Alongside exploring over 400 varieties of sake at the festival, visitors can enjoy a rich program of seminars highlighting Japan’s diverse regions, traditions, and craftsmanship. These sessions are included with your festival ticket and offer a chance to deepen your knowledge of Japanese food, drink, and culture.
Discover what makes Niigata so unique and why it has earned a prestigious reputation in the sake world. Ten breweries from Niigata will be at the festival, sharing their finest brews and the stories behind them.
Session times:
27 September: 12:20 pm
28 September: 12:00 pm
In Japan, the vessels used to drink sake are as important as the sake itself. This seminar introduces the main styles of sake and the basics of selecting cups that bring out their best qualities, blending tradition with modern technology.
Session time:
27 September: 5:00 pm
Step into Nara’s 1,300 years of brewing heritage. Learn about historic methods like Bodaimoto, and taste a variety of beverages including sake, fruit liqueurs, and wines made from Nara-grown fruits — guided by local brewers and distributors.
Session time:
27 September: 11:30 am
Experience the depth of Yamato-cha through a guided tasting of four teas. Learn how flavour changes with temperature and steeping, and pick up tips on brewing the perfect cup using a Japanese kyusu teapot.
Session time:
27 September: 1:30 pm
Beyond deer and temples, Nara’s Oku-Yamato region is home to lush forests and skilled artisans. This seminar introduces traditional woodcraft, revealing the warmth of handcrafted items and the expert techniques passed down through generations.
Session time:
28 September: 12:50 pm
From the snowy region of Myoko, explore two local treasures. First, discover kanzuri, a fermented chilli paste with a 400-year history, still crafted with traditional methods. Then, taste sake from Kiminoi Shuzo, brewed with the yamahai method, which captures the richness of Myoko’s natural environment.
Session time:
27 September: 12:50 pm
Myoko’s creativity extends far beyond food and drink. Shumisen presents “Yuki no Shizuku”, a skincare lotion made with pure snowmelt water, while Maruni introduces Bishamonten jeans, crafted using Japan’s traditional indigo dyeing methods. Both products showcase the innovation and craftsmanship of this unique region.
Session time:
28 September: 11:30 am
Discover Myoko’s diversity through two perspectives. Miyato Yaso Institute Co., Ltd offers rare fruit wines made with local pears, figs, and herbs using unique fermentation techniques. Then, the Myoko Tourism Management Association invites you to explore why Myoko is a beloved all-season destination — from world-class powder snow and ski resorts to hiking, hot springs, and seasonal cuisine.
Session time:
28 September: 1:30 pm
Discover how Hokkaido’s extreme winters and fertile land are producing wines of depth and character, including Pinot Noir from Yoichi and Hakodate.
This seminar explores how the region’s emerging wine culture pairs naturally with Hokkaido’s rich food traditions, adding new flavour to your journey north.
Session time:
27 September: 5:40 pm
This program offers a rare opportunity to explore Japan’s traditions, flavours, and regional stories, all within the festival. Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure your place!
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Discover more than just sake at the Sake Festival!
Stop by our booth to explore travel tips, fun activities, and unique tours from all over Japan. Join the games for a chance to win discount vouchers and special perks for your next Japan trip!
For more ideas, visit G'Day Japan! — your online hub for unforgettable Japan experiences.
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