Japan's summer is famous for fireworks, festivals, and street food, but one of the country's biggest beer celebrations is also worth adding to your itinerary. Summer Festa IN KORIYAMA transforms the streets outside JR Koriyama Station in Fukushima Prefecture into what is considered the largest beer festival in the Tohoku region.
Over three days, a 350-meter stretch of the station's main boulevard is closed to traffic and converted into a giant open-air beer garden. The atmosphere is lively yet welcoming, with locals gathering after work and families joining in over the weekend, giving travelers an authentic taste of summer in regional Japan.
While beer is naturally the star of the event, the festival offers much more than drinks. Numerous food stalls and food trucks will be serving dishes made with local ingredients, making it an excellent opportunity to sample Koriyama's regional cuisine in one place. Visitors can also browse local specialty products and craft beers representing Koriyama and the surrounding area, including breweries from the city's sister and friendship cities.
Entertainment plays a major role throughout the festival, with two live music stages hosting performances by around 20 local artists. Expect everything from jazz and ska to Hawaiian music, dance performances, and street entertainment adding to the atmosphere. Weekend visitors will also find family-friendly attractions such as festival games and a chalk art area, ensuring there's something for all ages.
Easily accessible directly outside JR Koriyama Station, Summer Festa IN KORIYAMA is an ideal stop for travelers exploring Fukushima or making their way through the Tohoku region. It offers the perfect combination of local food, music, community spirit, and summer festivities.
