Mid Apr
Early May
Umeshu is a much-loved drink across Japan
Umeshu is a much-loved drink across Japan (Photo: Tomo/CC By SA 2.0)

Otaru Umeshu Festival 2025

Enjoy plum wine and plum-inspired foods in Hokkaido

Kim   - 1 min read
Venue : Tanaka Sake Brewing Kikkogura When : Mid Apr - Early May 2025

Each year, Hokkaido's Tanaka Sake Brewing Kikkogura hosts the Otaru Umeshu Festival, which serves as a celebration of this much-loved beverage. Made from steeping unripe ume plums with sugar in alcohol, umeshu has a sweet, slightly sour taste, and can be found all across Japan from bars to convenience stores.

The Otaru Umeshu Festival allows visitors to participate in umeshu tastings, along with offering umeshu varieties for purchase. There's also some unique plum-inspired foods available at the event, including the likes of plum cheesecake, plum vinegar, and plum miso.

Getting there

The Tanaka Sake Brewing Kikkogura is located around 10 minutes on foot from the JR Otaru Station, which is served by the Hakodate Main Line.

For those who opt to drive, there is a small parking lot available on site for 15 vehicles.

Kim

Kim @kim.b