How to Get the Most Out of &SAKE FUKUOKA
Fukuoka Prefecture is renowned as one of Japan's top sake-producing regions. &SAKE FUKUOKA brings together breweries from across the prefecture for an unforgettable tasting event. True to its name, this festival goes beyond food and drink—it is a celebration of Fukuoka’s vibrant culinary scene, music, unique atmosphere, and connections between people. You will even find exclusive dishes from hard-to-book local restaurants!
Event Overview
【Dates & Times】
Saturday, September 26: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday, September 27: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
【Location:】
Fukuoka International Center
【Admission:】
Free entry
Same-Day Ticket: ¥3,800 (Includes official tasting glass + food/drink coins)
How to Buy Tickets
Same-day tickets can be purchased at the venue’s ticket counter.
●Same-Day Ticket: ¥3,800 (Official tasting glass + 16 food/drink coins)
Important: Payment is Cash Only (credit cards and mobile payments are not accepted).
Getting to the Venue
It is a bit of a walk from the subway stations, so taking a bus is recommended!
【From JR Hakata Station】
Bus No. 99: Board at Bus Stop F in front of Nishi-Nippon City Bank. Ride for about 11 minutes and get off at "Kokusai Center Sunpalace-mae."
BRT Bus No. 88: Board at Bus Stop F in front of Nishi-Nippon City Bank. Ride for about 11 minutes and get off at "Kokusai Kaigijo Sunpalace-mae."
【From Tenjin】
BRT Bus No. 80: Board at Bus Stop 2A in front of Solaria Stage. Ride for about 8 minutes and get off at "Kokusai Kaigijo Sunpalace-mae."
Walking from Nearby Subway Stations
Gofukumachi Station (Fukuoka City Subway): About a 12-minute walk.
Nakasu-Kawabata Station (Fukuoka City Subway): About a 15-minute walk.
【Walking from Nearby Subway Stations】
Gofukumachi Station (Fukuoka City Subway): About a 12-minute walk.
Nakasu-Kawabata Station (Fukuoka City Subway): About a 15-minute walk.
What to Bring
To help you enjoy the event even more, we’d like to introduce some recommended items to bring along.
(1)Water
Stay hydrated between drinks to pace yourself. Outside water/soft drinks and food for children are allowed.
(2)Ziploc Bag & Small Towel
Protect your official tasting glass on the way home. A sealed bag prevents sticky residue from leaking, and wrapping the glass in a towel prevents breakage.
(3)Wet Wipes
Essential for cleaning hands after lingering spills or food.
(4)Backpack or Crossbody Bag
Hands-free bags are ideal, as you will likely be holding a glass in one hand and a plate in the other.
Prohibited Items: Outside food and alcohol (except for water, non-alcoholic drinks for hydration, and food for children).
Recommended Way to Explore the Event
The sake stalls are organized into five main island zones, including one dedicated exclusively to shochu distilleries. Surrounding these zones, 23 food stalls line the west, north, and east edges of the venue. We recommend finding an open table first to serve as your base before setting off to explore the food and drinks.
How Payment Works Inside the Venue
All food and drink purchases use the official event coins included with your ticket.
Coin values vary: you can sample standard pours for a single coin or splurge on rare, premium sake requiring multiple coins.
Price menus are clearly displayed at every booth, so be sure to check the cost per item as you browse.
Need more coins? Additional coin packs can be purchased inside the venue at any time.
How to Buy Additional Coins
All food and drinks at the event require event coins. If you run out, you can easily top up inside the venue.
Where to Buy: Additional coin booths located throughout the venue
Price: ¥1,000 for 6 coins
Payment: Cash Only
Must-Try Sake
Keep an eye out for exclusive, event-limited labels that won't be available anywhere else.
Look for the "LIMITED" (限定) tag on the official event pamphlet handed out at entry, as well as on the menu boards at individual brewery stalls. If you see this mark, it is definitely worth a try!
Can I buy bottles of sake at the venue?
Bottle sales are not available at the event venue.
Please take this opportunity to enjoy tasting delicious sake on-site while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of &SAKE FUKUOKA! If you would like to purchase bottles to take home, local liquor shops near the venue carry a great selection, so be sure to check them out.
Eradicating Drunk Driving
Fukuoka Prefecture is committed to zero tolerance for drunk driving.
"Never drive under the influence, never allow others to, never tolerate it, and never look the other way."
Even a single small sip during a tasting counts as drinking. If you plan to drink, please use public transportation or designate a driver beforehand. Never drive after drinking under any circumstances.