What this is
The Honkaku Shochu, Awamori & Food Festival is an annual celebration dedicated to Japan's traditional distilled spirits โ honkaku shochu and Okinawan awamori โ paired with regional food. Honkaku shochu is single-distilled and crafted from ingredients such as sweet potato, barley, rice, or buckwheat, preserving the raw ingredient's natural character and aroma. Awamori, Okinawa's indigenous spirit distilled from long-grain indica rice, represents a distinct and ancient branch of Japan's distilling heritage. The festival brings together producers, bartenders, and enthusiasts to showcase the depth and diversity of these often-overlooked spirits, offering tastings, food pairings, and educational sessions. It is a rare opportunity outside of Kyushu and Okinawa to explore these drinks in depth.
Who should go
This festival is ideal for curious drinkers who want to move beyond sake and Japanese whisky and discover the earthy, complex world of shochu and awamori. Foodies will appreciate the regional food pairings that complement the spirits on offer. It suits both beginners looking for an introduction and enthusiasts who want to compare producers side by side. Arrive early to get the most time with producers before crowds build and popular pours run out.
Good to know
As specific venue details have not yet been confirmed, check the official event page or local listings closer to the date for the exact location and ticketing information. Festivals of this type in Japan typically sell tickets via eplus.jp or pia.jp, both of which accept foreign credit cards; convenience store pickup at Lawson or FamilyMart is the most reliable option for visitors without a Japanese delivery address. Bring cash to the venue as many food and drink stalls at Japanese festivals operate on a cash-only basis. Pace yourself โ honkaku shochu typically runs 25% ABV and awamori can reach similar or higher strengths, and tasting portions add up quickly. July in Fukuoka is hot and humid, so wear light, breathable clothing and stay hydrated with water between tastings.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change โ verify with the official source before attending.