KAMPAI
event

National Sake Fair 2026 Announces Dates: June 19–20 in Ikebukuro

KAMPAI Editorial

National Sake Fair 2026 Announces Dates: June 19–20 in Ikebukuro

The dates for the 17th National Sake Fair, one of Japan's longest-running annual sake events, have been announced. The fair will take place on June 19 (Fri) and 20 (Sat), 2026, at Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, according to the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association.

Held in parallel at the same venue on June 20 will be the Public Sake Tasting of the National New Sake Awards (Reiwa 7 Brewing Year), giving visitors a chance to attend both Japan's biggest annual public sake fair and the country's most prestigious sake competition tasting in a single day.

Three sessions, all reservation-only

The fair runs across three sessions, each capped at 1,500 attendees, with full turnover between sessions:

  • Friday, June 19: Session 1, 18:00–20:30
  • Saturday, June 20: Session 2, 10:30–13:00
  • Saturday, June 20: Session 3, 14:30–17:00

The venue is the World Import Mart Building, Hall A (4F).

The Public Sake Tasting of the National New Sake Awards is split into two sessions on June 20 (10:30–13:00 and 15:00–17:30), each capped at 500 attendees. It takes place in the Bunka Kaikan Building, Hall B (4F). This event lets visitors taste the entries from Japan's most prestigious annual sake competition, judged each spring, and consistently sells out quickly.

Half-price tickets for under-40s

Tickets are priced the same for both events: ¥2,000 for the "U-39" plan (limited to ages 20–39) and ¥5,000 for general admission, both including an original tasting glass. The sub-¥2,000 youth ticket is a clear move to bring younger drinkers into the fair.

The on-sale date hasn't been announced yet. Past years have shown sessions selling out quickly once tickets drop, so it's worth keeping an eye on the official site.

Event details

  • Events: 17th National Sake Fair / Public Sake Tasting of the National New Sake Awards (Reiwa 7 BY)
  • Dates: June 19 (Fri) – 20 (Sat), 2026
  • Venue: Sunshine City, Ikebukuro, Tokyo (Fair: World Import Mart Bldg. 4F, Hall A / Public Tasting: Bunka Kaikan Bldg. 4F, Hall B)
  • Tickets: ¥2,000 (U-39, ages 20–39) / ¥5,000 (general), original glass included
  • Website: sakefair.com

We'll follow up once ticket sales open.