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February 20-21, 2026

VESPER Venue (Liberty Station)

2875 Dewey Rd San Diego 92106

SPIRIT OF JAPAN SAN DIEGO 2026

We look forward to spending a wonderful time together with you.

SPIRIT OF JAPAN SAN DIEGO 2026

February 20-21, 2026

VESPER Venue (Liberty Station)

2875 Dewey Rd San Diego 92106

We look forward to spending a wonderful time together with you.

”General Admission FREE"

Special Ticket and VIP ticket available for enhanced experience !

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SPECIALTY JAPANESE
FESTIVAL FOOD

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Free Admission
— Value Tickets Available!

QUESTIONS?

If you’re planning your visit or just curious about the event, this is the place to start.

FOOD VENDORS 2026

All ticket types come with food & drink tickets!

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MITARARASHI DANGO

A classic Japanese treat — Mitarashi Dango! Chewy rice dumplings grilled to perfection and glazed with a sweet soy sauce that’s both savory and slightly smoky. A nostalgic taste of traditional Japanese festivals, now served fresh in San Diego!

BABY CASTELLA

Baby Castella, fluffy and golden-crusted mini sponge cakes with a hint of sweetness. These bite-sized delights have a soft, airy texture and delightful flavor!

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YAKITORI and more

YAKITORI, YAKISOBA, MELON CREAM SODA

Yakitori, skewered and grilled chicken pieces. 

Yakisoba, stir-frying noodles, a popular Japanese street/festival food, bursting with umami flavors, crisp vegetables, and tender meats, all tossed in a secret blend of sauces.

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KATSU SAND

from KAGURA

Kagura’s famous Katsu Sand from LA! Juicy pork cutlet, crispy and golden, layered with fluffy Japanese milk bread and tangy-sweet sauce. A must-try Japanese comfort food, loved by locals in Los Angeles!

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KARAAGE

from Tenkatori

Everyone's favorite Karaage, a Japanese comfort food at its finest. Embark on a culinary journey as Tenkatori bring you the legendary Accretive Marinade Sauce Recipe, a closely guarded secret for almost 70 years.

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TAKOYAKI

from Takoyaki Tanota

We pride ourselves on our secret batter made with chicken broth, over 10 fruits and vegetables, plus konbu and bonito, stewed for 5 hours before mixing with our flour. Try our classic “OG” Takoyaki with the original TANOTA Sauce—so delicious you’ll crave more!

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SANDWICHE

from KONDO SANDO

KONDO SANDO brings a modern twist to Japanese comfort food, specializing in crispy katsu sandos made with care and bold flavors.
Choose from their signature Original Sauce (mild spicy) or a Non-spicy option—both perfectly balanced to highlight the juicy katsu.

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PIZZA

from TOKYO HUNGRY PIZZA

Tokyo Hungry Pizza offers a unique take on everyone’s favorite comfort food by blending classic pizza with creative, Japanese-inspired flavors. From rich, savory toppings to bold seasonal specials, every pie is made with passion and designed to satisfy your cravings. 

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UMACHA

from Spirit of Japan

Born in Japan, Umacha has taken bubble tea culture to the next level with fun fruit flavors and its iconic bucket-size cups. A perfect Instagram-worthy treat, already a hit in Los Angeles and Singapore!

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RAMEN

from TAKARA RAMEN

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ONIGIRI

from Onigiri by Hyuga

ONIGIRI BY HYUGA celebrates the beloved Japanese rice ball with a creative yet traditional approach.
Using rice cooked in a traditional Japanese hagama (iron pot), each onigiri is hand-shaped with care, bringing out the rich aroma and flavor of perfectly cooked rice. 

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Mazemen & TONKOTSU YAKISOBA

from KASHIWA RAMEN

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Matcha Latte, Hojicha Latte and Miso soup and okowa

from ikoi Japanese cafe

Delight in authentic Japanese café flavors brought to you from Los Angeles! Whether you’re craving a flavorful drink or a satisfying bite, stop by the IKOI booth for Japanese café comfort at its best!

