What this is
Nikasō is a Japanese sake cocktail unique to Beppu, and this street festival turns the area around Beppu Station into a sprawling celebration of it. Participating shops roll out special menus, a stamp rally sends visitors hopping between venues for chances to win JTB tour packages and exclusive merchandise, and the opening event features live music from Hit Paraders and Michiru Yuasa alongside a complimentary Nikasō cocktail for all attendees. It's a genuinely local affair — the kind of neighbourhood drinking festival that rarely makes it onto tourist itineraries.
Who should go
Adults who enjoy sake-based drinks and want a taste of Beppu's local bar culture. Visitors already in town for the hot springs who want an evening out will find this a natural fit.
Good to know
Entry to the festival is free and no advance tickets are required — just show up. The opening event with live music and the complimentary cocktail is the centrepiece, so arriving at the start time is worthwhile. Participating shops are independently run, so payment methods will vary; carry some yen cash to be safe. The stamp rally prizes — including JTB tour packages — require visiting multiple venues, so budget a couple of hours if you want to complete it. Beppu Station is a compact area and the festival footprint is walkable, making it easy to navigate even without Japanese language skills.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.