Imagine this: a quiet sip. The gentle aroma, nuanced and delicate, rises to meet your senses, this can be felt in CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2025. The smooth, rich texture of rice wine fills your mouth, a symphony of flavors unfolding on your palate. Sometimes crisp and clean, sometimes fruity and complex, always expressive and captivating. This is the experience of Japanese sake. An art form meticulously crafted in a bottle, a testament to Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
In recent years, sake has transcended its traditional image, capturing the hearts and imaginations of connoisseurs and enthusiasts around the world. All while drawing comparisons to the appreciation of fine wine or the nuanced world of craft coffee. It’s recognized not just as a drink, but as a profound way to experience Japan’s deep-rooted traditions, diverse regional flavors, and unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. Sake is seen as a staple in Japanese ‘cuisine’ just like tonkatsu and curry.
If you’ve ever found yourself intrigued by sake, or if you’re already a devoted lover of this captivating beverage, there’s one event that stands out as the ultimate celebration of Japan’s sake culture: CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2025 at Roppongi Hills.
🍶 A Cultural Celebration Like No Other
Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2025 will be held from April 18th (Friday) to April 29th (Tuesday/Holiday), 2025. At the prestigious Roppongi Hills Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
This spectacular 12-day event promises an unparalleled immersion into the world of sake, offering a unique opportunity to explore its depths, discover new favorites, and connect with the passionate individuals who bring this exquisite beverage to life.
To learn more about this extraordinary event, visit the Official Website.
A Visionary’s Passion: Hidetoshi Nakata’s Sake Journey
The driving force behind CRAFT SAKE WEEK is none other than former Japanese national soccer team star, Hidetoshi Nakata. Following his illustrious career on the global football stage, Nakata embarked on a personal journey of rediscovery, seeking to reconnect with his own cultural roots and explore the hidden gems of Japan.
Beginning in 2009, Nakata undertook an extraordinary expedition, traveling through all 47 prefectures of Japan. This immersive experience led him to visit over 450 sake breweries, each with its own unique story, traditions, and brewing philosophies.
Through these encounters, Nakata gained a profound appreciation for the artistry, dedication, and cultural significance of Japanese sake. He recognized that sake was more than just an alcoholic beverage. It was a powerful expression of Japanese identity, deeply intertwined with the country’s history, agriculture, and craftsmanship.
Inspired by his newfound passion and driven by a desire to share the wonders of sake with a wider audience, Nakata founded the JAPAN CRAFT SAKE COMPANY in 2015. This company serves as a platform for promoting sake culture through various initiatives. Including sake development, event consulting, the development of the “Sakenomy” sake app, and the innovative “Sake Blockchain” traceability system.
CRAFT SAKE WEEK stands as a testament to Nakata’s vision and dedication, providing a dynamic and engaging platform for showcasing the diversity and allure of Japanese sake to both domestic and international audiences.
✨ 120 Breweries, 12 Days, 12 Distinct Themes
CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2025 at Roppongi Hills is meticulously curated to offer a unique and enriching experience for every visitor. The event will feature a remarkable lineup of 120 carefully selected breweries from across Japan, each showcasing their finest sakes.
What sets CRAFT SAKE WEEK apart is its innovative thematic approach. Each of the 12 days of the event will be dedicated to a specific theme, highlighting different aspects of sake culture and production. This thematic structure allows attendees to delve deeper into specific areas of interest and discover the incredible versatility of sake.
Themes You Can Expect
- April 18: “The Sparkling Beginning”. Kick off the festivities with a celebratory toast featuring sparkling sake, a modern and effervescent expression of this traditional beverage.
- April 23: “A Sip of History”. Journey through time with sakes from historic breweries, some boasting over 250 years of brewing heritage, offering a taste of tradition and legacy.
- April 29: “Team Juyondai”. Conclude the event with a legendary lineup of breweries, including the renowned “Juyondai,” representing the pinnacle of sake craftsmanship.
Each day, 10 breweries will participate, carefully chosen to align with the day’s theme. This curated selection, overseen by a team of experts including sommeliers, renowned chefs, and Nakata himself, ensures that attendees experience the very best that the Japanese sake world has to offer. With over 400 breweries considered for the event, only the most exceptional make the cut. Guaranteeing a truly remarkable tasting experience.
The daily rotation of breweries means that visitors can return multiple times throughout the 12-day event and discover something new each day. Whether you’re seeking a specific style of sake or simply eager to explore the breadth of flavors, CRAFT SAKE WEEK offers an unparalleled opportunity for discovery.
🍶 Sake: A Drink to Learn and Savor – Demystifying the World of Sake
For those new to the world of sake, the terminology and classifications can sometimes feel overwhelming. Words like “junmai,” “daiginjo,” or “seimai-buai” might seem like technical jargon, creating a barrier to entry. However, CRAFT SAKE WEEK is designed to be welcoming and approachable to everyone, regardless of their prior knowledge of sake.
One of the unique aspects of CRAFT SAKE WEEK is the presence of the brewers themselves. These passionate individuals have dedicated their lives to the art of sake-making. They will be on hand to pour your cup, answer your questions, and share the stories behind their creations.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the different types of rice used in sake production. Such as the intricate brewing techniques passed down through generations, and the unique characteristics that define each brewery’s style. The brewers will guide you through the nuances of flavor and aroma, helping you develop a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry involved in sake production.
