Shinshu Sake Festival in Zenkoji Omotesando
2026-05-04 12:00 - 18:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | TOiGO広場, 1271-5 Tsuruga, Nagano, Nagano, 381-0000, JP
Experience the Shinshu Sake Festival at Zenkoji Omotesando! This lively event brings together celebrated local sake breweries and features tastings, food booths, and unique limited editions such as ‘Bon appétit 19’ and ‘HIRVI 19’. Festival-goers can chat directly with brewers, take part in sake tasting sessions, and enjoy special performances. The festival runs from 12:00 to 18:00, with a break and stage talk on sake brewing from 14:30 to 15:30. Tasting ticket options include a 10-sample pack or single tickets. Plus, enjoy additional festivities from the Viva Nagano Street Festival on site!

Daisekkei "Tabisuru SAKE" Pop-up & Sake Tasting (Day 1 of 6)
2026-05-06 10:00 - 20:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Hankyu Umeda Main Store Festival Plaza, 8-7 Kakudacho, Osaka, Osaka, 530-8350, JP
Experience Japanese sake with Daisekkei at the 11th ‘Tabisuru SAKE’ pop-up and tasting event. Held at the Hankyu Umeda Main Store Festival Plaza in Osaka, this limited-time event runs for six days and features opportunities to meet the sake makers, sample unique sakes, and purchase limited-edition bottles. Quantities are limited, so don’t miss your chance to explore the world of sake in a friendly festival atmosphere.

Junmai Soul 2026
2026-05-06 12:00 - 15:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Yonago Convention Center Big Ship 1F Multipurpose Hall, 294 Suehirocho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-0043, JP
Experience one of the largest hot sake events in Japan at Junmai Soul 2026! Held at the Yonago Convention Center (Big Ship), this festival offers unlimited sake tastings, two specially paired dishes, and a commemorative sake cup. Additional food is available for purchase. Enjoy a lively celebration highlighting top local and national sake producers. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. Organized by the Junmai Soul Executive Committee.

Maniwa Sake & Gourmet Dinner Event
2026-05-08 19:00 - 21:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama by IHG, 1, Okayama, Okayama, 700-0024, JP
Experience an exclusive one-night-only gourmet and sake dinner event. Enjoy a special seasonal meal paired with expertly selected sakes, interactive talks with three distinguished producers from Maniwa, and a live culinary performance featuring local flavors. The evening also features a networking and commemorative photo session. Seating is limited to 30 guests, and advance reservation is required.

Fukuda Brewery Annual Open House (Day 1 of 2)
2026-05-09 09:00 - 15:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Fukuda Brewery, 1475 Shijikicho, Hirado, Nagasaki, 859-5533, JP
Fukuda Brewery in Hirado, Nagasaki, is hosting its annual open house over two days. Visitors can enjoy special limited edition sake, brewery-exclusive bottles, and select products available for purchase in limited quantities. On the first day, the event will also feature a local fish festival hosted by the Shishiki Fishery Cooperative. Doors open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM each day.

Maruishi Day (Day 1 of 2)
2026-05-09 09:00 - 16:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Maruishi Brewery, 6 Chome-3-3 Nakamachi, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-0015, JP
Celebrate Maruishi Day at Maruishi Brewery in Okazaki, Aichi. This two-day event held every second weekend of the month features special limited-edition draft and barrel sake, including the highly anticipated Keg Draft Sake. Attendees can enjoy exclusive tastings, compare various sake offerings, and experience the fresh flavors of Nama sake directly from the brewery. Specialty sparkling sake and a range of other unique brews will also be available. Great chance to discover the craftsmanship behind Maruishi Brewery’s storied legacy! The event runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on both days. All ages are welcome.

Komoro Sake Freak
2026-05-09 11:00 - 17:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Parking lot garden, Seseragi-no-Oka, Komoro Marutane Square, Otemon Park, 311 Tei, Komoro, Nagano, 384-0804, JP
Celebrate spring in Komoro at the Komoro Sake Freak festival! Discover around 80 stalls featuring delicious sake and food from the Shinshu region. Held in the historical castle town, this lively event offers the chance to sample a range of sake, including Junmai Nama Genshu and Junmai Daiginjo, and enjoy local delicacies. It’s a must-visit for sake lovers and anyone looking for a fun food and drink experience in Nagano.

Agara Sake Tasting Event
2026-05-09 11:00 - 19:30 (Asia/Tokyo) | Heiwa Sake Shop Bar Counter, Japan, Wakayama, Wakayama, 640-8203, JP
Experience a unique tasting event featuring Agara sake varieties at Heiwa Sake Shop’s bar counter in Wakayama. Enjoy samples of their house-made sake, including special vintages and new seasonal releases! Test your palate with their signature blind tasting quiz and discover the different flavors of Junmai and Nama Genshu sakes. Follow their Instagram for updates and more details.

