Major Sake Events in Kanazawa 2026

For the most up-to-date details, check Kanazawa travel info before you go.

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Kanazawa travel info.

Tickets for these large tasting events often sell out very quickly every single year. You should purchase your entry passes several weeks in advance to ensure your spot. Prices typically range from 2,000 to 4,000 yen per person for a full session. This fee usually includes a souvenir tasting cup and several drink tokens for use.

Many smaller events occur near the historic and beautiful Kanazawa Castle Park during the winter. You can enjoy warm sake while viewing the stunning snowy gardens and ancient stone walls. The contrast between the cold air and the warm drink is a truly amazing experience. Check the official Visit Kanazawa website for the most current 2026 dates.

Best Breweries for Winter Tasting

Several historic breweries open their doors for special winter tours and private tasting sessions. Fukumitsuya is one of the most famous and respected locations within the entire city. They offer guided tastings of their premium Junmai sake for interested guests and connoisseurs. Most of these tours require a formal reservation at least three days before your visit.

Tasting sets at these breweries usually cost between 1,000 and 2,500 yen per flight. These flights typically include three to five different sake varieties for you to compare. Staff members often explain the complex brewing process in English for international visitors to understand. You will learn about the pure mountain water used to create these refined local drinks.

Many popular tasting shops are located within the historic Higashi Chaya District of the city. This area looks stunning when covered under a fresh, white layer of winter snow. You can sip premium sake inside traditional wooden buildings that date back many centuries. It provides a truly authentic and memorable Japanese winter experience for every traveler.

If you enjoy modern settings, visit the shops near the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. These venues offer a sleek atmosphere for enjoying modern sake blends and seasonal releases. They often feature rotating selections from smaller, boutique breweries located across the Ishikawa prefecture. This variety ensures you find a flavor that perfectly matches your personal palate.

Pairing Sake with Winter Cuisine

Kanazawa is world-famous for its incredible and fresh seasonal seafood caught in the nearby sea. Fresh sake pairs beautifully with these local winter delicacies found in every market and restaurant. Our best Kanazawa winter food guide details these perfect pairings for your trip. The crisp acidity of local sake cuts through the rich flavors of fatty winter fish.

Try pairing a dry, cold sake with the famous Kanazawa snow crab for a luxury meal. The sweet meat of the crab enhances the subtle rice notes of the premium sake. You can find these items at various Omicho Market stalls for a very reasonable price. It is arguably the best place for a casual and delicious tasting lunch in 2026.

Hot sake is another popular and comforting choice during the cold Kanazawa winter months. It goes perfectly with a bowl of steaming Kanazawa oden from a local street stall. Many best restaurants for Kanazawa winter oden offer excellent local brews to match. This combination will keep you warm and satisfied throughout a long evening of exploration.

Do not forget to try sake with traditional winter sweets to try in Kanazawa for dessert. Some breweries offer sweet, unfiltered sake that complements the flavors of red bean and mochi. This unique combination is a favorite among locals who enjoy traditional Japanese confectionery and drinks. It provides a sweet and slightly boozy end to your winter culinary journey.

Practical Tips for Sake Tasting

Most brewery tasting rooms operate daily from 10:00 AM until about 5:00 PM. Plan your visits earlier in the day to avoid the large afternoon tourist crowds. Weekends are much busier than weekdays in the historic brewery districts and popular market areas. Morning sessions often offer the most relaxed and educational atmosphere for all brewery guests.

Dress very warmly because many traditional wooden buildings lack modern central heating systems. Heavy coats, scarves, and thermal layers are essential for comfortable winter travel in Japan. You will likely need to remove your shoes at some traditional tasting locations and shops. Wear thick, clean socks to keep your feet warm on the cold wooden floors.

Always use public transport or local taxis after completing your various sake tasting sessions. Japan has a strict zero-tolerance policy for any drinking and driving on public roads. The Kanazawa Loop Bus is a very convenient and affordable travel option for most tourists. It stops near all major breweries, event spaces, and popular tourist attractions.