Tōhoku Local Beer Festival 2026

• June 6, 2026 at 7:19 am
  Event date:
• June 8, 2026 at 7:19 am
  Event end:

Location: Nigiwai Hiroba, Akita City Area Nakaichi
Dates: Jun 6–Jun 8, 2026
Admission: Free entry (Beer and food available for purchase)

Raise your glass to the north—the Tōhoku Local Beer Festival is where Japan’s lesser-known yet richly flavorful craft beer scene takes center stage. Held in the heart of Akita City, this annual festival is a dream come true for beer enthusiasts, food lovers, and travelers looking to savor authentic regional flavors in a lively outdoor setting.

A Taste of Northern Japan

The Tōhoku Craft Beer Festival (東北地ビールフェスティバル) was first brewed into existence in 2004 by the Tohoku Craft Beer Club and Pension Beer Field. Since then, it has evolved into a beloved regional event that not only celebrates the rising craft beer culture in northern Japan but also promotes local agriculture, especially livestock farming, through its collaboration with the Tōhoku Meat Festival.

Today, the event showcases a growing number of breweries, with 12 exhibitors in 2019 and contributions from all six Tōhoku prefectures—and even one from Hokkaido. After a temporary hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, expectations are high for its long-awaited return in 2026.

What to Expect

• Craft Beers from Across Tōhoku
  Sample exclusive seasonal brews, hoppy IPAs, smooth stouts, and experimental local blends you won’t find in major cities. From Miyagi to Aomori, each booth brings its own flair and story.
• Tōhoku Meat Festival
  Pair your pints with sizzling local specialties—Akita beef skewers, Yamagata pork dishes, Aomori garlic chicken, and more. This tasty collaboration supports regional farmers and offers a deeper bite into local culture.
• Community Atmosphere
  Hosted in Nakaichi’s Nigiwai Hiroba—a vibrant urban plaza just steps from Akita Station—the festival is perfect for relaxed afternoons under the sun or cozy evenings filled with music, laughter, and clinking glasses.
• Cultural Showcases & Live Music
  Local bands, folk performances, and festival games often add extra flair, turning the event into more than just a tasting—but a celebration of Tōhoku pride.

We Recommend These Must-Try Moments

1. Seki: Samurai Knife Making Experience at the Knife Museum
Unleash your inner samurai in Seki, Japan’s legendary swordsmith town.
Forge a traditional knife with expert blacksmiths at the Seki Knife Museum.
Take home a handcrafted blade and an unforgettable cultural memory.

2. From Nagoya: Gujo, Hida Takayama, and Shirakawa-go Day Tour
Embark on a scenic day trip from Nagoya to three charming historic towns.
Explore Gujo’s canals, Takayama’s old town, and Shirakawa-go’s gassho-style homes.
Perfect for cultural explorers and nature lovers alike.

3. Nagoya: Hida Takayama & Shirakawa-go 1-Day Bus Tour w/ Meal
Enjoy a full-day guided bus tour to the picturesque towns of Takayama and Shirakawa-go.
Savor a local Japanese meal while exploring historical streets and thatched villages.
Comfortable and convenient tour with round-trip travel from Nagoya.

4. Kanazawa: World Heritage Shirakawa-go & Two Local Experience
Discover UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go from Kanazawa, plus hands-on cultural activities.
Learn local crafts and enjoy regional flavors in a full cultural immersion.
A well-balanced tour of history, art, and authentic experience.

5. From Kanazawa/Toyama: Shirakawago and Takayama Day Tour
Travel from Kanazawa or Toyama to visit two of Japan’s most scenic heritage towns.
Admire the traditional architecture of Shirakawa-go and the old-world charm of Takayama.
A stress-free day trip with transportation and local insights included.

Why You Should Go

Whether you’re a serious beer aficionado or just curious to taste something new, the Tōhoku Local Beer Festival offers an authentic, laid-back experience that captures the spirit of Japan’s countryside. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and culinary joy—all in one mug.

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