For sake lovers, regional sake festivals held in Japan during spring and autumn represent the ultimate destination. Historic breweries (sakagura) gather to showcase seasonal limited releases and freshly pressed sake (shiboritate). Here is a complete guide to Japan's top two sake festivals.
Niigata Sake-no-Jin: Held every mid-March in Niigata Prefecture, this event is often dubbed the 'Oktoberfest of Sake.' Over 80 regional breweries gather under one roof. Purchasing a tasting ticket provides you with a traditional ceramic cup (ochoko) to sample over 500 sake varieties. Due to massive popularity, tickets sell out months in advance.
Saijo Sake Matsuri: Held every early October in Saijo, Hiroshima Prefecture—one of Japan's big three sake-brewing districts. The historic red-brick chimney brewery district turns into an open-air tasting heaven. Visitors can sample rare sakes and enjoy regional culinary delicacies like 'Bishonabe' (a hot pot cooked with sake instead of broth).