17 Tokyo Sake Festival 2025: Japan's Top Sake Matsuri in Ueno, Jingu Gaien & More

Japanese Sake Fair (July)

Source:PR TIMES

The Japanese Sake Fair is an authentic Japanese sake event with participation from numerous sake brewers across Japan. The fair includes tastings of award-winning sake from competitions and the opportunity to purchase sake from all over Japan. Additionally, seminars about Japanese sake are held.

At the "Public Sake Tasting Session," you can sample and compare special award-winning Japanese sake. The event showcases 400 varieties of Japanese sake that have won awards in the annual competition hosted by the Japan Sake Brewers Association.

This is a popular event that even dedicated sake enthusiasts eagerly attend, as it's a rare opportunity for non-industry people to taste all the award-winning sake of the year at once. The Tokyo Sake Festival 2025 calendar would certainly highlight this prestigious event as a must-visit for sake lovers.

Tastings, fair, and seminars are each limited in capacity, and participation is possible by purchasing tickets. If you're seriously interested in Japanese sake and want to deepen your knowledge and experience, why not participate?

<Information>
- Schedule: July 5-6, 2025 (varies by event)
Access: 8-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station (JR, Tokyo Metro, Seibu Line, Tobu Line), Exit 35 East → Ikebukuro Sunshine City
- Admission: 
① 16th National Japanese Sake Fair
General: 3,000 yen / Student discount: 2,500 yen (limited to students 20-25 years old)
② Reiwa 5 Brewing Year National New Sake Competition Public Tasting Session
General: 4,000 yen / Student discount: 3,500 yen (limited to students 20-25 years old)
③ Japanese Sake Seminar
- Website: https://sakefair.com/

Forest Beer Garden (September)

Source:PR TIMES

This is an outdoor beer garden that opens annually from April to September at the nature-rich Jingu Gaien. It offers 1,000 outdoor seats and features not only beer but also highballs, sours, and gourmet options such as barbecue sets.

The highlights of the Forest Beer Garden are its spacious atmosphere and lively ambiance. I actually visited the venue last September and was surprised by the rich nature of Jingu Gaien and the vastness of the space. There were seven types of beer with rows of beer taps, which made it fun to try different varieties.

When I visited, almost all 1,000 seats were filled, and I spent a very lively and enjoyable evening amid the laughter of many people. It's a recommended event where you can enjoy beer and Tokyo nights feeling the evening breeze. Visitors planning their Tokyo Sake Festival 2025 trip could easily include this in their itinerary for a complete Tokyo drinking experience.

<Information>
- Schedule: April 15 – September 23, 2025
- Access: About 5 minutes walk from JR Chuo-Sobu Line "Shinanomachi Station" or Toei Oedo Line "National Stadium Station"
     About 10 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro "Aoyama-itchome Station" → Inside "Niko Niko Park" at Meiji Shrine Outer Gardens
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.morinobeergarden.com/

Oktoberfest at Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu (October)

Source:PR TIMES

This event is an Oktoberfest held at the "LaLaport" shopping facility in Toyosu. At Toyosu LaLaport, you can enjoy six different types of German beer makers' beers and gourmet food, including Karmeliten and Paulaner.

The highlight of Toyosu Oktoberfest is that you can enjoy beer while viewing the beautiful Tokyo Bay and night scenery. Toyosu is a reclaimed area that continues to be developed. From Toyosu LaLaport, you can clearly see the beautiful night view of high-rise buildings and apartments, as well as the Rainbow Bridge spanning Tokyo Bay.

When I visited, the Tokyo night view and the beautiful autumn moon I saw while drinking beer were truly stunning. If you want to enjoy beer while viewing the night scenery in autumn, I recommend visiting the Oktoberfest at Toyosu LaLaport.

<Information>
- Dates: September 19 – October 13 , 2025 (Mon, National Holiday)
　Weekdays: 16:00 – 22:00 (Last Order 21:30)
　Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays: 11:00 – 22:00 (Last Order 21:30)
- Access: Directly connected to Toyosu Station Exit 2b on Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line
  Directly connected to Toyosu Station on Yurikamome Line → Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu Courtyard Seaside Deck
- Admission: Free (food and drinks charged separately)
- Website: https://www.oktober-fest.jp/lalaport_toyosu/index.html

Oktoberfest in Jingu Gaien (October)

Source:Official website

This is a popular German beer festival held every October in Jingu Gaien. It's an outdoor event where you can enjoy nine types of German beers from German makers such as Zorlahof and Hofbräu, along with German cuisine like wurst and eisbein.

