#Japan #Yokohama #Whiskey Festival #Spirits Event

Whiskey and Spirits Festival 2026 in Yokohama

Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated Whiskey and Spirits Festival 2026 will take place on April 25 and 26 at Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall D. Organized by the Whiskey Culture Institute, tickets will be available for purchase starting February 10 at 12:00 PM through the digital ticketing system CLOUD PASS.

Early Access for Members

For members of the Whiskey Culture Institute, a limited number of tickets will be available for an exclusive pre-sale from February 3 to February 8. Each member can purchase one ticket per section, with only 400 tickets available for early access in each section. Detailed purchase instructions will be sent to registered members via email on February 2.

Ticket Purchase Details

Tickets can be bought via the official website through the ticket purchase button, redirecting you to CLOUD PASS. Once general sales begin, you can buy up to five tickets per transaction for a single section. Tickets are transferable, allowing you to enjoy the event with friends. However, if you desire to switch sections on the same day, you must exit the hall completely before re-entering.

Upon arrival at the event, entry will be conducted through a QR code, and no physical tickets will be issued. You must keep the purchase confirmation email you receive after completing payment, as it is crucial for entry. Note that an additional CLOUD PASS processing fee will apply to the ticket price.

Event Schedule

• - Event Name: Whiskey and Spirits Festival 2026
• - Date: April 25 (Sections 1 & 2) and April 26 (Sections 3 & 4)

- Section 1: 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
- Section 2: 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM
- Section 3: 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
- Section 4: 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM

• - Location: Pacifico Yokohama, 1-1-1 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, 220-0012
• - Entrance Fee: ¥5,000 (tax included) per section
• - Expected Attendance: Limited to 2,000 attendees per section (total 8,000 over two days)

Tasting Seminars

One of the highlights of the festival is the Tasting Seminars featuring esteemed speakers from Japan's leading craft distilleries. A total of 8 seminars will take place at specific locations within Pacifico Yokohama.

Here are some of the key seminars:

1. Title: Designing Your Desired Whiskey Profile – Technical Decisions at Niigata Kameda Distillery
- Date/Time: April 25, 10:45 - 11:45
- Speaker: Hiroyuki Doda (President, Niigata Kameda Distillery)
- Fee: ¥4,500

2. Title: Scientific Imagination in a Mountain of the Southern Alps
- Date/Time: April 25, 12:00 - 13:00
- Speaker: Yasuaki Seto (Director, Ikawa Distillery)
- Fee: ¥4,500

3. Title: The Future of LOUD & SMALL: Loud Grain® vs. Small Batch Grain®
- Date/Time: April 25, 15:15 - 16:15
- Speaker: Masafumi Matsumoto (Director, Yoshida Denzai Distillery)
- Fee: ¥4,500

...and several more insightful seminars covering diverse topics related to whiskey production and tasting.

For seminar registration, purchases of the festival entry ticket on the days of the seminars are mandatory. Note, each attendee can purchase only one seminar ticket per session. Be aware that seminar tickets cannot be bought separately.

Culinary Delights

Expect food trucks on-site offering dishes and snacks that pair well with whiskey, gin, and other spirits. There will also be a designated dining area for sitting and enjoying the culinary offerings from various participating booths.

About the Whiskey Festival

The Whiskey Festival is a renowned event uniting whiskey and spirits enthusiasts from around the world. Expect over 60-100 exhibitors, including distilleries, manufacturers, importers, and retailers, showcasing a wide array of whiskeys for tasting. Participants can experience the flavors of various whiskeys free of charge, alongside the option to purchase food and merchandise.

Fundamentally catering to whiskey and spirits fans aged 20 and older, this annual gathering began in 2007 and has been growing in scale and influence ever since. It encompasses not only whiskey but also a wider range of distilled spirits as of 2024.

About the Whiskey Culture Institute

The Whiskey Culture Institute, headed by renowned whiskey critic Mochinori Tsuchiya, focuses on promoting whiskey culture and education since its establishment in 2001. With numerous initiatives and events like the festival and the prestigious TWSC competition, their goal is to enhance whiskey appreciation and knowledge throughout Japan.

Make sure to secure your tickets early and enjoy an unforgettable weekend dedicated to whiskey and spirits!