Saijō Sake Matsuri

Saij%C5%8D Sake Matsuri 2017

Saijō Sake Matsuri (西条酒まつり) is an annual Japanese festival held in Saijō, Hiroshima, a district in Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The festival is dedicated to the celebration of sake, a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. It typically takes place over a weekend in October and attracts thousands of visitors from across Japan and around the world.

History

The Saijō Sake Matsuri was first held in 1990 to promote the local sake industry and to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Saijō, which is renowned for its high-quality sake production. The festival has since grown in popularity and has become one of the most significant sake festivals in Japan.

Events and Activities

The festival features a wide range of events and activities centered around sake. Some of the main attractions include:

• Sake Tasting - Visitors can sample a variety of sake from local breweries as well as from other regions of Japan. The tasting areas are usually set up in the streets and public spaces of Saijō.
• Brewery Tours - Many of the local sake breweries open their doors to the public, offering guided tours that provide insight into the sake-making process. Notable breweries in Saijō include Kamoizumi Sake Brewery and Hakubotan Sake Brewery.
• Parades and Performances - Traditional parades, music, and dance performances are held throughout the festival, showcasing local culture and entertainment.
• Food Stalls - Numerous food stalls offer a variety of Japanese cuisine, including dishes that pair well with sake, such as yakitori, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki.
• Competitions - Sake-related competitions, such as sake tasting contests and sake barrel rolling races, are popular events during the festival.

Significance

Saijō is often referred to as one of the "Three Great Sake Brewing Areas" in Japan, alongside Nada in Kobe and Fushimi in Kyoto. The Saijō Sake Matsuri plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the sake brewing traditions of the region. It also provides an opportunity for sake enthusiasts to learn more about the beverage and to experience the unique culture of Saijō.

Access

Saijō is accessible by train via the JR West Sanyō Main Line, with the nearest station being Saijō Station. During the festival, additional transportation services and shuttle buses are often provided to accommodate the influx of visitors.

See Also

• Sake
• Japanese festivals
• Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima
• Nada, Kobe
• Fushimi, Kyoto