{"id":175787,"date":"2026-02-02T18:27:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T09:27:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/?post_type=event&p=175787&lang=en"},"modified":"2026-02-12T17:51:40","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T08:51:40","slug":"jojima-sake-2026","status":"publish","type":"event","link":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/en\/event\/jojima-sake-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"32nd Jojima Sake Festival & Brewery Hopping"},"content":{"rendered":"

Held every February in Jojima Town, Kurume City, one of Kyushu\u2019s most respected sake-producing areas along the Chikugo River, Jojima Sakagura Biraki brings together local breweries to celebrate the completion of the season\u2019s new sake. It is one of the largest sake brewery events in Kyushu.<\/p>\n

The 2026 edition marks the first Jojima Sakagura Biraki since Fukuoka sake was officially recognized under the Geographical Indication (GI) \u201cFukuoka.\u201d<\/strong> This designation shines a spotlight on the strong regional character behind Jojima\u2019s sake, shaped by local climate, ingredients, and brewing traditions.<\/p>\n

\"Jojima<\/p>\n

Jojima: A Historic Sake Town<\/strong>
\nPure water from the Chikugo River, large-grain Chikugo rice well suited to brewing, Hita cedar long used in sake brewery architecture, and techniques passed down by the Mizuma toji guild. Jojima developed as a sake town from the Edo period onward thanks to the rare alignment of these conditions, earning a lasting reputation for sake production.<\/p>\n

In 2025, Fukuoka sake was designated GI \u201cFukuoka.\u201d GI, or Geographical Indication, is a system that protects products whose quality and reputation are rooted in their place of origin and traditional production methods. GI Fukuoka recognizes that sake brewed across the prefecture, including Jojima, reflects both local terroir and generations of craftsmanship.<\/p>\n

How to Enjoy Sakagura Biraki<\/h2>\n

The 2026 event marks the 32nd edition and brings together eight breweries, including Jojima producers and participating breweries from nearby areas. At the main venue, Jojima Chomin no Mori Park, visitors can sample small pours from each brewery, enjoy casual standing-style drinks, and pair sake with food made using local ingredients. Bottles are available for purchase on site, making it easy to take home favorites or pick up gifts.<\/p>\n

\"Jojima<\/p>\n

At the same time, individual breweries across the Jojima area host their own open-house events, offering limited tastings, special releases, and brewery tours. By using the free hop-on, hop-off shuttle buses or walking between nearby breweries, visitors can experience the subtle differences in philosophy and atmosphere from one kura to the next. Move freely between the main venue and the breweries to make the most of the day.<\/p>\n

Tips from Fukuoka Now!!<\/em>
\nStart at the main venue to get an overview. Tasting across multiple breweries helps clarify each one\u2019s style and makes it easier to identify what you like. The main venue can be lively, so it is also worth stepping away to explore the breweries themselves. Limited releases and conversations with brewers often add depth to the sake experience.<\/p>\n

Sake and Local Culture<\/strong>
\nOn the main stage, performances such as the Chikugo Sake Brewing Song and Jojima Ryujin Taiko highlight cultural traditions that have long existed alongside sake production in the region. In late 2024, traditional sake brewing was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, drawing renewed global attention to sake as a living cultural practice.<\/p>\n

Tasting GI Fukuoka\u2013certified sake in the place where it is made offers more than just flavor. Jojima Sakagura Biraki is also a chance to encounter the land, history, and people behind the sake.<\/p>\n

Jojima Sake Festival & Brewery Hopping<\/h3>\n

\u2022 Dates: February 14 (Sat) and 15 (Sun), 2026
\n\u2022 Time: 9:30\u201316:00
\n\u2022 Main venue: Jojima Chomin no Mori Park (764 Naratsu, Jojima-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka<\/a>)
\n\u2022 Participating breweries: Asahigiku, Ikekame, Takamasamune, Chikushi no Homare, Mizuhonishiki, Morinokura
\n\u2022 Nearest stations: Nishitetsu Mizuma Station, JR Kurume Station
\n\u2022 Official website: https:\/\/nanbu-shoko.jp\/sakagura\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sakezoh<\/a><\/p>\n

Participating Breweries \u2013 Jojima Sakagura Biraki 2026<\/h2>\n

Asahigiku Shuzo<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Location: 403 Ichobaru, Mizuma-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 Founded: 1900
\n\u2022 Profile: Focuses on food-friendly sake that highlights the natural flavor of rice. During Sakagura Biraki, the brewery sells limited releases and unpasteurized sake. Tastings in a relaxed atmosphere are especially popular.
\nhttps:\/\/asahikiku.jp\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Ikekame Shuzo<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Location: 545 Kusaba, Mizuma-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 Founded: 1875
\n\u2022 Profile: Known for light, approachable sake styles. At the riverside brewery, visitors can enjoy standard labels alongside Sakagura Biraki\u2013exclusive new sake, measured pours, and sweet amazake with azuki beans. The high-ceilinged kura is opened as a casual bar.
\nhttps:\/\/ikekame.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Chikushi no Homare Shuzo<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Location: 181 Aokishima, Jojima-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 Founded: 1897
\n\u2022 Profile: Maintains a hands-on brewing style that begins with steaming rice in traditional wooden koshiki. During the event, new sake tastings and direct sales are offered. The brewery\u2019s sake lees pickles, made using Fukuoka-grown white gourd, sake lees, and natural salt, are a local specialty.
\nhttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chikushino_homare1897\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Hiyokutsuru Shuzo<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Location: 466-1 Uchino, Jojima-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 Founded: 1895
\n\u2022 Profile: Known for its soft mouthfeel and emphasis on koji making. Limited small-batch brews and brewery-only releases may appear during Sakagura Biraki. Enjoyed both chilled and gently warmed.
\nhttps:\/\/www.hiyokutsuru.co.jp\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Mizuhonishiki Shuzo<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Location: 940 Fujiyoshi, Daizenji-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 Founded: 1854
\n\u2022 Profile: Produces full-bodied sake with depth and a clean finish. During Sakagura Biraki, visitors may encounter styles well suited to warming or aged expressions that differ from those at the main venue.
\nhttp:\/\/www.fukuoka-sake.org\/map\/detail.php?ID=58<\/a><\/p>\n