Namba Shochu Bubbles (Day 1 of 2)
2026-05-09 13:00 - 21:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Namba Parks 1F, Namba Carnival Mall, 2 Chome-10-70 Nanbanaka, Osaka, Osaka, 556-0011, JP
Namba Shochu Bubbles is a lively festival celebrating shochu, held at Namba Parks 1F and the Namba Carnival Mall. Enjoy tastings of various shochu brands and experience the festive atmosphere with plenty of bubbles! The event features free admission and is perfect for spirits enthusiasts looking to explore the world of shochu in a vibrant environment. Note: This is a two-day event with May 10 running slightly shorter hours.

Kuramoto Session: Teruaki Hashimoto Sake Tasting
2026-05-09 17:00 - 21:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | 居酒屋ちえけ (Izakaya Chieka), Japan, Kyoto, Kyoto, 604-8135, JP
Sake enthusiasts are invited to a special Kuramoto Session featuring Teruaki Hashimoto from Miyoshino Jozo, Nara. Enjoy a unique sake tasting and brewery talk at 居酒屋ちえけ (Izakaya Chieka) in Kyoto. Experience delicious sake from Nara, mingle with fellow fans, and hear expert insights from the brewmaster. Perfect for those interested in Japanese sake, local flavors, and lively discussions. Organized and produced by ちえけ (Chieka Izakaya).

Shichiri Sake Festival (28th Edition)
2026-05-10 11:00 - 16:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Aichi Industry & Labor Center (WINC AICHI), 38, Nagoya, Aichi, 450-0002, JP
Experience the vibrant world of sake at the 28th Shichiri Sake Festival! Organized in collaboration with local brewers, the event showcases a diverse range of sake varieties, offering tastings and opportunities to meet the makers. Expect a lively, renewed festival atmosphere with insights into sake brewing, delicious tastings, and a wonderful community spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned sake lover or a newcomer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

45th Annual Sake Enjoyment and Tasting Event
2026-05-10 12:00 - 15:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Shichifuku Musashi Kosugi Main Store, 3 Chome-472 Kosugimachi, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 211-8619, JP
Indulge in a celebration of sake at the 45th Annual Sake Enjoyment and Tasting Event! Participants can look forward to unlimited sake, delicious food, sushi, and seasonal fish, all while hearing fascinating talks from the brewer Asahi Shuzo Co., Ltd. This event will take place at Shichifuku Musashi Kosugi Main Store and promises a lively afternoon immersed in the culture and flavors of Japanese sake. Spots are limited, so early booking is recommended.

Natsuzake Sake Tasting 2026 (Day 1 of 3)
2026-05-14 10:00 - 11:30 (Asia/Tokyo) | Yokozeki, 19, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka, 418-0057, JP
Enjoy a special sake tasting event focused on summer sake (natsuzake), designed for those in the food and beverage industry. Discover unique characteristics of natsuzake, learn how to pair it with various dishes, and find business tips for the 2026 season. Participants are encouraged to try different varieties, explore food pairings, and get ideas to increase menu appeal and sales. The event will take place over three days with both morning and afternoon sessions each day. Advance reservation is required by phone or email.

Crasty Pop-Up Store Opening
2026-05-15 18:00 - 21:00 (Asia/Bangkok) | BicycleBoys Bangkok, 1115 ถนน เจริญกรุง, Bangkok, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, 10500, TH
Crasty, a well-known graffiti artist from Japan, is bringing their art to Bangkok for a special exhibition and pop-up store. Visit BicycleBoys Bangkok to view unique graffiti artworks, experience street culture, and shop exclusive merch. This event runs from May 15th to 31st, but the first day features an opening reception from 6 pm to 9 pm. A great gathering for street art fans and anyone interested in contemporary urban art scenes.

Unified: Ichinokura x Ishinomaki Intimate Pairing
2026-05-15 19:00 - 21:00 (Asia/Singapore) | Ki Teppan & Rogama, 390 Orchard Road, Singapore, 238871, SG
Discover a unique, intimate sake experience at Ki Teppan & Rogama in Singapore. This special edition brings together brewer, sommelier, and chef for a shared exploration of sake. Guided by Master Sake Sommelier Janice Chi and Seiji Nagai of Ichinokura Brewery, enjoy a curated 5-course pairing menu highlighting the nuanced character of sake across several rice varietals, perfectly matched with Chi-san’s seasonal creations. With limited seats available, reservation is highly recommended.

