Introducing local flavors, the Shikoku Sake Festival is held every year in the Ikeda town area of Miyoshi city, Tokushima prefecture. A large event, it has grown to the point that it now attracts around 15,000 sake fans!

And this coming weekend, February 20th 2016, will be the 17th time the event has been held. The main venue is located at the Sunrise building in the Ikeda town area.

Starting with local Ikeda sake such as Imakomachi and Miyoshikiku, 41 Shikoku sake brands will be lined up.

At the tasting event, you can try every one of the sakes (same-day tickets JPY1800)!

For sake-lovers, it’s a paradise on Earth, but be sure not to drink too much!

However, if you happen to have too much, “shikomisui” (water used for sake brewing) is available, so feel free to take a break.

From 11 AM, the “Local Cocktail Battle Royale” is held in one corner of the venue. Virtuoso bartenders compete to create cocktails using local sake as a base from the four Shikoku prefectures, and arranging them with the specialties of each prefecture. Only the first 100 people can try the cocktails, so be sure to line up early!

On the day of the festival, three local breweries will open their doors to the public. The sake tasting venue may be crowded, but each year you’ll find long lines here, as well.

And the aim is none other than this:
Naturally, it’s to serve freshly brewed, undiluted sake at the breweries! You just can’t go home without trying it!

At the same time, the Udatsu Marché is held in the environs of Udatsu-dori Street, which is located midway between the breweries and the tasting venue.
Without losing out to the sake festival in terms of visitor numbers, the event offers gourmet dishes, and a variety of shops.

The people in costumes that make the event lively are a must see, too.
Usually a quiet countryside town, once a year Ikeda is filled with a festive mood. Do head over on February 20^th (Sat) and soak up the ambience!

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The 17th Annual Shikoku Sake Festival
Venue (sake tasting): Sunrise bldg, 2183 Machi, Ikeda, Miyoshi city, Tokushima prefecture
Tickets: Same-day tickets JPY1800, Advance tickets JPY1600
Tel: 0883-72-0143 (Awa Ikeda Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Date & Time: February 20 (Sat), 2016, 10:00-16:00
http://www.shikoku-sakematuri.com/ (Japanese)
Setouchi Finder Photo-writer: Chiba Daisuke