Sake Festival Singapore 2026: 'The Masters’ Return' Marks Landmark 11th Year With 600+ Sakes

Organised by Orihara, Singapore’s leading distributor of traditional nihonshu, the festival continues its decade-long legacy of promoting authentic Japanese craftsmanship. This is the only event in Singapore where you can meet the highest number of sake producers, including kurabitos (brewery workers) and tojis (master brewers), face-to-face.

• Date: Saturday, 20 June 2026
• Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre
• Ticket Prices: * Advance Ticket: $60
  • Door Ticket: $70
  • Bundle Deal: 5+1 Bundle (Perfect for groups!)
• Official Website: www.sakefestival.sg

1. The Debut of the Workshop Arena

For the first time in the festival's history, attendees can access a dedicated Workshop Arena. This space will feature highly coveted, complimentary masterclasses and curated tasting sessions, including:

• Dassai Masterclass: Learn about progressive brewing techniques from one of the world's most famous brands.
• Suntory Toki Whisky: Discover the art of Japanese whisky blending.
• SKLO Glassware: Understand how glassware shape affects the aroma and flavor profile of sake.
• Sake Bottle Share: Curated tasting sessions hosted by the renowned consumer group.

2. Sommelier-Guided Tours

Feeling overwhelmed by 600+ choices? Take advantage of the themed sake tours led by expert festival sommeliers. These quick, curated walkthroughs are designed to guide your palate and point you directly to the absolute hidden gems on the exhibition floor.

3. Izakaya Alley by Tanjong Pagar Yokocho Chefs

Back by popular demand since their 2024 debut, a collective of top Japanese chefs from the Tanjong Pagar district will be serving up authentic otsumami (small bites) and classic street food. Food prices start at just $6.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Traditional comforting Oden
• Crispy Japanese Karaage
• California-style Crab Uramaki
• Premium Anago (sea eel) Stick Sushi

With over 40 sake brewers flying in from Japan, the lineup balances world-renowned powerhouses with deeply historical, artisanal breweries.

The Headliners

• Dassai Inc.: Globally acclaimed for its progressive, highly polished Junmai Daiginjo sakes.
• Yukinobosha & Shimeharitsuru (Miyao Brewery): Famous for striking a flawless balance between rich and light flavors.
• Hakurakusei (Niizawa Brewery): The pioneers of shokuchushu—sakes crafted specifically to complement food.
• Yamaguchi Shuzojo (Niwa no Uguisu): A historic, 200-year-old Fukuoka brewery showcasing seasonal, effervescent nama sakes.
• Makino Shuzo (MACHO?): Gunma Prefecture’s oldest brewery (est. 1690), blending award-winning Edo-period heritage with bold, modern marketing.

Azuma Rikishi — CAVE UROKO 5

A masterful blend of five different cave-aged sakes. The specialised aging process creates a deep umami character, resulting in a rich, full-bodied, and beautifully concentrated flavor profile.

Kamotsuru Shuchu Zaishin Junmai Daiginjou

Hailing from Hiroshima's historic Saijo district (founded in 1873), Kamotsuru is famous for pioneering the premium ginjo style. This bottle uses premium Yamadanishiki rice from the Zoga district and soft subterranean water from Mount Ryuo. Expect elegant grape-like aromatics, refined depth, and an expanding rice umami.

Yamakawa Mitsuo 2026 (by Yamagata Masamune)

A unique, collaborative sake project born from four legendary breweries in the Yamagata Prefecture. The name is an acronym of its makers: Yamagata Masamune, Tatenokawa, Mitsu (Toko/Retsu), and O (Uyo Otokoyama). Pushing the boundaries of modern junmai sake, it offers high drinkability with pure ingredients, reminiscent of refreshing, sparkling rice water.

Niwano Uguisu Usungori Junmai Ginjou Nama 

Hailing from Fukuoka Prefecture, Yamaguchi Shuzojo is a historic brewery founded in 1832 with nearly 200 years of traditional brewing heritage. This highly anticipated seasonal, unpasteurised (nama) sake is a standout feature of the festival. Crafted to highlight rich rice umami and vibrant aromatics, this Usunigori (lightly cloudy sake) offers a fresh, gentle effervescence and a distinctive juicy, fruity character. 

MACHO? (by Makino Shuzo)

Founded in 1690 during the early Edo period, Makino Shuzo is the oldest sake brewery in Gunma Prefecture, boasting over 330 years of history. Don't let the name fool you—while their flagship brand Ohsakazuki has won consecutive First Place honors at the Kanto-Shinetsu Regional Tax Bureau Sake Awards, their "MACHO?" series is a bold, unconventional masterpiece designed to break the traditional image of sake.

Long-time festival partner Suntory will be elevating the beverage lineup by launching five premium serves of The Premium Malt’s:

1. Mliko
2. Pilsner
3. Sunset
4. Half & Half
5. Black Beer

Additionally, beer lovers can sample Kaoru Ale and Master’s Dream, premium brews that are typically restricted to exclusive food and beverage outlets.

• Buy Early: Secure the advance ticket or rally your friends for the 5+1 bundle to save on admission.
• Eat as You Sip: Line your stomach at the Izakaya Alley. Traditional nihonshu is best enjoyed alongside delicious Japanese dishes.
• Pace Yourself: With over 600 sakes and spirits available, utilize the Sommelier-Guided Tours early on to find your preferred flavor profile (dry, sweet, fruity, or earthy) before exploring on your own.

Don't miss the ultimate Japanese cultural and beverage experience in Singapore. Get your tickets now at the official Sake Festival website.