To further enhance the learning experience, CRAFT SAKE WEEK encourages the use of the official sake app, “Sakenomy.” This innovative app provides a wealth of information about sake. Including the ability to scan labels and access detailed sake profiles and food pairing suggestions. Furthermore it provides brewery information, and tasting notes in both English and Japanese.
With “Sakenomy,” you can easily navigate the vast selection of sakes at the event, track your favorite discoveries, and even log your own tasting notes, ensuring that you never forget a truly exceptional sip. The app also features a search function, allowing you to find sakes by region, price range, or food pairing compatibility.
🍽️ Gourmet Pairings: A Symphony of Sake and Cuisine
Sake isn’t just about the drink itself; it’s also about the art of pairing it with food. The right pairing can elevate both the sake and the dish, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds.
CRAFT SAKE WEEK recognizes the importance of this culinary connection and features collaborations with 15 world-renowned restaurants. Some of which are notoriously difficult to secure reservations at. These esteemed establishments will prepare event-exclusive dishes, meticulously designed to complement the diverse range of sakes on offer.
Imagine savoring a delicate piece of sushi with a crisp, dry junmai ginjo, or indulging in a rich, savory dish with a full-bodied junmai daiginjo. The culinary possibilities are endless, and CRAFT SAKE WEEK provides a unique opportunity to explore the exciting world of sake and food pairings.
Beyond the exquisite cuisine, the presentation itself is an integral part of the experience. Every dish will be served in carefully chosen Japanese tableware. Showcasing the beauty and artistry of Japanese ceramics and enhancing both the visual appeal and the overall dining experience.
A Feast for the Senses: Immersive Venue Design
The venue for CRAFT SAKE WEEK is not merely a space for drinking and eating; it’s an immersive environment designed to evoke the essence of Japanese culture. The event organizers place a strong emphasis on creating a visually stunning and culturally resonant atmosphere through carefully curated installations.
Each year, a different theme is chosen, drawing inspiration from Japanese culture, traditions, and the beauty of the four seasons. Renowned architects and designers, both domestic and international, are invited to create unique installations that transform the venue into a captivating work of art.
Previous themes have included:
- “Yagura” (櫓, a traditional wooden tower)
- “Sakura” (桜, cherry blossoms)
- “Take” (竹, bamboo)
- “Nawa” (縄, rope)
- “Masu” (枡, a traditional wooden cup)
Each evoking a different facet of Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship.
These installations, carefully crafted and thoughtfully arranged, create a sense of wonder and enchantment, further enhancing the overall CRAFT SAKE WEEK experience.
🌏 Sharing Japan with the World: A Cultural Movement
CRAFT SAKE WEEK transcends the boundaries of a typical tasting event; it’s a cultural movement with a broader mission.
The event serves as a platform for sharing the depth, diversity, and global appeal of Japanese craftsmanship, with sake as the starting point. However, the vision extends beyond sake to encompass other aspects of Japanese culture, including food, design, and traditional arts.
Nakata’s global perspective, shaped by his extensive travels to over 100 countries and regions, informs his approach to CRAFT SAKE WEEK. He understands the power of cultural exchange and the ability of food and drink to bridge cultural divides.
CRAFT SAKE WEEK is his way of bringing the richness and beauty of Japan to the world, one sip, one dish, one experience at a time. It’s an invitation to discover the heart and soul of Japan through its most cherished traditions.
🎟️ How to Join the Celebration
To participate in this unforgettable cultural experience, attendees can purchase the Starter Set, priced at ¥4,200. This set includes a beautifully designed original sake glass, a keepsake of the event, and 12 tasting/food coins, which can be used to purchase sake and food throughout the venue.
For those planning to attend on multiple days, bringing back the original sake glass allows for the purchase of additional coins without needing to buy a new Starter Set. Additional coins can be purchased in sets, starting from ¥1,600 for 10 coins.
Ticket pre-sales will commence on February 26, 2025, through the official CRAFT SAKE WEEK website. It’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance to secure your spot at this highly anticipated event.
📍 Event Summary: Your Guide to CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2025
Here’s a comprehensive summary of the event details to help you plan your visit:
- Dates: April 18–29, 2025
- Weekdays: 3 PM – 10 PM (Last Order 9:30 PM)
- Weekends/Holidays: 12 PM – 9 PM (Last Order 8:30 PM)
- Location: Roppongi Hills Arena, Tokyo
- Breweries: 10 per day, 120 total
- Restaurants: 15 top restaurants
- Starter Set: ¥4,200 (glass + 12 coins)
- Website: https://craftsakeweek.com
✨ Don’t Miss This Unforgettable Cultural Experience
A single sip of sake has the power to tell a thousand stories of the rice paddies of Niigata. The pristine waters of the mountains of Kyoto. Centuries-old brewing techniques passed down through generations, and the cutting-edge innovations that are shaping the future of sake.
CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2025 is more than just an event; it’s a journey of discovery. It’s a sensory celebration that will ignite your passion for sake and immerse you in the captivating world of Japanese culture. It’s a chance to learn, taste, connect, and fall in love with the artistry, tradition, and innovation that make sake so extraordinary.
So, mark your calendar, gather your friends, bring your curiosity, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Tokyo. Your perfect cup of sake awaits.