SAKE AND SPIRITS 2026

More than 50 kinds of Sake/Spirits will be available!

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DASSAI

We specialize in a single style: crafting only what we believe to be the finest sake. We focus exclusively on Junmai Daiginjo made from just one type of sake rice, Yamada Nishiki. With their varying rice polishing ratios, each sake has its own unique characteristics in aroma and sweetness.

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ICHINOKURA

Ichinokura Brewery continues to produce a wide range of unique sakes, including the sweet and tart "Himezen," which is easy to drink, the high-quality "Mukansa," which disregards the old grading system, and the "Taru" sake, which features the refreshing aroma of cedar barrels.

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DEWANOYUKI

This sake offers a gorgeous aroma, with a flavor profile that balances the rich umami of rice—a hallmark of the Kimoto method—with a lively, refreshing acidity and harmonious sweetness.

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WAKAZE

Crafted in France according to Japanese traditions. The brewery respects tradition while breaking convention, using French ingredients and innovative techniques in their sakes.

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HARUSHIKA

Brewed in Nara, the birthplace of sake. The brewery honors tradition while pursuing elegance and innovation, creating refined sakes that embody purity and balance.

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The gentle effervescence gives a refreshing tingle on the palate, enhancing the flavors of pear and peach, which are accented by notes of yellow rose and baking spice.

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HAKUTSURU

Produced in Nada, Kobe, since 1743, Hakutsuru will offer Junmai Ginjo, Toji-Kan, and Ukiyoe series—each character with distinctly different tastes, appearances, and traditional ways of being enjoyed.

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TAKARASAKE

By using different yeasts, we created two new, high-acidity sakes, each specially crafted to pair with either meat or seafood.

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TOSHIMAYA

Tokyo

This distinctive sake is made exclusively with sake rice, yeast, and water from Tokyo, and is characterized by a rare and enticing sweet-and-tart flavor in the world of sake.

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KIKUSUI

This is an extra-rich, freshly pressed sparkling namagenshu that marries vibrant carbonation with its full-bodied flavor. 

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OZEKI

Hyogo

Enjoy three varieties of Nigori sake—strawberry, pineapple, and yuzu. Each is creamy and sweet, made without artificial flavorings, and best enjoyed chilled.  

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NINKI SHUZO

Fukushima

Only a brewery with ample experience in sparkling sake could achieve such a clear liquid and fine mousse, with notes of dry pear and mineral to delight your senses. 

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AKITA SEISYU

Akita

This Junmai sake is an extra-dry brew that pursues the ultimate level of dryness through Kariho's traditional Yamahai brewing method.

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KYOTO SEISYU

Kyoto

This sake offers a harmonious balance of gentle sweetness, refreshing acidity, and a fruity aroma, creating a smooth and approachable taste.

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TOZAI

Kyoto

Well of Wisdom,” made with the pure waters of Fushimi—meaning “hidden water”—entices with a juicy watermelon aroma, while “Snow Maiden” offers a creamy texture with a pleasantly dry finish for a Nigori, its vibrant aromas unfolding into a ricey, fruity palate.

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OMURAYA

Shizuoka

This sake, made with soft water, has an elegant aroma and a smooth, mellow taste. Crafted to bring a smile to those who drink it, it's a sake with a deep umami flavor you can enjoy endlessly.

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EIKO

Yamagata

​Oligarami is a lightly nigori sake, more hazy than pure white. If you're someone who doesn't usually enjoy nigori sake, you should definitely give this a try!

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YAMAGUCHI SHUZO

Fukuoka

This sake offers a sweet flavor with aromas of lychee, pear, and aloe vera. While "usugori" refers to its light cloudiness, the particles are so fine that there is almost no sediment.

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DAISEKKEI

Nagano

Strawberry juice is crafted into the ultimate local sake, perfect not only as a dessert drink but also enjoyed on the rocks or used as a sauce.

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KOBE SAKE

Hyogo

This Futsushu has a fruity aroma, similar to Ginjo, with delightful notes of pineapple, sugar, and rice. Its distinctive character makes it a great choice for cocktails as well.

