor from Hiroshima’s urban center.
Regions of Higashihiroshima#
Saijō
Saijō is Higashihiroshima’s claim to fame - a genuine sake town where brewery fronts line the streets and tasting is a pastime. It’s sociable and food‑friendly, great for visitors who want to sample multiple brewers in a short walk. Best for adults and food/drink curious travelers.
Dining: Local · Nightlife: Lively · Shopping: Markets · Stays: Mid-Range
Top Spots
- Saijō Brewery District - row of historic sake breweries with seasonal tastings.
- Saijō Station area - compact centre with shops, cafés and access to sake tours.
- Saijō Sake Festival (seasonal) - lively spring event when brewers open their doors.
Higashihiroshima Campus Zone
Around the university you’ll find a younger, quieter side of the city: cheap cafés, casual restaurants and student‑friendly bars. It’s low‑key and useful if you’re visiting for campus business or want inexpensive meals and a calmer pace.
Dining: Cafés · Nightlife: Quiet · Shopping: Limited · Stays: Budget
Top Spots
- Hiroshima University area - student cafés, bookstores and affordable eateries.
- Local cafés and izakayas - relaxed spots frequented by students and faculty.
- Community markets - small grocers and stalls selling local produce.
Rural Outskirts
Higashihiroshima spreads into peaceful farming country - vineyards, rice fields and small farming communities. Rent a bike, follow quiet roads and visit roadside stands for seasonal fruit. Perfect for people who want to escape city noise and see rural Japan up close.
Dining: Farm-to-table · Nightlife: None · Shopping: Limited · Stays: Guesthouses
Top Spots
- Rice paddies & cycling routes - peaceful countryside ideal for rental bicycles.
- Local farms - seasonal fruit stands and small produce stalls.
- Shrines and small temples - quiet cultural stops off the beaten path.
Who's Higashihiroshima For?#
Higashihiroshima’s Saijo district is one of Japan’s best sake corners - brewery tours and the annual Saijo Sake Festival are highlights. Local izakayas near JR Saijo Station serve seasonal Hiroshima dishes alongside many small breweries’ cups and tasting flights.
Surrounded by agricultural valleys and rolling hills, Higashihiroshima offers quiet countryside walks, riverbank strolls and easy drives to nearby mountains. It’s a low-key base for exploring rural Hiroshima prefecture away from the city and Seto Inland Sea.
Saijo’s sake brewery tours, cosy riverside eateries and small ryokan-style stays make for relaxed couple getaways. Sample local sake flights, stroll the historic brewery streets and stay near JR Saijo for romantic, low-key evenings.
Higashihiroshima hosts industrial zones and Hiroshima University campuses, with decent rail connections via JR to Hiroshima city. The town supports business visitors with modest hotels and restaurants clustered near stations.
Best Things to Do in Higashihiroshima#
Higashihiroshima Bucket List#
Saijo Sakagura-dori (Saijo Sake Brewery Street) - A lane of historic breweries where many offer tastings and guided tours.
Kamotsuru Sake Brewery - Long-established brewery in Saijo featuring a museum, cellar tours and sake sampling.
Kamoizumi Sake Brewery - Renowned Saijo brewery producing dry, aromatic sakes with occasional visitor tours.
Hiroshima University (Higashihiroshima Campus) - Expansive, leafy campus popular for walks and coffee with a lively student vibe.
Saijo Sake Festival - Annual October festival where dozens of local breweries open stalls for sampling.
Hiroshima University (Higashihiroshima Campus) - Expansive, leafy campus popular for walks and coffee with a lively student vibe.
Kamoizumi Sake Brewery - Renowned Saijo brewery producing dry, aromatic sakes with occasional visitor tours.
Kamotsuru Sake Brewery - Long-established brewery in Saijo featuring a museum, cellar tours and sake sampling.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park - Site of the Atomic Bomb Dome and museum reflecting on wartime history.
Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima) - Tori gate standing offshore at high tide, island filled with temples and deer.
Kintai Bridge (Iwakuni) - Five-arched wooden bridge with nearby Kikko Park and a hilltop castle accessible by ropeway.
Onomichi and the Shimanami Kaido - Harborfront town, temple climb and bicycle route across islands toward Shikoku.
Sandankyo Gorge - Steep-sided ravine with hiking trails, boat trips and colorful autumn foliage.
Plan Your Visit to Higashihiroshima#
Best Time to Visit Higashihiroshima#
Best times to visit Higashihiroshima are spring (late March-May) for cherry blossoms and mild weather, or autumn (October-November) for crisp days and vivid foliage. Avoid the early-summer rainy/typhoon season and the hot, humid peak months.
