Fall traditions: Beer Festivals

Each year in fall in Japan there is a great selection of beer festivals. It takes the edge off having to say goodbye to the beer gardens, which typically only open for a couple of months in summer! The beer festivals have already started in my own prefecture of Saitama, but also in various prefectures around Japan and in the nation's capital of Tokyo too.

Oktoberfest

Is it fair to say that in most parts of the world we know what 'Oktoberfest' is? I grew up in Europe (Ireland) where even though we didn't have an Oktoberfest when I was younger, I always knew what the word meant. In Japan, the literal translation has been ignored, because in the Kanto plain most of the Oktoberfest are in September! Including the Saitama Oktoberfest which is on for ten days from this Friday, September 13th. 

There is a event company called Oktober fest that organizes Oktoberfests in the greater Tokyo area. Their next big event is in Shiba Park and it also starts on Friday September 13th. However, unlike Saitama where there is no entry into the venue, the Shiba park event has a cover charge. You have to pay 500 yen in. However, the one after that, from September 20th in Urban Park Lalaport Toyosu, has no entry fee into the venue. 

Apart from the events organized by Oktober fest, there are several other Oktoberfests in japan this fall. Including the aforementioned Saitama Oktoberfest. Another big one coming up is the Yokohama Oktoberfest which is on from September 27th to October 14th. 

Other beer festivals

Oktoberfest is not the only type of beer festival. There are several other. For example, craft beer festivals. This Friday, September 13th, sees the start of the Tokyo Craft Beer Week. There is also a Belgian Beer Weekend from Thursday the 12th in Roppongi. The Oedo Beer festival is on from September 19th. You will also find even more in different parts of Japan.

Have you been to a beer festival in Japan? Are you planning to go to one this year?