What this is
FDA Cheers! Japan Sake Hopping is a regional sake tasting festival held at Elgala Passage Plaza in Fukuoka, celebrating the diversity of Japanese sake culture through the lens of FDA (Fuji Dream Airlines) flight destinations. Participating breweries from across Japan — each representing a region served by FDA — bring their finest local brews for visitors to sample and compare. The event is a clever fusion of travel culture and food culture, inviting attendees to 'hop' between regional sake styles much as a traveller hops between destinations. It highlights the remarkable regional variation in Japanese sake, from light and floral Tohoku styles to robust and earthy brews from the Chubu region. For sake enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike, it offers a rare opportunity to taste a curated cross-section of Japan's brewing heritage in one place.
Who should go
This event is ideal for sake lovers, food and drink enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Japan's regional brewing traditions. The atmosphere is convivial and approachable — think relaxed festival rather than formal tasting room — making it welcoming for both seasoned sake drinkers and complete beginners. Expats and tourists will find it a fantastic way to explore Japanese regional identity through flavour without having to travel the country. If you're planning to buy bottles to take home, bring a tote bag or small wheeled luggage to carry your purchases comfortably.
Good to know
Elgala Passage Plaza is located in the Elgala Hall complex in central Tenjin, Fukuoka, making it very easy to reach on foot from Tenjin Station or Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station. Tickets for sake hopping events in Japan are typically sold via eplus.jp or pia.jp, both of which accept foreign credit cards; convenience store pickup at Lawson is the most reliable collection method for visitors without a Japanese delivery address. Bring cash to the venue floor — individual brewery booths and merchandise stalls often do not accept cards. The event runs from 11:00, so arriving at opening is the best strategy for shorter queues and fuller selections. Designated driver or non-drinking companions should note that sake tasting events are primarily drink-focused, with food pairings typically available but limited.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.