Japanese Culture Experience in Saijō
Koto Performance, Hands-on Workshop & Brewery Tour

Enjoy a refined cultural experience in Saijō, one of Japan’s most renowned sake towns, known for its long brewing history and beautifully preserved streetscape.

You are invited to attend a live koto performance inside the historic Kamotsuru Brewery, a symbol of Saijō’s sake-making heritage.
After the performance, you may also try playing the koto yourself, even if it is your first time.

‍Following the performance, join a guided sake brewery walking tour led by a certified local guide, who will share insights into the history of Saijō, its traditional architecture, and the cultural significance of sake brewing.

You may also enjoy tasting local sake while exploring this distinctive brewery district at a relaxed pace.

✨ Event Details ✨
11:00 – 11:50 Koto Performance
12:10 – 13:00 Koto Hands-on Experience
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch Break
14:00 – 15:30 Saijō Sake Brewery Walking Tour

ℹ️ Important Notes

• The koto hands-on session is open to beginners.
• Lunch is not included in the event fee.
• Sake tasting and the souvenir bottle are available to participants aged 20 and over.

Venue
KAMOTSURU Sake Brewery
4-31 Saijo Honmachi, Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, Japan
Approx. 10-minute walk from JR Saijō Station

Participant Gift
As a small token of appreciation, each participant will receive a 180ml bottle of selected Kamotsuru sake to take home at the end of the event.

We look forward to welcoming you in Saijō!

GUIDE PROFILE: Ione Madinabeitia
Originally from the Basque Country in northern Spain, Ione has lived in Higashi-Hiroshima for 20 years. As a certified SSI International Sake Sommelier and Ph.D. graduate from Hiroshima University, she blends scientific insight with cultural passion. Through guiding tours at Saijotsuru and Sakagura Street, she shares the art of sake brewing and Japanese tradition in an engaging, accessible way for international guests.

Japanese Koto player/instructor PROFILE: Keiko Nishimoto
Keiko Nishimoto is a master of Ikuta‑ryu koto and Jiuta sangen with over 50 years of experience. Founder of the Koto Genkei-kai group, she has taught students of all ages and performed widely in community and cultural settings. Passionate about international exchange, she has introduced the koto to over 100 foreign learners, creating inclusive, hands-on experiences that celebrate the beauty of Japanese music.