Whether you’re a shochu novice or geek, head to Yoyogi Park’s Kagoshima Shochu Music Festival and savour the Japanese liquor from one of the country’s premier shochu-producing regions. Although sake is the more famous Japanese beverage, shochu is actually the second most popular tipple in Japan after beer. It’s a clear spirit distilled from a range of ingredients like potato, rice, barley, buckwheat and black sugar. Kagoshima, however, is known for its shochu distilled from local sweet potato, which you’ll be able to taste at the festival, along with many varieties from around 40 distilleries.
The shochu comes in 150ml pours, with each brewer recommending the best way to drink their shochu: straight, on the rocks or with hot water. You'll also be able to nibble on a range of booze-compatible Kagoshima snacks, shop for Kagoshima speciality food products and crafts, while local musicians and performers provide a jovial backdrop for the festivities.