March - May
8-24°C (46-75°F)
Spring brings cherry blossoms, mild days and crisp nights - ideal for hiking, sake brewery visits and strolling rice terraces before humid weather arrives.
June - August
20-33°C (68-91°F)
Hot, humid and often wet. Long rains in June-July and sweltering August heat make sightseeing sticky, though summer festivals and outdoor food markets cheer things up.
September - November
10-24°C (50-75°F)
Clear, comfortable days and brilliant maple colors make autumn perfect for sake brewery tours, hiking surrounding hills and enjoying seasonal cuisine with fewer tourists.
Higashihiroshima's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1753 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (156 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (284 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (252 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (176 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (221 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Higashihiroshima#
Higashihiroshima is easiest to reach by rail - it has a Sanyō Shinkansen stop (Higashihiroshima Station) and local JR links through Saijō. The nearest airport serving the area is Hiroshima Airport (HIJ); from there most visitors use the airport bus to JR Hiroshima and continue by train to Higashihiroshima.
Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): The airport limousine bus runs between Hiroshima Airport and JR Hiroshima Station in about 45-55 minutes; one-way fare is ¥1,340. From JR Hiroshima Station you can continue to Higashihiroshima by JR trains (see Train section) or rent a car at the airport; the bus is the most economical regular link for arriving passengers.
Train: Higashihiroshima is served by two useful JR stations: Higashihiroshima Station (東広島駅) on the Sanyō Shinkansen and Saijō (西条) on the Sanyō Main Line. From JR Hiroshima Station you can reach Saijō on local Sanyō Main Line services in roughly 25-30 minutes (typical one-way local fare around ¥600), or take a Sanyō Shinkansen (Kodama/Sakura services that stop locally) to Higashihiroshima in about 7-10 minutes (one-way non-reserved Shinkansen fares commonly fall in the ¥1,200-¥2,000 range depending on service and distance).
Bus: Local buses in Higashihiroshima are operated by regional companies (e.g., Chugoku JR Bus / Hiroshima Bus) and link residential areas, Saijō and Higashihiroshima stations; typical short trips cost about ¥200-¥400 and take 10-30 minutes. There are also highway/express buses connecting Higashihiroshima with central Hiroshima and Fukuyama - fares and journey times vary (roughly ¥1,000-¥1,500 on many routes).
How to Get Around Higashihiroshima#
Higashihiroshima is best navigated by train for intercity travel (Shinkansen for speed, Sanyō Main Line for local access); buses handle local and airport links. For short visits the Saijō area is very walkable and bike-friendly; rent a car only if you plan to explore rural sights or travel on a flexible schedule.
- Sanyō Shinkansen (¥1,200-¥2,000) - The shinkansen stop at Higashihiroshima makes intercity travel fast-Kodama and some Sakura services call here. Good for rapid links from Hiroshima, Okayama or Hakata; trains are frequent but check which services stop at Higashihiroshima. Use reserved seats for comfort during busy periods.
- JR Sanyō Main Line (local trains) (¥200-¥700) - Local JR services call at Saijō Station and connect neighborhoods within the city to Hiroshima and Fukuyama. Trains are slower than the Shinkansen but cheaper and useful for short hops; expect regular service and simple station layouts.
- Local & Highway Bus (¥200-¥1,500) - Regional operators (Chugoku JR Bus, Hiroshima Bus and local community buses) cover the city and link to nearby towns and the airport. Short urban rides are inexpensive (¥200-¥400); longer highway/express routes to Hiroshima or Fukuyama cost around ¥1,000-¥1,500. Timetables can be sparse outside peak times, so check schedules in advance.
- Taxi (¥600-¥3,000) - Taxis are convenient for door-to-door trips, luggage or late-night travel when trains/buses are less frequent. Fares are higher than public transport; short rides within town are affordable but airport or long-distance taxis can be expensive. Look for official and metered taxis at stations.
- Bicycle (¥0-¥1,000/day) - Saijō and surrounding neighborhoods are pleasant to explore by bike - many hotels and rental shops offer day rentals. Cycling is a great way to visit local sake breweries and rice terraces; bring a map and be cautious on narrow roads.
- Walking - The Saijō area around Saijō Station is compact and very walkable, with shops, restaurants and brewery streets reachable on foot. Walking is the best way to soak up the town atmosphere and find small local places off the main routes.
Where to Stay in Higashihiroshima#
Saijō (Higashihiroshima) - $30-80/night
Simple business hotels and guesthouses around Saijō station; compact rooms, basic breakfasts, convenient for local train travel and visiting nearby breweries.
Saijō central - $70-140/night
Comfortable hotels and a few ryokan options with private baths; practical bases for exploring sake breweries and nearby hiking routes.
