Kyushu’s Largest Sake Brewery Opening – Jojima, February 2025
Blessed with the abundant waters of the Chikugo River, pristine Chikugo rice, fragrant Hita cedar, the craftsmanship of Mizuma tōji (master brewers), and the convenience of water transport, the Chikugo-Jojima region has long been a hub for sake brewing. Every February, as new sake made from the autumn harvest is ready, the local breweries come together to host Kyushu’s largest sakagura-biraki (brewery opening).
Seven Breweries to Participate in the 2025 New Year Brewery Opening
At the main venue, visitors can sample and compare a variety of local brews, purchase regional specialties and traditional dishes from numerous food stalls, and enjoy a lively, picnic-like atmosphere. Alternatively, guests can explore participating breweries scattered throughout the area on foot or via a shuttle bus, experiencing exclusive tastings, brewery tours, and food pairings. Any favorite finds can be enjoyed on the spot or purchased to take home.
Main Venue & Brewery Experiences
A free shuttle bus will run from the nearest train station to the main venue. For those eager to sample a wide selection of sake, this is the place to be. A tasting set (¥2,000 for 15 tickets and a sake cup) allows visitors to compare different brews at their own pace.
Other highlights include:
• Kaku-uchi – a casual, stand-and-sip sake tasting experience
• Kaki × Sake Bar – a pairing of Buzen Sea oysters with Jojima sake
• Amaou Bar – featuring perfectly ripe Amaou strawberries from the Jojima region
• Rokumei no Utage – a premium lounge space designed by the Kurume Institute of Technology’s design group, ASURA
The event will also feature live performances of traditional Chikugo Sake Brewing Songs and the powerful Jojima Ryujin Taiko drumming, showcasing the region’s deep cultural heritage.
With traditional sake brewing newly recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage at the end of last year, Japanese sake is garnering more attention than ever. Discover the rich flavors of Jojima’s locally crafted brews—made using time-honored techniques passed down for generations—right at the source!
Jojima Sake Festival & Brewery Hopping
• Event Dates: February 15th (Sat.) and 16th (Sun.), 2024
• Time: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
• Main Venue: Chomin no Mori (764 Naratsu, Jojima-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka) etc.
•Nearest Stations to the Venue: Nishitetsu Mizuma Station, JR Kurume Station
(On the event days, a limited express train will stop at Nishitetsu Mizuma Sta.)
• Event Information: http://nanbu-shoko.jp/sakagura/
• https://www.instagram.com/sakezoh
Participating Breweries
Asahikiku Sake Brewery (403 Icchobaru, Mizuma-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka)
• Founded: 1900
• Feature: Dedicated to brewing sake that complements food, following the motto of crafting sake suitable for meals.
• https://asahikiku.jp/
Ikekame Sake Brewery (545 Kusaba, Mizuma-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka)
• Founded: 1875
• Feature: Creates distinctive products through a blend of traditional techniques and unique technologies.
• https://ikekame.com/
Chikushi no Homare Sake Brewery (181 Aokishima, Jojima-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka)
• Founded: 1897
• Feature: Continues to preserve the flavor and richness of handmade sake, starting with rice steamed in wooden “koshiki” (steaming baskets).
• https://c-homare.com/
Hiyokutsuru Sake Brewery (466-1 Uchino, Jojima-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka)
• Founded: 1895
• Feature: Known for its robust flavor. The special junmai sake “Yamakanbai” is the most popular.
• https://www.hiyokutsuru.co.jp/
Mannengame Sake Brewery (68-4 Kusaba, Mizuma-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka)
• Founded: 1892
• Feature: Gathers support from enthusiasts as “sake for health purposes.”
• https://www.mannengame.info/
Mizuhonishiki Sake Brewery (940 Fujiyoshi, Daizenji-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka)
• Founded: 1854
• Feature: Produces freshly pressed sake using local rice and water from their own sources.
• http://www.fukuoka-sake.org/map/detail.php?ID=58
Mori no Kura (2773 Tamamitsu, Mizuma-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka)
• Founded: 1898
• Feature: Exclusively brews junmai sake using sake rice grown in Fukuoka Prefecture.
• https://www.morinokura.co.jp/
Jojima Sake Tasting Comparison
Jojima sake is known for its rich flavors, each brew showcasing its own unique character. This year, the nomikurabe (sake tasting) corner is bigger and better than ever! Guests can sample and compare 36 different labels, including nine brand-new selections debuting at the event.
Price: Ticket system (booklet of 15 tickets + sake cup) ¥2,000
Payment methods: cash
• A (1 ticket per cup): Table sake to Honjozo sake & Junmai sake class
• B (2 tickets per cup): Junmai sake ~ Junmai Ginjo class
• C (3 tickets per cup): Junmai Ginjo to Junmai Daiginjo sake class
Stand-and-Drink Corner (¥300~)
At the stand-and-drink corner, you can enjoy a casual drink in a standing format.
• Payment methods: cash
• Venue: Main venue (Chomin no Mori)
Chikugo Sake Brewing Song
The sake brewing song has been passed down through generations at Chikugo’s sake breweries. Members of the Sake Brewing Preservation Society will proudly perform it.
• Times: 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM
• Venue: Main venue (Chomin no Mori), visiting each brewery
Jojima Ryuujin Daiko Performance
A traditional Japanese drum from Chikugo, with a history spanning many areas.
• Times: 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM
• Venue: Main venue (Chomin no Mori),
Kaki x Sake Bar
A limited bar where you can enjoy Fukuoka’s specialty, “Buzen Sea Single Oyster,” with Jojima sake. Sake developed by each brewery to complement oysters and “Buzen Sea Single Oyster” will be sold. Enjoy the collaboration of seasonal oysters and sake that enhances their flavor!
• Venue: In front of the main entrance of Jojima Comprehensive Cultural Center (Ingot Hall)
• Steamed oyster ¥500, Kaki Sake ¥300
Amaou Bar
Enjoy locally grown Amaou strawberries from Jojima, along with Amaou-based sweets, perfectly paired with Jojima sake.
• Venue: In front of the main entrance of Jojima Comprehensive Cultural Center (Ingot Hall)
• Amaou parfait ¥700, Amaou tiramisu ¥500, and more.
Free Shuttle Bus
During the event, a free shuttle bus service will connect Nishitetsu Mizuma Station, JR Kurume Station, and the venue.
• Operating Hours: Each day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Routes:
1. Direct: Nishitetsu Mizuma Station ⇔ Main Venue
2. Sake Brewery Tour: Mizuma General Branch Office ↔ Asahikiku ↔ Ikekame ↔ Sakenotakeya ↔ Main Venue
3. JR Kurume Route (Departing from JR Kurume Station West Exit): JR Kurume Station ↔ Mizuhonishiki ↔ Eel Cuisine ↔ Ikekame ↔ Sakenotakeya ↔ Main Venue ↔ Chikushinohomare ↔ First Parking Lot
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