Goshuin Sake Festival
2026-05-16 10:00 - 15:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Tsushima Shrine South Gate Special Venue, 1 Shinmeicho, Tsushima, Aichi, 496-0851, JP
Experience the tradition of Japanese sake brewing, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, at the Goshuin Sake Festival. Held at the special venue at the South Gate of Tsushima Shrine, the festival features tastings from renowned breweries across the Owari region, ticketed sake tasting, and a variety of local food vendors such as BEARS FAMILY CAFE & DINER, OVERCOFFEE, and more. Stalls will offer specialty goods to explore and purchase. The event runs rain or shine and is about a 15-minute walk from Meitetsu Tsushima Station. For updates regarding weather or other details, check the official Instagram or website.

Yokoyama Kura Fest 2026 (Day 1 of 2)
2026-05-16 10:00 - 16:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Omoya Shuzo Yokoyama Kura, 200 Ishidacho Indojiura, Iki, Nagasaki, 811-5214, JP
Celebrate eight years since the revival of the Yokoyama sake brewery at their first open house festival! Enjoy exclusive sake tastings featuring Yokoyama and Yokoyama Goju as well as Chingu shochu, with special limited-edition brews and complimentary pours. Twelve handpicked local and regional shops will offer delicious snacks perfectly paired with sake. Live performances include the Iso Arase Taiko Drum Troupe (on May 16 only), calligraphy demonstrations, and a concert by the Iki City Fire Music Band Humming Birds (on May 17 only). Entry requires a Starter Set ticket, which includes tasting tokens, a commemorative sake cup, an original goods box, and a bottle of Yokoyama Junmai. Both advance and on-the-day tickets are available. For full details on transportation, access info, and shuttle buses, check the brewery’s website.

Maruyama Sake Brewery Open House
2026-05-16 10:00 - 16:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Maruyama Sake Brewery Special Event Hall, 617 Sanwaku Tonowa, Joetsu, Niigata, 942-0264, JP
Celebrate the start of summer with a special open house at Maruyama Sake Brewery in Joetsu, Niigata. Enjoy exclusive sake tastings, brewery tours, limited-release sake, delicious local foods, and a hands-on label workshop. Experience parts of the sake-making process not usually open to the public, and sample sweet sake and Kashiwa soup (first-come, first-served). Sake tasting tickets are available for purchase, and entry is free. Please use public transport if possible.

Sake Tasting: Sakejump Takanawa
2026-05-16 11:00 - 12:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | sakejump takanawa, Japan, Minato City, Tokyo, 108-0074, JP
Sakejump Takanawa presents a sake tasting collaboration featuring Yuta Abe from Abe Shuzo and Taisuke Satou from haccoba. Guests will have the chance to discover and experience a variety of unique sakes in Takanawa. This event is a great opportunity for sake enthusiasts to engage directly with sake brewers and explore new flavors.

2026 Yokoyama Kura Fest (Day 1 of 2)
2026-05-16 12:00 - 13:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Omoeka Shuzo Co., Ltd. Yokoyama Brewery, 545-1 Ishidacho Ikedanishifure, Iki, Nagasaki, 811-5224, JP
Celebrate the 8th anniversary of Yokoyama Brewery at the 2026 Yokoyama Kura Fest! Experience a festive day at Omoeka Shuzo’s Yokoyama Brewery, which will feature special events, tastings, and a vibrant community gathering. This two-day event is a great opportunity for sake enthusiasts and newcomers alike to connect and enjoy local flavors. This event takes place over May 16th and 17th. Exact timing TBA.

Hekiun-gura Brewery Festival (Day 1 of 2)
2026-05-16 12:00 - 13:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Japan, 帯広市, 北海道, 080-8555, JP
The Kamikawa Taisetsu Sake Brewery presents the Hekiun-gura Brewery Festival at their Tokachi location, inside the Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. Sake fans can look forward to a festive gathering with tastings and more! Full details and schedule are coming soon. The festival runs May 16-17, 2026.

Meet The Maker Koueigiku (Day 1 of 2)
2026-05-16 13:00 - 15:30 (Asia/Tokyo) | Kagoya Shimotakaido Store, Japan, Setagaya City, Tokyo, 156-0044, JP
Meet The Maker Koueigiku is a special sake tasting and market event hosted by Kagoya in Tokyo. Enjoy tastings and a chance to meet Koueigiku’s director, Yuya Tashita, while exploring a variety of premium sakes. The event kicks off on May 16 at Kagoya’s Shimotakaido and Sengawa stores. The event continues on May 17 at two additional stores, featuring a customer study session (already at capacity) and a lively sake market. Join the flavorful journey and experience top-quality sake directly from the makers!

Kurafes 2026
2026-05-16 13:30 - 14:30 (Asia/Tokyo)
Celebrate the 8th anniversary of the Yokoyama Kura Festival with a special premium talk session featuring distinguished sake brewery leaders Norifumi Sumikawa (Sumikawa Shuzo) and Taizo Yokoyama (Oue Shuzo). Dive into the world of sake brewing, community, and tradition at this lively annual event. The discussion will be a highlight of the day, offering unique insights into the craft of sake making from respected industry leaders.

