One of the popular alcohol events held in Ueno, Tokyo, is the "Sakaya Kakuuchi Fes."
Liquor stores from all over, mainly from Tokyo, gather here for an event where you can enjoy fine drinks carefully selected by each shop in "kakuuchi style." (Gourmet food too, of course!)
Here, we introduce the "12th Sakaya Kakuuchi Fes," which will be held from Friday, February 6 to Sunday, February 8, 2026.
We will also tell you about the featured booths scheduled to serve Japanese wine.
What is the "Sakaya Kakuuchi Fes"?!
The "Sakaya Kakuuchi Fes" is an alcohol festival where liquor stores from various regions, mainly Tokyo, assemble in Ueno.
Co-hosted by the TOKYO Sakaya Damashii Executive Committee, centered around the Tokyo Retail Liquor Merchants Association Youth Division, and the Tokyo Retail Liquor Merchants Association, the event is planned so that liquor store merchants can share the culture of alcoholic beverages and drinking traditions alongside alcoholic beverage producers and breweries.
At this festival, not only can you enjoy all kinds of drinks carefully selected by liquor stores in "kakuuchi style," but you can also savor exquisite gourmet food that pairs with the drinks—an irresistible lineup for alcohol enthusiasts. (Those who cannot drink can enjoy it too!)
This year's festival, held on February 6, marks its 12th iteration, showing just how long-beloved this event is by alcohol lovers.
Here is what you can enjoy at the "12th Sakaya Kakuuchi Fes":
- Kakuuchi experience
- Enjoying food and pairings
- Stage events
- Sake tasting experience
- Sake awards
- Tokyo local sake concierge
- Festival fair booths and more
Incidentally, the stage events will feature not only mature music suited for relaxing with a drink, but also Yosakoi dancing, kids' dance, and the Bollywood dance team Team ANGELA RAGA.
With live performances planned by DJ Dainoji, who stirred up great excitement last time, and Takanori Hiura (formerly of class), known for the massive hit "Natsu no Hi no 1993," the lineup truly allows you to immerse yourself in the world of "Drink x Food x Entertainment."
It is a major event that no alcohol lover can pass up.
Key Highlights of the "12th Sakaya Kakuuchi Fes"!
The other day, a pep rally for the "12th Sakaya Kakuuchi Fes" was held at the Tokyo Retail Liquor Merchants Association Building in Akihabara.
According to Mr. Seki, the owner of "Sake no Futaba" and one of the driving forces behind the Sakaya Kakuuchi Fes, the event is entering a stage of moving from "letting people get to know drinks" to "letting people truly enjoy them."
In addition to the diverse lineup of drinks, the event is designed with careful consideration of how visitors can enjoy the festival itself through live performances, gourmet food, and various special events.
Furthermore, the "paid seating" tested last time will be fully introduced this time, allowing guests to relax and enjoy drinks in a curtained space equipped with heating facilities.
Although it is held in February, one of the coldest times of the year, it promises to be three "hot" and exciting days.
Featured Booths at the "12th Sakaya Kakuuchi Fes"!
A wide variety of alcoholic beverages will be offered at the "12th Sakaya Kakuuchi Fes."
While Japanese sake is central, part of the appeal is the chance to enjoy an array of drinks including shochu, beer, spirits, and wine.
At the pep rally, we spoke with owners of liquor stores exhibiting at the "12th Sakaya Kakuuchi Fes."
Among them, we introduce the booths we particularly recommend.
"Kakuuchi Cafe Futaba" Recommends Japanese Wine!
In recent years, the number of booths offering Japanese wine at Sakaya Kakuuchi Fes has grown, creating a lineup that even those who want to try Japanese wine can thoroughly enjoy.
Among them, the Kuramae liquor store "Kakuuchi Cafe Futaba" plans to serve exclusively carefully selected Japanese wine.
At the Kakuuchi Fes held last year, they also served only Japanese wine, featuring Iwasaki Brewing's Maruhon Joe label, Enzan Wine Press's Gold and Rouge, and wines from Le Milieu.
This time, the lineup will center around Iwasaki Brewing's wines. (Carefully selected by Sales Director Mr. Iwatani)
With wines made from Adirondac, known as the "phantom black grape," available to enjoy, it is bound to be a must-visit booth for Japanese wine fans.
In addition, Iwasaki Brewing winemakers will be staffing the booth during the event, allowing you to enjoy conversations with the producers.
Enjoy Lemon Sours and Tokyo Island Spirits at Hachijojima's "Yamadaya"!
Yamadaya from Hachijojima has been participating since the early days of "Sakaya Kakuuchi Fes."
It is a popular shop that continues to exhibit at the festival to convey the charm of Tokyo island spirits to as many people as possible.
While they initially found it difficult to convey the appeal of island spirits as intended, their lemon sour made with Hachijo fruit lemons became a sensation.
