The wider Higashihiroshima region offers cultural sites with a variety of focuses: Saijo’s historic brewery district, the ruins of Kagamiyama Castle, and the Mitsujo Kofun complex. You can shape your exploration around what interests you most: the development of sake brewing, the design of a mountain castle, or archaeological burial mounds. The location details and walking-time estimates below each refer to the specific destination named.
Saijo: Brewery history and streetscape
The historic Saijo brewery group extends across the Saijo Sakagura-dori district. The history of its brewery facilities began in the early modern period; they developed further in the modern era and remain in operation today. The group offers a way to trace the development of modern Japanese sake brewing. The historic landscape is also well preserved and is considered unique in Japan.
Seven sake breweries are within walking distance of JR Saijo Station. The streetscape is characterized by red-brick chimneys and red-tiled roofs, alongside namako walls and white-plastered brewery buildings. These details give the brewery district a clearly recognizable architectural character. Architecture enthusiasts can take in the different facades and roofs as well as the history of sake brewing.
The appeal of this area lies in the combination of its history of development and its preserved surroundings: the focus is not only on individual breweries, but also on the district in which they are located. The seven breweries provide a concrete point of reference in relation to JR Saijo Station; this indicates their walking distance from the station, not the time needed to visit the entire district.
Kagamiyama Castle: Preserved features of a mountain castle
At the ruins of Kagamiyama Castle, the kuruwa (enclosed baileys) laid out at the time, embankments cut into the rock, and moats known as tatebori are well preserved. The site is considered a significant, large-scale mountain castle of the early Sengoku period. Its history is also connected to the Ōuchi clan’s rule over Aki: Kagamiyama was built as a stronghold for that rule and as an eastern outpost of their territory in eastern Saijo, in Aki Province. This historic area today encompasses the southern part of Higashihiroshima and parts of Kure.
The architectural features offer different points of entry for exploring the castle: kuruwa refers to the enclosed castle areas, while the embankments cut into the rock and the tatebori moats are other preserved parts of the site. The walk from the entrance to Kagamiyama Park to Kuruwa No. 1 at the summit takes about 20 minutes. This time estimate applies to that section of the route. Before setting out, check current conditions for areas with restricted access.
Mitsujo: Keyhole-shaped kofun and round burial mounds
The Mitsujo Kofun complex is located in Saijo, Higashihiroshima, and consists of a keyhole-shaped kofun and round burial mounds. Kofun No. 1 is about 92 meters long and is one of the largest burial mounds in Hiroshima Prefecture. Its approximate length and ranking within the prefecture help convey the scale of this individual mound, without confusing it with a walking distance or the time needed for a visit.
The three topics offer different perspectives: Saijo combines the history of modern sake brewing with a preserved streetscape; Kagamiyama represents a castle, its military role, and preserved architectural features; Mitsujo draws attention to the forms and dimensions of burial mounds. To choose between them, you can first decide which topic you would like to explore further. The walking-time estimate helps you find your way around Kagamiyama Park, while the other details mainly highlight the historical and architectural differences between the sites.
Discover more destinations: Onomichi, Kure, Miyoshi, Fukuyama, Fuchū, Sera, Mihara, Hatsukaichi
For the broader travel overview: Hiroshima Prefecture.