Izumo Shinshu Festival
2026-05-16 16:00 - 19:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Palmate Izumo Square, 195 Taishacho Kizukihigashi, Izumo, Shimane, 699-0701, JP
Celebrate the new sake from all Izumo breweries at the Izumo Shinshu Festival! Enjoy tastings of the season’s freshest sake, brought to you by Izumo’s sake breweries. Entry is limited to those over the age of 20 and not driving. The event is organized by the Izumo Sake Brewers Association and co-hosted by Palmate Izumo. Note: Entry may be restricted if the venue is crowded.

2026 Mrs. SAKE / Mr. SAKE Final Selection
2026-05-16 17:00 - 20:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Kanda Myojin Hall, Japan, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, 101-0021, JP
Discover the beauty, culture, and heart of Japanese sake as new Miss and Mr. Sake ambassadors are chosen in a special day of celebration. The 2026 Mrs. SAKE / Mr. SAKE Final Selection features an elegant program at Kanda Myojin Hall, with table seating, food, and drinks. Open to guests aged 20 and over. Presented by Miss SAKE and supported by cultural associations. Check their official website or social media for spectator tickets and additional details.

Hachinohe Shuzo Sake Festival 2026
2026-05-16 18:00 - 19:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Hachinohe Plaza Hotel Urban Hall, 1 Chome-6-6 Kashiwazaki, Hachinohe, Aomori, 031-0081, JP
Enjoy a delightful evening at the 12th annual Sake Festival, hosted at Hachinohe Plaza Hotel Urban Hall. Sample a diverse selection of sake, from classic brews to rare finds courtesy of Hachinohe Shuzo, all paired with delicious food. Only 500 seats are available, so don’t miss your chance to toast and taste alongside sake enthusiasts. Advance tickets can be purchased online (Livepocket) or in person at Hachinohe Shuzo or Kaneiri Museum Shop. Note: Ticket price includes tax.

Kuramoto Session Vol.03
2026-05-16 18:00 - 21:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Arbol 雅宝, Japan, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, 101-0063, JP
Kuramoto Session Vol.03 features Takaharu Tanaka from Tokyo’s Toshimaya Shuzo sake brewery. Attendees can look forward to an engaging sake tasting and chance to meet a renowned sake maker. Hosted at Arbol 雅宝 in Awajicho, this session is perfect for sake enthusiasts and anyone curious about Japanese brewing traditions. The event takes place in central Tokyo and is part of an ongoing Kuramoto Session series.

Toyohashi Sake Festival
2026-05-17 11:00 - 17:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | em CAMPUS FOOD, Japan, Toyohashi, Aichi, 440-0888, JP
Celebrate Japanese sake culture at the Toyohashi Sake Festival, an exciting event dedicated to sake lovers! Sample a wide variety of sake, enjoy local food, and experience festival vibes with decorative lanterns and performances. The event takes place at em CAMPUS FOOD in Toyohashi, rain or shine. Please note: attendees must be 20 or older to purchase or sample alcoholic beverages. Public transportation is recommended, and responsible drinking is encouraged.

Tamakuri New Area Market Vol. 8
2026-05-17 12:00 - 18:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Tamatsukuri Onsen Central Foot Bath Square & in front of Yori-so, 255 Tamayucho Tamatsukuri, Matsue, Shimane, 699-0201, JP
Explore the vibrant Tamakuri New Area Market Vol. 8, a lively event in Tamatsukuri Onsen featuring sake breweries, craft beer, wine, food stalls, flower displays, workshops, and artisan goods. Sample brews from top sake producers, enjoy locally crafted beer and unique wines, discover food from local favorites, and join workshops like glass painting and pottery. There will also be music from New Area Club DJs and plenty of unique apparel and goods. The market brings together local makers, food artisans, and the community for an energetic, family-friendly day.

Kyoto Nihonshu Dropkick 2026
2026-05-17 12:00 - 21:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Participating Venues Along the Sake Crawl, 271-1 Kurumamachi, Kyoto, Kyoto, 612-8365, JP
Explore Kyoto’s vibrant sake scene at the Kyoto Nihonshu Dropkick 2026! This event features a lively sake crawl across 24 different local venues, offering guests a delightful chance to sample a wide variety of Japanese sake. Held since 2009, the festival brings together popular izakayas and sake brewers for a unique city-wide tasting experience. Join other enthusiasts and discover why Kyoto is renowned for its sake culture. The event runs from noon to 9 PM, making it a great way to spend a Sunday in Kyoto.