Hachijo fruit lemons are ripened on the tree and have neither bitterness nor strong acidity, and because they are unwaxed, they can be used rind and all.
Although supplies may differ from typical years due to typhoon impacts, lemon sours made with lemons from the Ogasawara Islands will be available, so you can enjoy comparing lemon sours packed with the charm of Tokyo's islands.
Official Website
Long-established Liquor Store "Muramatsu Shushokui," Where You Can Encounter Intriguing Drinks, Is a Must!
Located in Higashi-Shimbashi, Minato Ward, "Muramatsu Shushokui" is an ultra-famous Tokyo establishment that has exhibited at "Sakaya Kakuuchi Fes" since its inception.
Valuing the "definition of a liquor store," they plan to offer a broad selection of beverages once again, including sake, wine, whisky, and liqueurs, making it a booth where you can enjoy an extensive variety of drinks.
Moreover, with encounters with "edgy drinks" such as sake brewed from terraced-paddy rice and gin from the British guitar amp brand "Marshall," this is a booth that alcohol enthusiasts simply cannot pass by.
Official Website
http://www.sen-ow.co.jp/shushorui/
Enjoy Hiroshima Sake and Global Wines at "Imada Shoten"!
"Imada Shoten" is a liquor store in Shinkawa, Chuo Ward, with a 100-year history.
They plan to serve many "delicious drinks" rarely found in Tokyo, such as local sake from Hiroshima and spirits from Okinawa.
Also, true to a liquor store with a passion for wine, they will offer wines from famous producers in renowned wine regions like Chile and Argentina.
Wine fans will surely be able to enjoy high-quality drinks that satisfy.
Official Website
Wines Selected by a Senior Sommelier! Check out "Iseya BAR ISEYA"!
"Iseya BAR ISEYA" is a famous shop in Ota Ward, Tokyo.
It is a liquor shop handling carefully selected wines, craft beers, sake, shochu, and more, beloved by connoisseurs with its attached bar inside the store.
While they plan to serve a wide range of alcoholic beverages at "Sakaya Kakuuchi Fes," the notable point is that the owner, Mr. Chidani, holds a Senior Sommelier certification.
Since you can enjoy wines carefully selected by Mr. Chidani on the day, it is bound to be a booth wine fans cannot overlook.
Official Website
https://www.iseya-bariseya.com/
Japanese Wine Fans Will Be Fully Satisfied! Head to the "12th Sakaya Kakuuchi Fes"!
The "12th Sakaya Kakuuchi Fes" is a festival like heaven for alcohol enthusiasts, where you can enjoy a wide variety of drinks, including sake, beer, wine, and liqueurs.
Naturally, there is plenty of gourmet food that pairs well with the drinks.
For instance, "Bistro Vista," making its first appearance, plans to serve items like "Roast Pork with Black Truffle Sauce," offering many dishes that make you want to pair them with wine.
The "12th Sakaya Kakuuchi Fes" will be held from Friday, February 6 to Sunday, February 8, 2026.
Please be sure to join in search of appealing encounters with "Drinks, Food, and Music."
Reference
"12th Sakaya Kakuuchi Fes"
■ Dates
February 6 (Fri) – 8 (Sun), 2026 *Rain or shine, canceled in stormy weather
Feb 6 (Fri) 11:00–19:00
Feb 7 (Sat) 10:00–19:00
Feb 8 (Sun) 10:00–19:00
*Last admission is 30 minutes before closing
■ Venue
Ueno Onshi Park Takenodai Plaza (Fountain Square)
■ Nearest Stations
Just outside JR Ueno Station Park Exit
5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ueno Station and Keisei Main Line Keisei Ueno Station
■ Admission
500 yen (includes sake tasting experience)
*Free admission for under 20, re-entry permitted on the day
■ Venue Layout
【Drinks】Liquor Store Kakuuchi Booths / Sake Tasting Corner / Tokyo Local Sake Concierge / Kakuuchi Sake Awards
【Food】Food Court
【Entertainment】Artist Stage, etc.
■ Number of Vendors
Liquor stores: 25 stalls
(19 within Tokyo, 6 outside Tokyo: Hokkaido, Fukushima, Tochigi, Toyama, Ishikawa, Nagano)
Food vendors: 32 stalls (24 tent booths, 8 kitchen cars)
Other: 3 PR booths
■ Organizers
Tokyo Retail Liquor Merchants Association, Tokyo Federation of Liquor Retailers Cooperatives, TOKYO Sakaya Damashii Executive Committee
■ Supporters
Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau, Taito Ward
■ Cooperation
Ueno Liquor Industry Social Gathering, Asakusa Liquor Merchants Federation, Asakusa Liquor Merchants Cooperative, Tokyo Retail Liquor Merchants Association Youth Division
■ Official Website
https://kakufes.com/
*Information as of January 2026.
Please check the official website of "Sakaya Kakuuchi Fes" for the latest information.
■ Official Social Media
X (formerly Twitter)
Instagram