Last Updated on 2025 年 8 月 22 日 by 総合編集組
A Culinary Odyssey: Japan’s Top Food Festivals in 2025
Japan’s culinary landscape in 2025 promises an extraordinary experience for food lovers worldwide. Three major events—Nagoya Ramen Festival, YEBISU Beer Holiday, and Diners Club France Restaurant Week—will showcase the country’s diverse gastronomic culture, blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative flavors.
From the soul-warming bowls of ramen in Nagoya to the refreshing craft beers in Tokyo and the elegant French cuisine across the nation, these festivals offer something for every palate. This guide provides a detailed overview of each event, practical tips for attendees, and travel recommendations to make your 2025 Japan food journey unforgettable.
Nagoya Ramen Festival: A Celebration of Japan’s Ramen Culture
Held from September 26 to October 1, 2025, at Hisaya Odori Park’s Edion Hisaya Plaza in Nagoya, the Nagoya Ramen Festival is a must-visit for ramen enthusiasts. Organized by Nagoya Television (Me-Tele) and curated by renowned ramen YouTuber SUSURU, this six-day event brings together 10 of Japan’s finest ramen shops, handpicked for their exceptional quality and unique flavors. SUSURU, with over 1.8 million YouTube subscribers and 5,000+ ramen shops visited, ensures a lineup that spans regional specialties, from rich tonkotsu to delicate shio broths.
The festival operates on a ticket system to streamline the dining experience:
- Early Bird Tickets (available August 22 to September 7, 2025):
- 5-ticket bundle: ¥4,750 (¥950 per bowl)
- 10-ticket bundle: ¥9,000 (¥900 per bowl)
- Purchase via the official website (https://r.funity.jp/me-tele_ramen) or FamilyMart’s multi-copy machines.
- On-Site Tickets (September 26 to October 1):
- Single ticket: ¥1,000 per bowl
- Fast Pass: ¥1,000 for priority service
The event runs daily from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM, with easy access via Nagoya’s Yabacho subway station. Visitors can also enjoy Suntory’s alcohol-free “All-Free” beverages, perfect for pairing with ramen. To make the most of your visit, purchase early bird tickets to save money and avoid long queues. Check the official website for detailed shop profiles to plan your ramen adventure.
YEBISU Beer Holiday: A Toast to Craft Beer in Tokyo
From August 22 to August 31, 2025, Tokyo’s Ebisu Garden Place transforms into a beer lover’s paradise for the YEBISU Beer Holiday. Hosted by Sapporo Beer, this 10-day festival celebrates the iconic YEBISU brand with five varieties of draft beer, including the exclusive preview of YEBISU Creative Brew Wakana. This new beer, launching officially on September 2, uses 100% Japanese hops—Shinshu Wase, Little Star, and Furano Magical—for a bold yet refined flavor, enhanced by YEBISU’s signature yeast.
The festival also features gourmet food trucks from top restaurants featured in the YEBISU Beer Food Pairing Grand Prix, offering a signature Holiday Plate that combines multiple dishes for a perfect beer pairing. Operating hours are 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on weekdays and 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM on weekends, with a 70-minute table limit. Entry is free, but reservations via the official website (https://www.sapporobeer.jp/yebisu/communication/yebisu-brewery-tokyo/) are recommended to secure a spot. Payments are cashless, so bring a credit card or digital payment method.
For an extra treat, visit YEBISU Brewery Tokyo nearby, where the limited-edition mimicolale beer, inspired by craft cola, offers a refreshing blend of acidity and spices. Located just a five-minute walk from Ebisu Station, the festival is easily accessible and ideal for an evening of relaxation in Tokyo’s vibrant Ebisu district.
Diners Club France Restaurant Week: A Taste of French Elegance
Running from September 20 to October 20, 2025, the Diners Club France Restaurant Week is Japan’s largest French culinary event, featuring over 500 restaurants nationwide. Sponsored by Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Club, this 31-day festival celebrates French regional cuisine under the theme “A Culinary Journey Through France.” Restaurants offer set menus at ¥3,000, ¥6,000, or ¥10,000 (including tax and service, with appetizer, main course, dessert, and a drink), making high-end French dining accessible to all, regardless of Diners Club membership.
This year marks the event’s 15th anniversary, with a special visit from Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, who will host events in Fukui, including a limited 60-person pairing lunch at Le Jardin on August 30, featuring local ingredients and Black Dragon sake. Five standout chefs, dubbed Focus Chefs, will showcase innovative dishes:
- Nao Ogawa (natuRe tokyo, Tokyo): Sustainable dishes with Nakashima Farm Gouda gougères and guava confit.
- Ryunosuke Matsuda (restaurant MATSUDA, Sendai): Crab consommé jelly with potato potage and straw-smoked quenelles.
- Hitoe Nomura (Kodaiji Kiwami, Kyoto): Fried eggplant with fig and caviar, supporting Ishikawa’s post-earthquake recovery.
- Takuma Kobayashi (Shima Cuisine Asun, Naha): Kumejima shrimp with fennel flan and Okinawan herbs.
- Ryo Horiuchi (Le Jardin, Fukui): Grilled eggplant with ratatouille purée and basil from his garden.
Reservations open on September 2, 2025, via phone or the official website (https://francerestaurantweek.com/), with Diners Club Premium Card holders gaining early access from August 26. Diners Club members also enjoy perks like welcome drinks and exclusive ¥22,000 menus at select restaurants.
Travel and Planning Tips
To maximize your experience, plan your trip around these festivals’ locations and schedules:
- Nagoya: Stay at Nagoya Tokyu Hotel or Mitsui Garden Hotel Nagoya, both near Hisaya Odori Park. Pair the ramen festival with visits to Nagoya Castle or Osu Shopping Street.
- Tokyo: Choose Westin Tokyo or APA Hotel Ebisu for proximity to Ebisu Garden Place. Explore Yoyogi Park or Meiji Shrine post-festival.
- France Restaurant Week: Select accommodations based on dining locations, such as Four Seasons Kyoto or Hilton Naha for regional visits.
Budget-wise, expect ¥1,500–2,000 per person for the ramen festival, ¥3,000 for the beer holiday, and ¥3,000–10,000 for French dining. Combine these events with Japan’s autumn foliage for a perfect blend of food and culture.
Why You Should Attend
These festivals offer more than just food—they’re a celebration of Japan’s culinary diversity, from street-style ramen to craft beer and haute cuisine. Whether you’re a local or an international visitor, 2025’s lineup promises unforgettable flavors and cultural immersion. Book your tickets and reservations early to secure your spot in this gastronomic adventure!