The charm of the Jingu Gaien Oktoberfest is that you can enjoy authentic beer in nature. Jingu Gaien is a vast park with rich nature despite being in the middle of Tokyo. It's one of my favorite places, and at this event, I could leisurely enjoy beer and other alcoholic beverages at tables set up on comfortable grass, surrounded by greenery.

There were plenty of choices besides beer, including fruit sours. If you want to enjoy both Tokyo's nature and alcoholic beverages, I recommend visiting the Oktoberfest in Jingu Gaien in October.

<Information>
- Dates: Usually around October 11 October 31 (2025 dates TBD)
- Access: 5-minute walk from National Stadium Station [A1] → Jingu Gaien General Sports Field
- Admission: 1,000 yen
- Website: https://www.oktober-fest.jp/jingu_gaien/index.html

Furusato Gourmet Terrace ~East-West Hiyaoroshi Festival~

Source:Official website

"Furusato Gourmet Terrace ~East-West Hiyaoroshi Festival~" is an event where 16 sake breweries from across Japan gather under the theme "The Challenge of Japanese Sake Brewing," offering over 60 varieties of sake paired with local gourmet dishes from various regions of Japan.

From sake that is especially delicious in autumn and winter to rare varieties that are difficult to obtain, a diverse lineup has been assembled. Come and savor the encounter and discovery of new sake.

On the day of the event, the following plans are available. Choose the plan that suits you best:

- Light Plan: For sake beginners
- Standard Plan: For those who want to drink properly
- Premium Plan: For those who want to enjoy plenty at a great value

I plan to purchase the Light Plan for beginners. All plans include a "Furutera limited edition ochoko (sake cup)," which makes a great souvenir.

Gourmet options that pair well with sake, such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), beef skewers, and grilled squid, will also be available.

My recommendation is "Nagoya's famous dote-ni." Dote-ni is made by slowly simmering two types of offal and konnyaku in red miso, and it pairs wonderfully with sake. Please try it!

Enjoy various types of sake and be sure to purchase your favorite to take home!

-Schedule　October 11 (Sat) – October 13 (Mon), 2025
-Time　11:00 – 20:00
October 13 (Mon): until 19:00
-Venue　Okachimachi South Exit Station Square (Okachimachi Panda Square, 3-26 Ueno, Taito-ku)
-Access　JR “Okachimachi Station”: just a short walk/Toei Oedo Line “Ueno-Okachimachi Station”: 1 minute on foot
-Admission　Free entry (Food and drinks require tickets)
-Official Website　https://furusato-gourmet-terrace.com/

Washu Fest in Nakameguro

Source:FASHION PRESS

"The 29th Washu Fest in Nakameguro" is an event where you can compare and taste over 230 types of Japanese sake from across the country. You can enjoy sake alongside autumn gourmet dishes.

There will be 46 exhibition booths at this event. Each booth features several types of sake, including award-winning varieties, trending new releases, noteworthy selections, and liqueurs and plum wines.

You will surely find your favorite cup. The ticket (tasting pass) costs 3,400 yen for two hours of all-you-can-drink! You can also interact with the artisans who make the sake.

Some sake can be purchased on-site. Look for your favorite sake for the party season, including Christmas and the New Year holidays. Bringing sake home as a souvenir and having a sake party offers a different kind of enjoyment.

-Schedule　November 8 (Sat) – November 9 (Sun) , 2025
-Time　Part 1: 12:00 – 14:10/Part 2: 15:00 – 17:10
-Venue　In front of Nakameguro GT Tower Square
-Access　Next to Tokyu Toyoko Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line “Nakameguro Station”
-Official Website　https://sakefes.com/tokyo29/

Oita Sake at Torayoko-no-Jin

Source:Yahoo! News

"Oita Sake at Torayoko-no-Jin" is an event where you can savor Oita Prefecture's sake and barley shochu alongside Oita's local specialties. You can casually enjoy cups filled with the artisans' passion in the heart of the city.

