Boasting over 130 years of history, Nara’s prestigious Umenoyado Brewery will be hosting a free-to-enter sake festival on their premises on the weekend of May 16 and 17. The festival features three types of sake: Umenoyado’s signature brew, Katsuragi; the debut of an unpasteurised version of the same label; and Aragoshi Hinohikari, a speciality cloudy sake. Like what you tasted? Bottles will also be available for purchase to enjoy at home.
Coarsely filtered beer will also be on the menu, as will beer cocktails, which are mixed with Umenoyado’s fruit liqueurs from their Aragoshi Series. Non-alcoholic drinks like peach- and yuzu-flavoured slushies will also be available to beat the heat.
Festival food like chicken tempura, grilled fish and squid on skewers, takoyaki and yakisoba can be enjoyed with the drinks and live performances. Note that exclusive food items like straw-grilled bonito tataki and Mahoroba Red Beef steaks and croquettes require special tickets, which can be purchased online before your visit.
While you’re there, don’t miss out on the exclusive brewery tour, which includes tastings and a limited-edition souvenir. The tour costs ¥1,800 and must be booked in advance.