Saijō / Countryside ryokan area - $120+/night
Limited high-end hotels in town; select ryokans offer upscale Japanese hospitality and private onsen-style amenities for a quiet retreat.
Saijō Station area - $50-120/night
Stay near Saijō Station for clear signage and local transport links; most hotels offer English support and easy transit to Hiroshima city.
Near community parks / Saijō - $60-140/night
Choose family rooms or ryokans with larger tatami spaces; quiet neighborhoods and parks make Higashihiroshima pleasant for kids and multigenerational stays.
Saijō / Near station cafés - $50-120/night
Small hotels provide Wi‑Fi and desks, but dedicated co‑working spaces are limited; many remote workers commute to Hiroshima for better facilities.
Where to Eat in Higashihiroshima#
Higashihiroshima is best known for Saijō - the town of sake breweries - and that shapes the whole food scene. Expect warm, comforting Hiroshima touches (okonomiyaki, seafood) alongside plenty of sake-pairing izakayas clustered along Sakagura-dori. It’s less about trendy restaurants and more about small taverns, brewery tours, and regional homestyle cooking.
If you want broader international choices or more vegetarian-focused dining, Hiroshima city is a short drive away. For locals and visitors alike, pairing a brewery tour with grilled fish, nabe, or okonomiyaki is the most rewarding way to eat here.
Higashihiroshima’s food scene centers on Saijō’s sake culture and hearty regional dishes - think Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and grilled fish alongside sake-tasting alleys.
- Kamoizumi Sake Brewery - Historic Saijō brewery with tastings.
- Kamotsuru Brewery - One of Saijō’s well-known sake makers.
- Sakagura-dori (Saijō) - Street of sake shops and taverns.
International dining options are limited locally; head toward Hiroshima city for the widest range of non-Japanese cuisines.
- Local izakayas around Saijō Station - Casual pubs with varied small plates.
- Hiroshima City restaurants (nearby) - Wider international options a short drive away.
- Hotel dining rooms - Occasional Western and Chinese set menus.
Vegetarian options are available but simple - soba/udon, tempura vegetables, and tofu; ask for shojin-style or vegetable set meals at ryokan or temples.
- Local soba and udon shops - Plain buckwheat or wheat noodles, light broths.
- Temples and ryokan meals - Shojin-style dishes by request at some places.
- Vegetable-focused izakayas - Seasonal vegetable plates and tofu dishes.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Higashihiroshima’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Higashihiroshima#
Higashihiroshima’s nightlife centers on Saijō - the city’s famous sake-brewing district - where evenings mean pouring bars and cozy izakayas more than loud clubs. The Saijō Sakagura-dori (sake brewery street) and the streets around Saijō Station fill up with locals after work, especially on weekends and during the fall sake season. If you want late-night clubs and bigger crowds, take the train into central Hiroshima (Nagarekawa area). Practical tips: many sake spots close earlier than city bars; cash is still commonly used.
Best Bets
- Saijō Sake Brewery District (Sakagura-dori) - Evening brewery visits and small sake bars - unique local experience.
- Saijō Station area izakayas - Student-friendly pubs and casual drinking spots near the station.
- Nagarekawa (Hiroshima) - Hiroshima’s main nightlife district - clubs and late-night bars.
- Okonomimura (Hiroshima) - Late-night local food stalls perfect after a few drinks.
- Local pubs and standing bars - Small, friendly bars where sake tasting is the focus.
- Saijō Sake Festival (seasonal) - Annual highlight for brewery tours and evening tastings (seasonal).
Shopping in Higashihiroshima#
Higashihiroshima is best known for Saijō, the city’s sake district where rows of breweries sell their own bottles and tasting experiences. Saijō’s Sakagura-dori (brewery street) is the place to buy locally made sake, brewery souvenirs and packaged snacks; many shops welcome casual tastings. Expect polite, fixed prices at breweries and specialty stores - bargaining isn’t common. For everyday shopping, Saijō and Higashihiroshima Station areas have covered shotengai and supermarkets for practical purchases.
Best Bets
- Saijō Sakagura-dori - Historic brewery street lined with sake shops and tasting rooms.
- Kamotsuru Sake Brewery - One of Saijō’s better-known breweries offering tours and tastings.
- Kamoizumi Sake Brewery - Boutique sake producer; buy limited bottles not found elsewhere.
- Saijō Station Shopping Arcades - Covered shotengai with fashion shops, cafes and everyday stores.
- Local Products / Tourist Shops - Small shops selling regional snacks, sake souvenirs, and crafts.
- Saijō Sake Events & Markets - Seasonal markets and festivals where producers sell exclusive releases.
