Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival and a widely recognized tradition originating from Munich, Germany. The festival has been celebrated annually by countless nations for over 200 years. In 2003, Japan started its own Oktoberfest in Yokohama to honor the German culture that the country has embraced with countless breweries and pubs across all districts. This year, there are various Oktoberfest events around Japan that visitors are sure to enjoy during their stay. J Select has compiled a list of the favorite Oktoberfest events this September in Japan that combine delicious food, imported drinks, vibrant culture and fun for the whole family!
History of Oktoberfest
On October 12, 1810, Oktoberfest was born when the crown prince of Bavaria married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. A 5-day festival followed their wedding and included all of the citizens of Munich in its activities, spreading the popularity of the festival across the bustling city. The occasion included horse shows, beer and authentic German dishes. In the following years, more events would be added, more people would become privy to it and countless more countries would adopt the tradition and make it their own. By the late 19th century, the festival had been moved to September to fully take advantage of the beautiful weather that came on the cusp of fall and summer. Today, over 30 nations celebrate Oktoberfest with more than 6 million people taking part around the world.
Munich-approved Oktoberfest in Tokyo
Despite the many festivities centered around Oktoberfest, there is only one event in Japan that is officially recognized by Munich and it will be held in 2 locations in Tokyo this year. First at Shiba Park in Tokyo’s Minato Ward and additionally at Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu Courtyard Seaside Deck in Toyosu Ward. The culture-rich festival will feature authentic German cuisine, imported German beer and live music performed by a native German band that also performs in the Munich Oktoberfest. During the band’s performance, they will intermittently play a drinking song titled “Ein Prosit” that is custom during German parties. It is easy for guests to learn and sing along while raising their own glass with those around them. The festival grounds become Japan’s own little piece of Munich and welcomes people from all over the world to experience the bountiful celebrations and raise a glass to “prost” (cheers in German) to good fortunes and even better beer!
Shiba Park
Dates: Sept. 11 (Wed) – 23 (Wed)
Times: Weekdays: 4pm – 10pm + Weekends/Holidays: 11am – 10pm
Location: Shiba Park
Address: 3-2 Shiba Koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Admission: ¥500 for adults (junior high and older) / Free for children
Website: .https://www.oktober-fest.jp/news/003747.php
Toyosu
Dates: September 18 (Fri) – October 12 (Mon)
Times: Weekdays: 4pm – 9:30pm + Weekends/Holidays: 11am – 9:30pm
Location: Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu Courtyard Seaside Deck
Address: 2 Chome-4-9 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.oktober-fest.jp/news/003747.php
Oktoberfest Events Around Japan
Oktoberfest in Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree is hosting its own Oktoberfest event this year on the 4th floor of its famous grounds. The 4th floor of the Skytree is a mix of indoor and outdoor areas that will be transformed into a German beer garden featuring German beers and delicious German cuisine including currywurst, pretzels, mussels, schnitzel and more! Live music will be playing while visitors explore Tokyo’s take on Oktoberfest. This authentic display of German culture will overlook Sumida Ward from the balcony of the Skytree and immerse guests in all that the long history Oktoberfest has to offer.
Dates: Sept. 19 (Sat) – Oct. 26 (Mon)
Times: Weekdays: 11am – 9pm + Weekends/Holidays: 11am – 9:30pm
Location: Sky Arena, 4th floor, Tokyo Skytree Town
Address: Tokyo Skytree 4F, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Admission: Free
Website: https://okfes.jp/202609-skytree/
Yokohama Oktoberfest
The Yokohama Oktoberfest is the longest-running version of the festival in Japan. Starting in 2003 at the historic Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, the event now serves as a symbol of autumn and attracts over 130,000 visitors every year. This year, the festival will offer a tasting set of imported German beers, allowing beer lovers and enthusiasts to explore the authentic tastes of German breweries. Even if you aren’t interested in the ales, the event has more to offer in live orchestra music and a scenic lawn to relax and die Aussicht genießen (enjoy the view in German)!
Dates: Sept. 18 (Fri) – Oct. 4 (Sun)
Times: Weekdays at 12 – 9:30pm + Weekends/Holidays at 11am – 9:30pm
Location: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Event Plaza
Address: 1 Chome-1-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Admission: ¥500 for adults (junior high and older) / Free for children
Website: https://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/oktoberfest/
Oktoberfest Chiba
The Chiba Oktoberfest is the earliest event on the list. Taking place from late July into early August, the event allows summer travelers to experience Oktoberfest before its traditional start in the fall. The event offers authentic German food along with beer tastings of favorite Munich brews. The beers are said to range from fruity, dark brews to organic, unfiltered lagers making for a diverse experience. The Chiba City Central Park is a hotspot for both tourists and residents and often hosts events that attract crowds from all over.
Dates: July 24 (Fri) – Aug. 2 (Sun)
Times: Weekdays: 3pm – 8pm + Weekends: 11am – 8pm
Location: Chiba Central Park
Address: 1-12-12 Chuo-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.chibacity-ta.or.jp/events/event/oktoberfest-chiba2026/
Sendai Oktoberfest
The Sendai Oktoberfest is a special event for the whole family. In contrast with the other festivities this fall, the Sendai event focuses on food just as much as it focuses on beer. There are 13 food vendors, each with a unique specialization in German cuisine. Fresh prosciutto, squid butter potatoes, raw oysters, homemade sausages and thick ham cutlets are some of the snacks that will be featured among all of the other delicious foods at this festival. Another fun, unique addition to the festival is the “Drinking Song” or “Ein Prosit” which is a toast to good fortune that the Germans practice during their annual Oktoberfest festivities. This event is a can’t-miss for visitors to Japan in the early fall.
Dates: Sept. 11 (Fri) – 27 (Sun)
Times: Weekdays: 4pm – 9pm + Weekends: 11am – 9pm
Location: Nishikicho Park
Address: 2 Chome-21 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi-ken
Admission: ¥1000 (includes a ¥500 food/drink coupon)
Website: https://sendai-oktoberfest.jp/
Oktoberfest Fukuoka
The Fukuoka Oktoberfest event has a vast range of food and drink available that will make visitors feel like they’ve stepped right into Munich. Foods that can be found at this festival are homemade sausages, currywurst burgers, crab pasta, aged roast beef and more with the full menu being featured on their website. Taking place in Reisen Park, the festival is scenic and immersive with attendees dressed in their drindl (a German cultural dress worn by women) underneath a beautifully lit tent with their full steins raised high. The Fukuoka fest kicks off last and is perfect for visitors who are looking for fun in the cooler months in Japan.
Dates: Oct. 17 (Sat) – 26 (Mon)
Times: Weekdays: 4pm – 10pm + Weekends: 11am – 10pm
Location: Reisen Park
Address: 7-109 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka
Admission: Free
Website: https://f-oktober.com/
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