The annual “Sake Matsuri” (Sake Festival) will once again be held over two days, Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12, in the Saijo Sake Brewery Street area and the surrounding Central Park near JR Saijo Station in Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture.
Held every year on the Saturday and Sunday of the October three-day weekend, the Sake Matsuri is one of Japan’s premier sake events, drawing sake enthusiasts from all over the country. At the main venue in Saijo Central Park, popular photo spots such as the iconic hexagonal turret and the giant sugidama (cedar ball) symbolizing the event will be featured. The stage will host dance performances and live shows by special guests, offering a vibrant fusion of sake, gourmet food, and music.
One of the festival’s main attractions is the “Sake Hiroba” (Sake Plaza), where visitors can sample hundreds of carefully selected sake varieties from across Japan in a large-scale tasting event. This year, entry will be by tasting ticket only, with advance tickets scheduled to go on sale in early August.
Also available in early August will be reservation tickets for the venue offering “Bishunabe,” a local hot pot specialty from Higashihiroshima. Both ticket types will be sold through Ticket Pia.
Along Boulevard Street and around the main venue, numerous booths will be set up, featuring local eateries and specialty product exhibitions. Details about the participating vendors are expected to be announced around mid-September.
In addition, various special events will be held at sake breweries around JR Saijo Station, along with family-friendly attractions such as the “Waku Waku Kids Plaza” and the Satake venue. The festival offers fun for everyone, from families to dedicated sake lovers.
