[2026] Kurume & Jojima Sake Brewery Opening – Complete Guide

The Jojima Sake Brewery Opening, one of the largest sake events in Kyushu, is happening again this year in the Jojima area of Kurume City!
Here, we introduce tips to enjoy the Jojima Sake Brewery Opening efficiently and to the fullest.
Note: This article is based on the 2025 event. Information for 2026 will be updated as it becomes available.
Please check the official Jojima Sake Brewery Opening social media for the latest updates:

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What is “Jōjima Sake Brewery Opening”?

Kyushu’s Largest Sake Event: 31st Jōjima Sake Brewery Opening
At the main venue, enjoy “Jōjima Sake Tasting” and “Kakuuchi” (standing bar), while various events are also held at sake breweries throughout the Jōjima area. You can ride the shuttle bus to visit each brewery and taste the newly brewed sake.
Date: February 14 (Sat) – 15 (Sun), 2026

What to Bring & Important Notes

Recommended Items & Important Notes for Enjoying the Event
To fully enjoy the Jōjima Sake Brewery Opening, most events are held outdoors, and it can be chilly inside the breweries. Wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes. Pocket hand warmers are also recommended.
What to Bring:
•   Water – Stay hydrated while enjoying the event.
•   Plastic bag / Ziploc – To store wet sake cups.
•   Wet wipes – Handy if your hands get sticky from sake.
•   Coin purse – Avoid frequent wallet handling in crowded areas.
•   Backpack / crossbody bag – Keep your hands free for sake cups and snacks.
•   Eco bag – For purchased sake bottles.
Important Notes:
•   Avoid perfume or strong scents when entering breweries.
•   Do not bring or consume natto (fermented soybeans) or citrus fruits inside breweries.

Access from Nishitetsu Tenjin Station to Nishitetsu Mizuma Station

写真提供：西日本鉄道株式会社

During the event, Nishitetsu trains operate on a special schedule, and some limited express trains stop at Mizuma Station, the nearest station to the venue. If you are coming from Fukuoka City, it is convenient to use Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station or Nishitetsu Yakuin Station. From Mizuma Station, shuttle buses run to the main venue and the participating breweries. (In 2025, the “Jōjima Sake Ticket” was not sold.)
To fully enjoy the event, the following train times are recommended:
Outbound: Nishitetsu Fukuoka 8:30 → Yakuin 8:32 → Mizuma 9:11
Return: Mizuma 16:44 → Yakuin 17:23 → Nishitetsu Fukuoka 17:26

Shuttle Bus

Shuttle buses run from Mizuma Station and JR Kurume Station to the event venues, including the main site and the participating breweries. Using these buses is convenient for moving between venues.
Operating hours: 9:00 – 17:00
Routes:
1.   Direct Route: Nishitetsu Mizuma Station ⇔ Main Venue
2.   Brewery Tour Route: Mizuma General Branch ⇔ Asahikiku ⇔ Ikegame ⇔ Sake no Takeya ⇔ Hana no Tsuyu ⇔ Main Venue
3.   JR Kurume Route: JR Kurume Station ⇔ Mizuho Nishiki ⇔ Unagi Restaurant ⇔ Ikegame ⇔ Sake no Takeya ⇔ Main Venue ⇔ Chikushi no Homare ⇔ First Parking Lot (Cooperation: ATEX)

Buy your tickets and masu cups to enjoy the event!

When you arrive at the main venue, be sure to purchase an “ochoko cup ticket”!
At the main venue, there is a “Jōjima Sake Tasting” corner. You can exchange your tasting tickets for sake, and the number of tickets required depends on the type of sake. Popular varieties like ginjō and daiginjō often run out quickly, so we recommend using 3 tickets for a “welcome sake” of ginjō or daiginjō when you first arrive.
If you run out of tickets, you can purchase more at the venue. Enjoy a wide variety of delicious Japanese sake to your heart’s content!

Main Venue

The main venue is Chomin no Mori Park. During the Jōjima Sake Brewery Opening, the park gets very crowded.
There are tables set up for eating and drinking, but the number of tables is limited. We recommend securing a seat as soon as you arrive at the venue!

Jōjima Sake Tasting

At Jōjima Sake Brewery Opening, the main highlight is definitely the Jōjima sake tasting. All payments are made using tickets. Popular sake often runs out early, so we recommend trying your favorite sake first!
Taste and compare the proud local sakes of Jōjima. Even within the same brewery, each sake has its own unique character and brings out rich flavors. Enjoy this opportunity to experience Jōjima sake to the fullest.
Notes:
•   Tickets can only be used for sake tasting.
•   No refunds for unused tickets.
•   Although plenty of sake is prepared, some varieties may sell out.
2026 Paid Ticket (15 tickets) – includes a sake cup: 2,000 yen
•   Standard sake, Honjōzō, Junmai A-class: 1 ticket per cup
•   Junmai ~ B-class: 2 tickets per cup
•   Ginjō, Daiginjō C-class: 3 tickets per cup

Kakuuchi – Sake at the Tasting Bar

A place for the public to relax, where people line up after a day’s work and chat happily while slightly tipsy – this is “Kakuuchi.” This year, a kakuuchi corner has been set up again.

Chikugo Sake Brewing Song

A traditional sake brewing song that has been passed down for generations in the breweries of Chikugo. Members of the Sake Brewing Song Preservation Society perform it proudly with their beautiful voices.

Jōjima Ryūjin Taiko

Traditional Japanese drums (taiko) that have been passed down in the Chikugo region for many years. Experience the bold sound of taiko that resonates deep in your body.

Not just sake! Enjoy local gourmet food too!

At the main venue, a long lineup of food stalls offers delicious snacks and local specialties made with regional ingredients! Enjoy not only great sake but also tasty gourmet food together!

Recommended Way to Get Around

The recommended way to get around the Jōjima Sake Brewery Opening is:
After arriving at Mizuma Station, take the shuttle bus from in front of the station to the main venue. First enjoy tasting and comparing the sake from various breweries, then visit the sake breweries that offer your favorite sake!
From the main venue, shuttle buses are frequent, so you can explore Jōjima freely in any order.