Oita Prefecture has 35 breweries, and sake brewing has a history spanning approximately 500 years. The sake produced from clear water, high-quality rice, and abundant nature are all uniquely characteristic.

Whether it's breweries that create sake rooted in the local climate using Oita-produced rice, barley, and fruits, or breweries that cultivate and harvest their own ingredients, the appeal of every brewery's sake is that you can taste the blessings of the land directly.

Also, when it comes to Oita, barley shochu is famous. It is reputed to be mellow with a refreshing aftertaste and enjoys high popularity.

During the period, the breweries' prized sake and barley shochu will be lined up in rows. On "Brewery Days," the brewers themselves visit the venue and speak with customers.

Be sure to ask the artisans about the taste of the sake and their dedication to sake brewing. Hearing directly from artisans is a valuable experience. Sake and barley shochu that catch your interest can be poured and tasted on the spot, which is another attraction.

Toranomon Yokocho is a popular spot that transmits Tokyo's food trends, with unique restaurants gathered together. This time, Oita Prefecture's specialty dishes will also be served, allowing you to enjoy the combination of sake and cuisine.

Even if you don't have plans to travel to Kyushu, why not experience Kyushu's sake here? For those traveling to Kyushu, it's also recommended to visit as preliminary research. Enjoy Kyushu's "sake culture" to your heart's content alongside delicious cuisine.

- Date: November 10-15 ※Brewery Days are the 10th, 14th, and 15th
- Time: 17:00-22:00 (LO 21:00)
- Venue: Toranomon Yokocho (Toranomon Hills Business Tower 3F, Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
- Access: Directly connected to Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line "Toranomon Hills Station"
- Fee: Free (Food and beverage costs are paid separately.)
※Sake 800 yen per glass, barley shochu 500 yen per glass
- Official website: https://oita-sake.or.jp/event/%E3%80%8C%E5%A4%A7%E5%88%86%E3%82%93%E9%85%92-%E8%99%8E%E6%A8%AA%E3%81%AE%E9%99%A3%E3%80%8Din%E8%99%8E%E3%83%8E%E9%96%80%E6%A8%AA%E4%B8%81/

Liquor Store Standing Bar Festival (November)

Source:Official website

At this event, liquor stores gather and set up booths in Ueno Park, a popular spot in Taito Ward. You can enjoy sake, wine, beer, and delicious food.

The appeal of the Liquor Store Standing Bar Festival is that you can enjoy distinctive sake and alcoholic beverages. Liquor stores from all over Japan gather and sell carefully selected drinks. I particularly liked Okinawa’s awamori and the crisp regional sake from the Tohoku region, which is not easily available elsewhere.

By paying the entrance fee and purchasing tickets, you can enjoy standing drinks at various liquor stores for about 300 yen per glass. If you want to try sake and other alcoholic beverages from all over Japan, I recommend visiting Ueno Park.

<Information>
- Dates: November 14-16, 2025
- Access: 2-minute walk from "Ueno" Station on JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, JR Takasaki Line, JR Utsunomiya Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
  1-minute walk from "Keisei Ueno" Station on Keisei Main Line → Ueno Park
- Admission: 3,500 yen (includes entrance fee + tasting tickets)
- Website: https://kakufes.com/

IWC Award-Winning Premium Sake Tasting Event (November)

Source:Official website

IWC is the world-renowned "International Wine Challenge." At the IWC Award-Winning Premium Sake Tasting Event, you can sample last year's IWC SAKE division champion and trophy-winning sakes. Visitors will be able to taste these premium Japanese sakes at this special gathering.

This event is highly recommended for those who want to experience world-class Japanese sake that has been recognized by international standards. The IWC SAKE division has 10 categories, including "Standard Sake" and "Junmai Sake." At this event, you can taste all the trophy winners from each category as well as the overall champion sake.

This is a rare opportunity where sake breweries that produced the champion and trophy-winning sakes gather together. Don't miss your chance to purchase tickets and sample these premium sakes at the Tokyo Sake Festival 2025, where discerning audience members can appreciate the finest selections.

