#Japan #Osaka #Whisky Festival #Whisky Culture

Major Renewal for the Whisky Festival 2026 in Osaka

The much-anticipated "Whisky Festival 2026 in Osaka" is set to take place on June 26-27, 2026, at the ATC Hall in the Osaka Bay Area. This year, it will feature significant changes, including a new schedule aimed at enhancing the experience for both whisky connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts.

Event Overview

On June 26 (Friday), the festival will kick off with a special "Premium Night" from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Attendees can look forward to an engaging talk show featuring special guests on stage. The following day, June 27 (Saturday), will have two tasting sessions: the first from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM and the second from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Throughout the festival, prominent industry figures, including leading blenders from Japan's whisky industry, will host tasting seminars, providing insights and guidance.

Not only will whisky and gin tastings take place, but attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase bottles and merchandise on-site. One of the highlights of this event is the chance for direct interaction with producers, making it a unique opportunity to engage with the whisky-making community.

Ticket Information

The festival will feature a limited entry system with a total capacity of 1,700 attendees for each session, ensuring an intimate atmosphere. Tickets will be available for purchase starting in early April 2026, priced at ¥3,500 for the Premium Night and ¥5,000 for each of the two daytime sessions. This new arrangement aims to streamline the experience for all attendees, ensuring everyone enjoys the festival’s offerings fully.

Tasting Seminars

An exciting element of the Whisky Festival is the tasting seminars, set to occur on June 27, where top blenders and expert guests will conduct four different sessions. Details regarding the seminars will be released later via official channels, and participants must purchase a ticket for either the first or second session to attend these exclusive seminars.

Special Guest Talks

Both June 26 and June 27 will include special talk shows with notable guests on stage. The identities of these guests and the exact schedules will be disclosed through the festival’s website and social media platforms as the event approaches.

Participating Companies

As of January 2026, 82 companies are on board for this festival, showcasing a range of Japanese and international brands. Some notable participants include Asahi Breweries, Suntory, and Diageo, among many others, ensuring a diverse array of products for sampling and purchasing.

What is the Whisky Festival?

The Whisky Festival is a grand tasting event that gathers whisky and spirits from around the globe. Featuring booths from distilleries, manufacturers, importers, liquor stores, and bars, the festival typically hosts between 60-100 exhibitors, allowing attendees to taste various whiskies, purchase food and related merchandise, and engage fully in the whisky culture. Open to lovers of whisky and spirits aged 20 and above, it promises to be a celebration of flavor and craftsmanship for all.

This successful event has been running since 2007 and has evolved to include themed festivals focusing on specific whisky styles, and it has expanded into various cities each year.

In 2024, the festival will include a broader scope than ever before, transitioning to the "Whisky & Spirits Festival in Yokohama" on April 25-26, 2024. The tickets for this event will go on sale on February 10.

About the Whisky Culture Institute

The Whisky Culture Institute, led by whisky critic Mamoru Tsuchiya, was established in March 2001, aiming to further whisky culture both in Japan and abroad. In addition to publishing the only dedicated whisky magazine in Japan, "Whisky Galore," the Institute organizes various events and certification programs to cultivate a deeper understanding of whisky among enthusiasts.

For more detailed information and updates about the festival, please visit the whisky festival website.

Join us for an unforgettable whisky experience at the Whisky Festival 2026 in Osaka!