What this is
Nagai Sake Brewery is marking its 140th anniversary with a special open house festival held at its home in Kawaba Village, Gunma Prefecture — a rural area celebrated for its exceptionally pure water, which is central to the brewery's craft. The event gives visitors rare access to the working brewery alongside the unveiling of new sake releases and limited-edition 140th anniversary commemorative bottles. Beyond the tasting experience, the festival is designed as a full community celebration, blending local food trucks, live music from Gunma-connected artists, and carnival-style activities. It represents a milestone moment for one of Gunma's heritage breweries, offering a window into regional sake culture that is rarely accessible to the general public.
Who should go
Sake enthusiasts will find this unmissable — the chance to taste newly released brews and purchase limited anniversary bottles directly from the source is a rare opportunity. Families are well catered for, with carnival games, candy scooping, and bouncy domes making it genuinely enjoyable for children. Food lovers will appreciate the local food truck lineup, and anyone curious about rural Gunma's craft traditions will feel right at home. The relaxed, festive atmosphere makes it accessible even for those new to sake culture. Arrive early to secure the all-you-can-drink plan before capacity fills and to browse limited-edition bottles before they sell out.
Good to know
Entry to the festival grounds is free, making it easy to attend with a group of mixed drinkers and non-drinkers. The all-you-can-drink sake plan at ¥2,000 is available to those aged 20 and over, though note that some premium sake varieties have a cup limit even within the plan. The non-alcohol plan at ¥500 covers under-19s, and children below elementary school age get into most activities at no charge. Limited-edition 140th anniversary bottles will likely sell out quickly, so head to the brewery shop area first before exploring the food trucks and entertainment. Cash is strongly advised as rural Gunma festivals typically have limited card payment infrastructure at individual stalls.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.