<Information>
- Date: November 2, 2024 (Saturday) (2025 dates TBD, information below is for 2024)
Sake Talk Session: 12:45-14:00
First Session: 14:00-15:30
Second Session: 16:30-18:00
Location: YUITO Nihonbashi Muromachi Nomura Building, Nomura Conference Plaza Nihonbashi, 6th Floor
- Admission Fee: Sake Talk Session & First Session (3,500 yen), Second Session only (3,500 yen)
- Website: https://www.kurasumai.jp/campaign/

SAKE PARK (Dates TBD)

Source:Official Instagram

SAKE PARK is an event held at MIYASHITA PARK in Shibuya, a hub of youth culture. 33 sake breweries participate with booths showcasing their products. You can find craft sake with new elements added to traditional Japanese sake, as well as rare SAKE brewed in the United States.

The highlight of this event is that it's designed for everyone to enjoy sake, including young people and foreign tourists who might be trying Japanese sake for the first time. The Tokyo Sake Festival 2025 is expected to attract a diverse audience from around the world.

When I attended last year, the venue had a very open atmosphere, and the brewery representatives were friendly and approachable, making newcomers to sake feel comfortable. When I asked questions about the taste and production methods, they provided simple and easy-to-understand explanations.

If you want to experience sake in a casual and open environment, check the event schedule and visit SAKE PARK.

<Information>
Date: July 18 - 20 , 2025 , 15:00 - 20:00
Location: COREDO Muromachi Area “Nihonbashi Nakadori”“Fukutoku no Mori”
Admission: Free entry, paid tastings
Website: https://sakepark.tokyo/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaBP0U3GjXkvyoOKoIzWR2U1pU9TfClAM0szSIJPpnHc7FfGjx4jE15mVU_aem_M3Z4O5tuilbY8PY4q6hGbA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sake_park/

[U30 Only] SAKE Junction ~Crossroads of Encounters~ Vol.1

Source:SAKETIMES

"[U30 Only] SAKE Junction ~Crossroads of Encounters~ Vol.1" is an event for people in their 20s who want to talk about sake and learn more deeply about it. This U30 (30 years old and under) limited event allows you to not only taste sake but also meet friends with similar interests and enjoy learning together.

The guest appearance will be made by Rinku, a sake sommelier in her 20s. A sake sommelier is a qualification for those with specialized knowledge of sake aroma, taste, and serving methods.

You can learn about taste differences and ways to enjoy sake while hearing from Rinku's experiences tasting over 1,000 types of sake annually.

At the event, participants can talk with each other about their favorite breweries and sake. Sake carefully selected by the Sake Service Institute (SSI) will also be served, allowing you to find your preferences while actually tasting them.

This is a valuable chance to make friends who love sake as part of your trip to Japan. Even if it's everyone's first time, staff will provide careful support, so you can participate with peace of mind. Enjoy meeting new friends while enjoying sake.

- Date: November 23, 2025 (Sunday)
- Time: 16:30-18:00
- Venue: Sake Academy (TN Koishikawa Building 7F, 1-15-17 Koishikawa, Bunkyo-ku)
- Access: 4-minute walk north on Hakusan-dori from Toei Mita Line "Kasuga Station" A4 exit
- Fee: General 3,500 yen, Students 2,500 yen
- Official website: https://sake-junction.peatix.com/

Narita Sake Festival

Source:Narita City Official Instrgram

Which airport in Japan did you arrive at? Many of you might say "I arrived at Narita International Airport" or "I'm planning to take a flight from Narita International Airport on my return.

" The "Narita Sake Festival" is an event where you can taste sake from all over Japan, held on the approach to Narita-san Shinshoji Temple, a traditional Japanese temple located near Narita International Airport.

Narita-san Shinshoji Temple had over 3 million New Year's visitors in 2025. It is one of the most popular spots in the Tokyo area.

The approach leading to the temple preserves a historical townscape, and the "Narita Sake Festival" is held in one corner of this area. In contrast to the modern atmosphere of the airport, here you can experience Japanese tradition and culture up close.

At the venue, you can enjoy sake from eight breweries, including Narita City, neighboring Katori City and Otaki Town, and even Kyoto Prefecture.

