If you’re already dreaming of cozy comfort food to stave off the winter chill, then mark your calendars for January 16–19, 2025. The Oden & Sake Festival 2025 is heading to Ueno Park in Tokyo, and it’s shaping up to be the ultimate food lover’s event. Think piping-hot bowls of regional Japanese oden paired with crisp, fragrant sake—and that’s just the beginning.
Event Information
| Event Name | Oden & Sake Festival (おでん＆地酒フェス) |
| Dates & Times | January 16 (Thu): 12:00–21:00 January 17 (Fri): 12:00–21:00 January 18 (Sat): 10:00–21:00 January 19 (Sun): 10:00–20:00 |
| Location | Ueno Onshi Park, Taito-ku (Bamboo Garden Square/Fountain Plaza) |
| Admission | Free |
| Official Website | https://oden-jizakefes.com/ |
Oden: Japan’s Ultimate Winter Comfort Food
Oden is a beloved Japanese dish that features various ingredients simmered in a savory broth. At the festival, you’ll find regional twists on this winter classic:
- Hokkaido-Style (Sapporo Bunju): Brimming with seafood like crab and richly flavored with kombu (kelp).
- Aomori-Style (Aomoriya): Famous for its warming ginger miso sauce drizzled over piping-hot oden.
- Shizuoka-Style (Tanakaya Shouji): Identified by its dark broth and black hanpen fish cakes, often sprinkled with fish powder.
- Nagoya-Style (Daisho): Laden with robust hacchou miso, giving it that deep, comforting flavor you can’t resist.
- Okinawa-Style (Kuwacchi-ya): Incorporates pork (think meltingly soft 軟骨ソーキ), plus hearty seaweed for a tropical-island spin.
Craving something adventurous? There’s even Korean oden (think light fishcake broth with the option of a fiery kick) and Chinese mala oden (for those who love bold, spicy flavors). Just roam from stall to stall, and you’ll get a crash course in Japan’s regional food culture all in one place.
Sake & Drinks: Toast to Regional Flavors
The sake portion of the festival is just as exciting. Breweries and beverage vendors from across the country will be pouring their best local sake, craft beer, and inventive cocktails:
- Tokyo Craft Sake (Wooden Flower Brewery): A new wave of sake that incorporates herbs, fruit, or hops for a modern spin.
- Far-North Selections (Tono Beer Zumona): Showcasing the unique aroma of local hop varieties in crisp craft beers.
- Miyagi Junmai: Known for a full-bodied profile that matches beautifully with the richness of certain oden broths.
- Fruit-Based Cocktails & Sour (Beer & Sour STAND or MAMIANA Okinawa): Perfect if you’re seeking something lighter, often featuring fresh citrus or tropical fruits.
Feeling chilly? Many vendors offer hot sake or hot sangria, so you can stroll through the festival with a toasty cup in hand. Sake lovers, you can even opt for a tasting flight to compare different prefectural specialties side by side.
Entertainment & Cultural Performances
Beyond the food and drink, Ueno Park will come alive with traditional performances like the Edo Kotobuki Lion Dance, which is a lively spectacle of drums, flutes, and a single performer rapidly switching roles. Don’t be surprised if you also stumble upon Yosakoi or Soranbushi dances—both are high-energy, colorful expressions of regional heritage. Even DJs are on standby to keep the party mood going into the evening. It’s a real chance to experience Japanese culture in a fun, laid-back environment.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
Let’s be honest: Tokyo winters can get pretty nippy. A steamy bowl of oden—packed with fresh, local ingredients—paired with a warm cup of sake is the winter treat you deserve. The festival’s free admission makes it accessible whether you plan to swing by for lunch or make a day of it. Plus, the open-air setting of Ueno Park, surrounded by cultural attractions, adds an extra layer of charm you won’t find elsewhere.
Insider Tip: Go early if you’re curious about limited-edition oden ingredients—some stalls sell out of special items fast. And if you’re not into alcohol, don’t worry—there are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and hearty sides like giant gyoza, grilled fish, or even cheese-topped fried dumplings to keep your hands (and belly) warm.
Cheers to Oden & Sake!
If you’re hunting for a memorable winter festival in Tokyo, the Oden & Sake Festival 2025 should top your list. From the wide range of comforting hotpots to the array of uniquely brewed sake, every bite and sip offers a taste of regional Japan. Throw in the festive cultural performances and friendly atmosphere, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for shaking off the winter blues. Grab your friends, bring your appetite, and get ready to explore one of Tokyo’s most anticipated (and mouthwatering) winter events! Enjoy, and kanpai!
