Japan’s Largest Sake Event ‘Sake Fair 2026’ Announced
The Sake Fair 2026, featuring over 1,000 sake labels, will be held in June 2026 at Ikebukuro Sunshine City. A new U-39 ticket category will be introduced to attract younger generations.
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- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 20:00
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The Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, the industry's largest organization representing about 1,600 sake manufacturers, will host the 'Sake Fair 2026' on June 19 (Fri) and 20 (Sat), 2026, at Ikebukuro Sunshine City.
The Sake Fair 2026 comprises two events: the '17th National Sake Fair,' showcasing over 1,000 brands from across the country, and the 'Reiwa 7 Brewing Year National New Sake Appraisal Public Tasting,' featuring top ginjo-shu produced this year.
Highlights: Introducing Tickets for Those Under 40
To share the appeal of sake with the next generation, a special ticket category for those under 40 has been introduced for the first time. Sake is seeing an increase in young makers and consumers alike. The fair offers content such as brewer dialogue, DJ booths, and pairing experiences to help people discover the fun of sake. As it is hosted by the association, it provides a unique opportunity to experience the 'now' of sake nationwide without prejudice.
‘17th National Sake Fair’: A Travel Through Japanese Breweries in Tokyo
Sake brewer associations from 45 prefectures will gather, offering tasting opportunities and direct conversations with brewers. Purchased sake can be taken home. Special areas include:
- SAKE DISCOVERY GATE: A zone to experience tasting by type and temperature, enjoy sake with music at DJ booths, and join mini-seminars on pairing.
- SAKE DISCOVERY KITCHEN: An area offering carefully selected snacks and light meals to complement sake.
‘Reiwa 7 Brewing Year National New Sake Appraisal Public Tasting’: The Pinnacle of Sake
Approximately 400 award-winning sake from the National New Sake Appraisal, co-hosted with the National Research Institute of Brewing, will be available for public tasting. It is a rare annual opportunity to experience the current pinnacle of sake (ginjo-shu) created with passion by breweries nationwide.
The Sake Fair 2026 comprises two events: the '17th National Sake Fair,' showcasing over 1,000 brands from across the country, and the 'Reiwa 7 Brewing Year National New Sake Appraisal Public Tasting,' featuring top ginjo-shu produced this year.
Highlights: Introducing Tickets for Those Under 40
To share the appeal of sake with the next generation, a special ticket category for those under 40 has been introduced for the first time. Sake is seeing an increase in young makers and consumers alike. The fair offers content such as brewer dialogue, DJ booths, and pairing experiences to help people discover the fun of sake. As it is hosted by the association, it provides a unique opportunity to experience the 'now' of sake nationwide without prejudice.
‘17th National Sake Fair’: A Travel Through Japanese Breweries in Tokyo
Sake brewer associations from 45 prefectures will gather, offering tasting opportunities and direct conversations with brewers. Purchased sake can be taken home. Special areas include:
- SAKE DISCOVERY GATE: A zone to experience tasting by type and temperature, enjoy sake with music at DJ booths, and join mini-seminars on pairing.
- SAKE DISCOVERY KITCHEN: An area offering carefully selected snacks and light meals to complement sake.
‘Reiwa 7 Brewing Year National New Sake Appraisal Public Tasting’: The Pinnacle of Sake
Approximately 400 award-winning sake from the National New Sake Appraisal, co-hosted with the National Research Institute of Brewing, will be available for public tasting. It is a rare annual opportunity to experience the current pinnacle of sake (ginjo-shu) created with passion by breweries nationwide.
FAQ
What can I do at the Sake Fair 2026?
You can taste sake from 45 prefectures, talk to brewers, sample award-winning sake, and enjoy music and pairing experiences.
Who is eligible for the U-39 ticket?
People aged 20 to 39 are eligible for this special ticket designed to introduce the charm of sake to the younger generation.
What is the National New Sake Appraisal?
It is a competition evaluating ginjo-shu made by breweries nationwide. This fair features about 400 award-winning sake for public tasting.