Morinokura<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Location: 2773 Tamamitsu, Mizuma-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 Founded: 1898
\n\u2022 Profile: Centers on junmai sake made with locally contracted rice and soft, clean water drawn from beneath the brewery. Tastings comparing different rice varieties and brewery-only bottles are available.
\nhttps:\/\/www.morinokura.co.jp\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Takamasamune<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Location: 297 Kuroda, Daizenji-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 Founded: Tempo era (1830\u20131844)
\n\u2022 Profile: First-time participant in Jojima Sakagura Biraki. A long-established brewery known for bold yet approachable sake with a Chikugo character. Focuses on direct sales of new and standard labels.
\nhttps:\/\/www.takamasamune.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Wakanami Shuzo<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Location: 752 Kanegae, Okawa City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 Founded: 1922
\n\u2022 Profile: A modern brewing style that emphasizes aroma and clarity, offering a clear contrast to traditional Jojima sake. Participating in Sakagura Biraki for the first time, with sales focused on popular labels at the main venue.
\nhttps:\/\/wakanami.jimdofree.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Jojima<\/p>\n

Jojima Sake Tasting Corner<\/strong>
\nJojima sake is known for its wide range of expressive styles. This year, the tasting corner expands in both scale and lineup, offering comparisons across 39 different labels.<\/p>\n

Ticket system (15 tickets + original ochoko cup): \u00a52,000
\nPayment: cash, PayPay, d-pay
\n\u2022 A (1 ticket per cup): futsushu to honjozo and junmai class
\n\u2022 B (2 tickets per cup): junmai to junmai ginjo class
\n\u2022 C (3 tickets per cup): junmai ginjo to junmai daiginjo class<\/p>\n

Kakuchi (Standing Bar) (\u00a5300)<\/strong>
\nEnjoy a casual drink starting from a single cup at the standing bar corner.
\n\u2022 Location: Main venue (Jojima Chomin no Mori Park)
\n\u2022 Price: from \u00a5300
\n\u2022 Payment: cash, PayPay, d-pay<\/p>\n

\"30th<\/p>\n

Chikugo Sake Brewing Song<\/strong>
\nA traditional song passed down through Chikugo breweries for generations. Members of the Sake Brewing Preservation Society perform with pride.
\n\u2022 Times: Both days at 9:30 and 12:30
\n\u2022 Locations: Main venue (Chomin no Mori Park); the program also visits participating sake brewery venues.<\/p>\n

\"30th<\/p>\n

Jojima Ryujin Taiko Performance<\/strong>
\nTraditional Japanese taiko drumming rooted in the Chikugo region.
\n\u2022 Times: Feb. 14 <\/span>10:30~, 14:00~ \/ <\/span>\u00a0Feb. 15 <\/span>10:30~, 13:30~<\/span>
\n\u2022 Location: Main venue (Jojima Chomin no Mori Park)<\/p>\n

Free Shuttle Bus<\/strong>
\nDuring the event, three free shuttle bus routes connect the venues with nearby stations.
\n\u2022 Operating hours: 9:00\u201317:00 each day
\n\u2022 Routes:
\n1. Direct route: Nishitetsu Mizuma Station ↔ Main venue
\n2. Brewery loop: Mizuma General Branch ↔ Asahigiku ↔ Ikekame ↔ Sake no Takeya ↔ Main venue
\n3. JR Kurume route (JR Kurume Station West Exit): JR Kurume Station ↔ Mizuhonishiki ↔ Unagi restaurant ↔ Takamasamune ↔ Ikekame ↔ Sake no Takeya ↔ Main venue ↔ Chikushi no Homare ↔ First parking area<\/p>\n

\"30th<\/p>\n

Kaki \u00d7 Sake Bar<\/strong>
\nA limited-time bar where Jojima sake is paired with Buzenkai Hitotsubu Kaki, one of Fukuoka\u2019s signature oysters. Each brewery offers sake developed to pair with oysters, alongside freshly steamed seasonal oysters.
\n\u2022 Location: In front of the Jojima General Cultural Center (Ingat Hall) main entrance
\n\u2022 Kaki Sake: \u00a5300<\/p>\n

Kyushu Live \u2013 The 30th Jojima Sakagura Biraki (February 17, 2024)<\/strong>
\n\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Held every February in Jojima Town, Kurume City, one of Kyushu\u2019s most respected sake-producing areas along the Chikugo River, Jojima Sakagura Biraki brings together local breweries to celebrate…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29305,"featured_media":175794,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","tags":[],"class_list":["post-175787","event","type-event","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","location-kurume","event-type-festival","event-type-food-drink","en-US"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/event\/175787","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/event"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/event"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29305"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=175787"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/175794"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=175787"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=175787"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}