CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2026: Japan’s Ultimate Sake & Food Festival Returns to Roppongi Hills
Discover 130 breweries, Michelin-level dining, and a 13-day celebration of Japan’s sake culture in Tokyo
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Every spring, Tokyo becomes a stage for one of Japan’s most exciting culinary events. This year, CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2026 with OMAKASE byGMO at ROPPONGI HILLS returns to Roppongi with its biggest edition yet—bringing together top sake breweries, world-class chefs, and food lovers from across Japan and beyond.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the 2026 edition promises more than just tastings. It’s a deep dive into Japan’s rich food culture, where sake, cuisine, and craftsmanship come together in one immersive experience.
What Is CRAFT SAKE WEEK?
Launched in 2016 by former Japanese footballer and cultural entrepreneur Hidetoshi Nakata, CRAFT SAKE WEEK was created with a simple yet powerful vision: to share the beauty and depth of Japanese culture through sake.
Since its debut, the event has grown into a major cultural platform, attracting over 1.25 million visitors across Tokyo, Hakata, Sendai, and beyond. More than just a tasting event, it connects brewers, chefs, and guests—offering a unique opportunity to experience sake in the broader context of Japanese food culture.
What Makes the 2026 Edition Special?
To mark its 10th anniversary, this year’s event is the largest in its history. Here are some of the highlights for CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2026.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 13 days (longest ever) |
| Participating Breweries | 130 breweries from across Japan (Largest number) |
| Daily Format | 10 breweries featured each day (rotating lineup) |
| Restaurants | 20 top-tier restaurants (record high) |
Each day introduces a completely new lineup, meaning no two visits are the same—a rare chance to explore Japan’s diverse sake scene in one location .
How CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2026 Works
CRAFT SAKE WEEK is designed to be accessible, even for first-time sake drinkers.
- Purchase a Starter Set (¥4,800), which includes:
- An original sake glass
- Coins for food and drinks
- Use coins to sample sake or dishes from different booths
- Return visitors can bring their glass and purchase additional coins only
This flexible system allows you to explore at your own pace—whether you’re sampling a few varieties or diving deep into different styles.
Daily Themes: A New Experience Every Day
Each day of the event is built around a unique theme, offering curated selections of breweries. The following table indicate the daily themes & who each day is best for.
| Date | Theme | What to Expect | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 17 | Sparkling Sake Celebration | A festive opening featuring refined sparkling sake | Beginners, couples, celebratory visits |
| April 18 | SAKE NEXT | Innovative breweries pushing boundaries | Trend seekers, younger audiences, creatives |
| April 19 | New Standard | The evolving face of modern sake | Curious drinkers, intermediate sake fans |
| April 20 | Tradition & Innovation | Classic techniques meet new ideas | Culture lovers, those interested in craftsmanship |
| April 21 | Hidden Masters | Subtle, high-quality sake appreciated by connoisseurs | Experienced drinkers, sake enthusiasts |
| April 22 | Creative Sake | Unique and experimental flavors | Adventurous drinkers, repeat visitors |
| April 23 | Rising Stars | New breweries making their debut | Early adopters, discovery-focused visitors |
| April 24 | Fresh & Juicy | Light, approachable, fruit-forward sake | First-time sake drinkers, casual visitors |
| April 25 | Trending Breweries | Highly popular and hard-to-find labels | Weekend visitors, hype seekers |
| April 26 | The Legends | Iconic breweries with strong reputations | Sake fans, those seeking “must-try” names |
| April 27 | Setouchi Terroir | Regional sake shaped by coastal climates | Travel lovers, regional culture enthusiasts |
| April 28 | Kanto All-Stars | Top breweries from the Tokyo region | Local explorers, Tokyo-based visitors |
| April 29 | Grand Finale (Juyondai Day) | Prestigious breweries including rare selections | Collectors, enthusiasts, once-in-a-lifetime seekers |
With themes changing daily, visitors can tailor their experience based on their taste preferences or curiosity.
Food Experience: Michelin-Level Dining Meets Sake
Beyond sake, the event also showcases some of Japan’s most sought-after restaurants—many of which are typically difficult to book.
On the final day (April 29), visitors can enjoy a special lineup of renowned restaurants, including:
- Renowned Italian restaurant TACUBO
- Michelin-starred French dining at L’Effervescence
- Elite yakitori from Torishiki ICHIMON (鳥しき ICHIMON)
- Refined Chinese cuisine from Fureika (富麗華)
Each restaurant offers exclusive menu items designed specifically for the event, allowing guests to explore thoughtful sake pairings that elevate both food and drink.
For restaurant lineups on other dates, please refer to the official website:
https://craftsakeweek.com/en/csw-2026/food-lineup/
A Space Designed to Experience Japan
The event is not just about taste—it’s also about atmosphere.
The 2026 venue design is led by architect Shohei Shigematsu (OMA New York), creating a dynamic space inspired by the theme of celebration (“宴”).
Traditional Japanese elements such as fabric, light, and spatial layering are reimagined into a modern installation, transforming Roppongi Hills Arena into an immersive cultural environment.
CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2026 Event Information
- Dates: April 17 – April 29, 2026
- Time:
- Weekdays: 15:00–22:00 (Last order 21:30)
- Weekends & Holidays: 12:00–21:00 (Last order 20:30)
- Location: Roppongi Hills Arena (6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
- Starter Set: ¥4,800 (includes sake glass + coins)
- Official Website: https://craftsakeweek.com/
 Access |
short walk from Roppongi Station (Exit 1C) on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line (directly connected via the concourse) |
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Why You Should Go to CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2026
Whether you are new to sake or already a fan, CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2026 offers a rare opportunity to explore Japan’s food culture in one place.
From discovering regional breweries to enjoying dishes by top chefs, the event brings together the people and traditions behind Japanese cuisine—making it not just a festival, but a meaningful cultural experience.
Also check out the following articles for related information!
Written by
Born and raised in Costa Rica, I started living in Tokyo from college. I love traveling within Japan & around the world. Since I wasn’t born in Japan, I know the cultural impact that you can get when visiting Japan for the first time and what you might be worried about before your trip. And I’ve lived long enough to somewhat understand the nuances of the Japanese culture that make this country such an attractive place to visit. Hopefully I can provide to you both the information you’re looking for and the information you didn’t know you needed to know.
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