Spirit of Japan Denver

Spirit of Japan Denver Bringing Japanese SPIRITS to Denver! Enjoy Japanese food, drinks, and culture on September 18-20, 2026

The Spirit of Japan Denver stage schedule is here!From the thunderous rhythms of taiko drumming to high-energy idol perf...
09/04/2026

The Spirit of Japan Denver stage schedule is here!

From the thunderous rhythms of taiko drumming to high-energy idol performances, live cultural demonstrations, interactive sake talks, and more, there’s something happening on stage all weekend long. Experience the power of Japanese tradition through taiko and shodo, cheer on the crowd-favorite Embelia Idols, learn about food and sake pairings from industry experts, and witness exciting performances that celebrate both traditional and contemporary Japanese culture. Between every act you can catch our DJ spinning city pop classics and contemporary Japanese hits!

Don’t miss:
🥁 Taiko performances that will shake Sakura Square
✨ Live shodo (Japanese calligraphy) demonstrations
🎤 Embelia Idols bringing J-pop energy to the stage
🍶 Sake Talks featuring food and sake pairing insights
🔪 The spectacular Tuna Cutting Show
🎉 and more performances throughout the weekend

Whether you’re stopping by for a favorite act or spending the entire day at the festival, the stage is the place to experience the sights, sounds, and energy of Japan. Performance times and schedules are now available on our website.

09/03/2026

Eat, Drink & Celebrate Japan right here in Denver, September 18-20🏮

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of food, sake, spirits, culture, and fun at Spirit of Japan Denver!

📍 Sakura Square
1255 19th Street, Denver CO 80202

🗓️ September 2026
18th (FRI) 6pm-10pm
19th (SAT) 11am-9pm
20th (SUN) 11pm-5pm

Some vendor information is now live on our website—stay tuned for more!👀

09/01/2026

One of the most spectacular experiences at Spirit of Japan Denver is back.

Witness the artistry, precision, and tradition of the Tuna Cutting Show, where a whole tuna is expertly broken down before your eyes by skilled professionals. This is a rare opportunity to see a centuries-old culinary craft up close and learn more about one of Japan’s most iconic ingredients.

Friday, September 18 • 7:15 PM
Saturday, September 19 • 2:15 PM

Want the ultimate experience? Join us for VIP Night on Friday, where every guest will receive a complimentary order of freshly cut Tuna Sashimi immediately following the demonstration.

Can’t make Friday? On Saturday, you can purchase freshly prepared Tuna Sashimi or a delicious Tuna Sashimi Bowl and taste the results for yourself.

The Tuna Cutting Show is one of Spirit of Japan’s most anticipated attractions every year, drawing crowds eager to experience the skill, tradition, and incredible freshness of this unforgettable culinary event.

Come early, grab a good spot, and prepare to be amazed.

🎟️ Tickets available now. Link in bio.

📍 Sakura Square, Downtown Denver
📅 September 18–20, 2026

One sip and you’ll understand why Spirit of Japan is unlike any other festival in Colorado.This September, journey throu...
08/27/2026

One sip and you’ll understand why Spirit of Japan is unlike any other festival in Colorado.

This September, journey through the incredible world of Japanese sake, shochu, wh**ky, plum w**e, fruit-infused spirits, sparkling sake, and specialty cocktails, all in one place.

Explore elegant Junmai Daiginjo sake with notes of melon, pear, tropical fruit, and delicate umami. Discover crisp dry sake, refreshing sparkling varieties, rich aged expressions, and unique regional styles from across Japan. Looking for something sweeter? Sample strawberry, peach, and plum-infused creations that are perfect for a warm September afternoon.

Shochu enthusiasts can explore one of Japan’s most versatile spirits, while wh**ky lovers can enjoy some of the world’s most sought-after pours. Whether you prefer neat pours, creative cocktails, or tasting flights, Spirit of Japan offers a rare opportunity to experience the incredible diversity of Japanese beverages side by side.

Not sure where to start? That’s part of the fun. Meet brewers, distillers, importers, and experts who are passionate about sharing their craft and helping you discover your next favorite drink.

Pair your tastings with incredible Japanese food from vendors throughout the festival, from takoyaki and yakisoba to ramen, onigiri, okonomiyaki, and more.

📍 Sakura Square, Downtown Denver
📅 September 18–20, 2026

Whether you’re a seasoned sake enthusiast or taking your very first sip, Spirit of Japan is your chance to taste the flavors, traditions, and craftsmanship that make Japan’s beverage culture so extraordinary.

🎟️ Tickets in bio.

**ky

What are you most excited for?
08/27/2026

What are you most excited for?

08/27/2026

Friday Night. VIP Style.

Experience Spirit of Japan Denver like never before with an exclusive VIP Night on Friday, September 18.

Be among the first to enter the festival and enjoy special perks available only to VIP guests. Upon arrival, you'll receive a custom Spirit of Japan tote bag, exclusive metal cocktail glass, and stylish masu sake cup to commemorate the evening. Then raise a glass with a complimentary specialty cocktail or mocktail crafted just for the event.

One of the highlights of the night is the spectacular Tuna Cutting Show, where you'll witness the skill and artistry behind preparing a whole tuna. Following the demonstration, VIP guests will enjoy complimentary freshly cut tuna sashimi, a rare opportunity to taste it at its freshest.

VIP attendees will also receive exclusive swag and gifts from some of Japan's most beloved brands, making it easy to take a little piece of the festival home with you.

Spend the evening exploring incredible Japanese food vendors, premium sake, wh**ky, shochu, b**r, cultural experiences, shopping, and entertainment throughout Sakura Square.

Whether you're a foodie, a sake enthusiast, or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind night out, VIP Night is the ultimate way to experience Spirit of Japan.

🎟️ VIP tickets are limited.
📍 Sakura Square, Downtown Denver
📅 Friday, September 18, 2026

Secure your tickets now and start your Spirit of Japan weekend in style.

08/25/2026

🎥 We took Spirit of Japan to the 9NEWS studio!

Sakura Foundation Executive Director Stacey Shigaya and Fine W**e, Sake & Spirits Representative Alex Tomson joined Colorado & Company on 9NEWS Tory Shulman to share a preview of everything waiting for you at Spirit of Japan Denver, September 18–20 at Sakura Square. From incredible Japanese food and premium sake to unique cultural experiences, don’t miss out, get your tickets today!

🍜 The hardest part of Spirit of Japan Denver might be deciding what to eat first!Take a bite of authentic Takoyaki from ...
08/24/2026

🍜 The hardest part of Spirit of Japan Denver might be deciding what to eat first!

Take a bite of authentic Takoyaki from Gindaco, Japan’s most famous takoyaki brand. Grab a handcrafted Onigiri filled with flavors like Salmon Yuzu, Negi Miso, or Beef Keema Curry. Savor sizzling Yakisoba, juicy Yakitori, comforting bowls of Ramen, crispy Okonomiyaki, adorable Character Nikuman, and rich custard-filled Cream Pan. And don’t forget sweet treats like Mitarashi Dango, Ishi-Yaki Imo, and buttery Press Butter Sand cookies. You can try it all at this year’s Spirit of Japan Denver, September 18-20 at Sakura Square!

Can’t decide what to eat, why not try it all??

Ticket link in bio 🔗

Address

1255 19th Street
Denver, CO
80202

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