You can also hear directly from brewery artisans and staff about their dedication to sake brewing and the characteristics of the flavors. The appeal is that you can taste and purchase sake that interests you on the spot.

One of the participating vendors is Greenport Agency (GPA). This company supports Narita Airport and sells craft beer "Narita Airport Ale" made with olive oil from Chiba Prefecture, and craft gin "Cloud Nine" made from recycled cedar trees that were cut down during new runway construction.

These are products newly developed when airport use decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please experience the new flavors born from Narita, the airport town.

The venue has good access from Narita International Airport, and you can stop by even with just a little time before departure.

Why not incorporate Narita into your travel plans to coincide with the "Narita Sake Festival" and enjoy both the modernity of the airport and the historic townscape? Before your departure, you should be able to feel the new charm of the town called Narita.

As part of the broader sake festival scene including events like the Tokyo Sake Festival 2025, the Narita Sake Festival offers tourists a unique opportunity to experience Japan's rich sake culture in a historic setting.

- Date: November 23, 2025 ※Postponed to the 24th in case of rain
- Time: 11:00-16:00
- Venue: Narita-san Omotesando, Former Chiba Bank Site Plaza (536 Hanazaki-cho, Narita City, Chiba Prefecture)
- Access: 5-minute walk from either JR "Narita Station" East Exit or Keisei Line "Keisei Narita Station" Sando Exit
※From both stations, go from Ipponmatsu-dori to Old Narita Kaido and head north
- Fee: Free (Tasting is charged)
- Official website: https://www.instagram.com/narita_sake_festival/

Two Japanese Sake Tours to Deeply Enjoy with Expert Guides Explaining Its Appeal

Now, I'll introduce tours where you can enjoy Japanese Sake more deeply. Let's experience the charm of Sake with knowledgeable tour guides who have extensive knowledge about Sake culture and history, while enjoying meals and cooking experiences.

Wagyu Beef & Sake Pairing Foodie Tour in Ginza

Meet your guide at JR Shinbashi Station near Ginza, and head to a Japanese sake bar where you can sample various types of sake. Afterward, enjoy wagyu teppanyaki and explore the streets of Ginza, known as a high-end restaurant district.

On this tour, you can experience 30 minutes of all-you-can-drink sake at the first bar you visit. Try some of the more than 20 types of Japanese sake available. I tried it myself, and when you compare many varieties from sweet to dry to fruity, you'll clearly understand the differences in taste that you might not have noticed before.

The guide has specialized knowledge about Japanese sake and will teach you about brewing methods, characteristics of each sake, and their history.

If you want to visit sake bars in the Ginza area, where Tokyo's highest-level restaurants and bars are concentrated, please join this tour. The Tokyo Sake Festival 2025 will be featuring several of the premium sakes offered in this tour, making it perfect timing for visitors wanting to expand their sake knowledge!

Click here for more details

- Meeting point: In front of the black pillar near SAZA Coffee inside Ecute Edition Shinbashi, at JR Shinbashi Station North Exit
- Tour area: Shinbashi, Ginza
- Start time: 17:00

Sushi & Sake Tasting Cooking Class with a Visit to Local Supermarket in Tokyo

On this tour, you'll first go shopping at a local supermarket with your guide. Afterward, at a kitchen studio, the guide will teach you how to make homestyle sushi. After completion, enjoy lunch with Japanese sake that pairs perfectly with sushi.

The tour provides four special types of Japanese sake that go well with sushi. The sushi you'll learn to make in the cooking lesson is called "maki-zushi." This is sushi commonly made at home, where you select various ingredients and wrap them with rice and seaweed.

Choose sake that pairs well with the sushi you selected and made. When sake and sushi are perfectly matched, they truly enhance each other's flavors.

Challenge yourself to make sushi and experience sake pairing with the guide. This hands-on experience is especially popular with audience members who visited the Tokyo Sake Festival 2025, as it allows you to apply your newfound sake knowledge in a practical setting.

Click here for more details

- Meeting point: In front of Family Mart next to Gindaco at Exit 2 of Iriya Station
- Tour area: Iriya, Taito
- Start time: 10:00