Written by TC Team
The Japan Brewers’ Cup is one of the major events on Japan’s craft beer calendar. It’s both a festival and, as the name suggests, a contest between the brewers.
What happens?
This year sees 41 Japanese and overseas brewers and craft beer importers pouring more than 300 different beers. With such an amazing array of breweries, it’s difficult to make recommendations, so walk around and try as many as you can.
Aside from the beer, food and people (entertainment enough most would say) there is regular shows on the stage.
Previous years have included performances by a “beer idol” group. Surprisingly, a beer idol is not a bearded, middle aged man with a pot belly. In fact, they look pretty much like every other J-pop idol group.
Highlights 2026
Beer
This year’s beer lineup features Craftrock Brewing (Tokyo), Far Yeast Brewing (Yamanashi), Isekado (Mie), Streetlight Brewing (Hokkaido) and many more. Notable overseas additions include Hong Kong’s Young Master and South Korea’s Seoul Brewery, as well as a handful of North American breweries.
Performances
Check out the complete list of performers here.
Tickets
- Friday, February 6: Advance tickets ¥900; same-day tickets ¥1,200
- Saturday, February 7: Advance tickets ¥1,200, same-day tickets ¥1,500
- Sunday, February 8: Advance tickets ¥1,100, same-day tickets ¥1,400
How to get there
The event takes place at CIQ Hall at Hammerhead.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.- 0.8 km from Bashamichi Station Minatomirai Line (MM4)
- 0.9 km from Minatomirai Station Minatomirai Line (MM3)
- 1.0 km from Nihon-ōdōri Station Minatomirai Line (MM5)
