11th Kakufes: Experience the Joy of Sake While Enjoying Live Performances and Delicious Food

Experience the 11th Kakufes: A Unique Sake Festival

The 11th Kakufes, short for “Sake Shop Kakuzukuri Festival,” is a much-anticipated event where historical sake shops come together to promote the joyful practice of “Kakuzukuri,” or drinking sake in a casual setting. This year's festival promises an engaging experience featuring more than 300 carefully selected types of sake, making it a must-visit for both connoisseurs and beginners alike.

Event Details

Dates: From November 14 (Friday) to November 16 (Sunday), 2025
Venue: Ueno Onshi Park - Take no Dai Hiroba (Fountain Square)
Access: Directly accessible from JR Ueno Station Park Exit; metro options include Tokyo Metro Ueno Station and Keisei Ueno Station, both within a 5-minute walk.
Admission Fee: 500 yen (includes a sake tasting experience). Admission is free for visitors under 20 years old, and re-entry on the same day is permitted.

Festival Highlights

Sake

The festival features 29 participating sake shops, mainly from Tokyo, along with exclusive representations from Hokkaido, Fukushima, Tochigi, Toyama, Ishikawa, Nagano, and Okinawa. Attendees can sample various selections, including

- Junmai Daiginjo Sanba no Usagi – a sake developed in Yamagata using malo-lactic fermentation for a unique flavor.
- Nokurou – made from the rare rice variety “Nohjōho.”
- Ebisuzuru Junmai – known for its clean finish while retaining a rich rice aroma.
- Suisei 39 MCNAUGHT – a crisp sake reminiscent of a shooting star, suitable for those who enjoy a lighter beverage.

In addition to tastings, visitors can learn about sake pairing through the “Sake Concierge” service, which matches attendees to types of sake based on their tastes.

Food

The festival’s food offerings will revolve around the theme of an Autumn Harvest Festival, utilizing seasonal ingredients. Guests can indulge in not just drinks but also a variety of dishes that complement the sake and represent the autumn bounty. This includes:

- Buri Katsu Burger – featuring “Buri” fish raised with sake lees, delivering a flavorful twist.
- Karaage – gold medal-winning fried chicken that has won national accolades.
- Yuyako Soba – a comforting bowl of miso-soaked noodles brimming with mushrooms.
- Churros – unique churros made from 100% domestic rice flour, providing a newfound taste experience.

Entertainment

An engaging stage will host various performances throughout the festival, featuring special guests such as former member of Hikari Genji, Hiroyuki Sato, and DJ Dinoji. Additionally, fun activities like the “Sake Shop Rock-Paper-Scissors” contest and puzzle-solving events will provide amusement for guests.

Special Collaborations

This year introduces unique experiences such as the “Kakufes Mystery Lottery,” developed in collaboration with Waseda University’s puzzle-solving club, algo. Participants can enjoy three different levels of mystery-solving activities, with immediate rewards for solving challenges related to sake.

Ticketing and Additional Info

Tickets are available for purchase via e+ and CN Play Guide. Enjoy a more relaxed experience with the option of paid seating. For the most current information and updates, check the official Kakufes website at kakufes.com.

This event promises to be a splendid fusion of culture, culinary delights, and camaraderie, ensuring a remarkable weekend filled with good spirits and togetherness. Don’t miss the chance to engage intimately with the world of sake and discover new favorites amidst the vibrancy of Ueno Park.