#Japan #Craft Beer #Koganei #Koganei Beer Festival #Central Line Beer Works

Koganei Beer Festival 2026: A Celebration of Craft and Community

One year has passed since Koganei City welcomed its first brewery, and the anticipation for the Koganei Beer Festival 2026 is brewing! Hosted by JR Chuo Line Community Design, this year’s festival will take place from September 11 to 13, 2026, in the Festival Court near Musashi-Koganei Station. Last year's inaugural event drew approximately 27,000 visitors over two days, showcasing the vibrant craft beer scene in the region.

Event Highlights

This festival is more than just an opportunity to enjoy a cold brew; it is a celebration of community, local cuisine, and the craft of brewing. The event will feature 11 craft beer exhibitors from the Tama region, including Koganei City's very own Chuo Line Beer Works, along with four local restaurants, serving up seasonal dishes that pair perfectly with a refreshing pint.

Festival Schedule

• - September 11 (Fri): 16:00 - 20:00 (Last Orders 19:45)
• - September 12 (Sat): 11:00 - 20:00 (Last Orders 19:45)
• - September 13 (Sun): 11:00 - 19:00 (Last Orders 18:45)

Admission is free! Tickets can be purchased directly from the food stalls, each accepting various payment methods.

Event Hosts: JR Chuo Line Community Design, with support from East Japan Railway Company.



This year's festival visual has been crafted by Kaoru Yamasaki, a local designer and illustrator. Yamasaki’s artwork encapsulates the essence of Koganei and the joy of community connections, making it integral to the festival's branding.

The Craft Beer Selection

At Koganei Beer Festival 2026, attendees will have the chance to sample a diverse array of craft brews:

• - Chuo Line Beer Works: Koganei's first brewery, focusing on regional flavors and local ingredients.
• - OGA BREWING: Known for beers that wow newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
• - 26K Brewery: A small brewery creating unique flavors from local resources.
• - KUNITACHI BREWERY: Fusing tradition with innovation in brewing.
• - And many more! Including special guests from Shimachu Brewing in Mie Prefecture.

This eclectic gathering of brewers means attendees can not only try out their favorites but perhaps find something new to love!

Local Gourmet Experience

Alongside these craft beverages, guests can enjoy delicious dishes from local vendors:

• - König: A German-inspired stall serving handmade sausages and hot dogs that complement the beers.
• - Kunkun: Known for their popular Taiwanese scallion pancakes, perfect for snacking while sipping.
• - Aitaiya: Specializing in mouth-watering steak and hamburgers made for meat lovers.
• - Wafu Gelato Okaji TOKYO: Indulge in exquisite Japanese-style gelato to cleanse the palate.

Eco-Friendly Initiatives

To promote sustainability, this year the festival introduces reuse cups that guests can purchase and use throughout the event, minimizing waste. These reusable cups can be bought at the venue for 300 yen.

Engaging Activities and Prizes

This year, the festival will also launch a Digital Stamp Rally. Attendees can collect stamps from various vendors for a chance to win exciting prizes, including brewery merchandise and tickets to FC Tokyo matches!

You won't want to miss the fun: activities for children, local art, and a unique marketplace showcasing Koganei's best.

Final Thoughts

As Koganei City celebrates its craft beer renaissance, the Koganei Beer Festival 2026 promises a weekend filled with good drinks, delicious food, and unforgettable memories created among friends and family. Mark your calendars to join this fantastic celebration of local culture in one of Tokyo's hidden gems!

See you there, and don’t forget to explore the vibrant streets and parks of Koganei during your visit!