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KUROSAWA

Nagano

The sweet fruitiness and creamy umami of this sake come together beautifully, making it a perfect match for both desserts and spicy dishes.

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TSUKASABOTAN SHUZO

Kochi

Made with plenty of fresh-squeezed yuzu juice, this sake has a refreshing aroma and a crisp acidity, creating a naturally delicious and healthy drink.

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FUKUSHIMA SEISYU

Fukushima

This sake-based liqueur captures the natural strawberry flavor without using any artificial aromas or acidifiers. Enjoy it straight, on the rocks, or with a splash of milk.

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TOSHIMAYA

Tokyo

Several years in the making, this sake offers a deep and complex flavor, with notes of cucumber, melon, stewed apple, and a delicate hint of sansho pepper that unfolds pleasantly with every sip.

STAGE PERFORMANCE

From traditional showcases to contemporary acts, cultural performances will be featured in abundance!
Performance times are provisional and may be updated.

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Tuna Cutting Show

Saturday(13th) 12:30PM〜

Watch a master craftsman skillfully break down an entire tuna right in front of you, transforming tradition into spectacle. Don’t miss the powerful, samurai-like blade techniques on display!

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Taiko Peformance

Friday(12th) 6:30PM・7:45PM

Saturday(13th) 6:30PM

Sunday(14th) 12:30PM・3:15PM

Taiko is more than just drumming—it’s a heartbeat that resonates through the entire space. Each strike transforms the atmosphere, while the performers’ dynamic movements and expressions captivate the audience.

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Shodo Performance

Friday(12th) 8:30PM

Saturday(13th) 2PM・4:15PM・7:45PM

Sunday(14th) 1:45PM・4PM

This is a uniquely Japanese art that blends graceful brush movements with bold expression. Powerful characters painted on a large canvas evoke Japan’s sense of discipline and creativity, allowing the audience to feel the profound energy of this art.

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Cheerleading

Saturday(13th) 5PM

Get ready for an energetic cheerleading performance led by Yuna from Hokkaido, Japan. With bright smiles, vibrant spirit, and dynamic moves, this team will light up the stage and excite the crowd.

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Embelia Idols

Saturday(13th) 3PM

Sunday(14th) 2:30PM

This J-pop and K-pop dance cover group is made up of performers with unique personalities. Their high-energy performances truly shine through their teamwork on stage.Come join us and cheer them on for an unforgettable experience.

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Tippsy Sake Tips

Friday(12th) 7:15PM

Saturday(13th) 1:30PM・6:00PM
Sunday(14th) 1:15PM

Discover exciting new food and drink combinations in our food pairing lecture stage. Learn directly from the experts how Japanese sake pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dishes, and experience the depth of flavor together.

2026 TICKET DETAILS

Choose the ticket that best fits your style and enjoy an authentic Japanese food & sake experience!

General admission is free and walk-ins are welcome. However, in the event that capacity limits are reached, entry will be prioritized for VIP ticket holders, special ticket holders, followed by advance-registered general admission guests.

VIP Ticket

In advance: $100

Perfect for true food and sake lovers.

  • 18 Food Tickets (a $54 value)

  • Unlimited Sake throughout the event

  • Exclusive Mini Gift

  • Official Event Tote Bag

  • Limited to 200 guests only

A great value option to sample a wide variety of foods.

- with Premier Access - 

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Special Ticket

In advance: $45
A great value option to sample a wide variety of foods.
  • 10 Food Tickets (a $30 value)

  • 2 Drinks included

  • Official Event Tote Bag

Ideal for guests who want to enjoy great food and a couple of drinks at a reasonable price.

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*Children 10 years old and under are admitted for FREE

*Extra food/spirit tickets can be purchased on-site

VENUE MAP

Take a screenshot of the map so you know exactly where to find everything!

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BUNDLE FOR 4 TICKETS

GENERAL ADMISSION - $5 off per person

Food Package: 

$200 (comes with original tote bag)

Food and Unlimited Sake Tasting Package:

$300 (comes with original tote bag & masu cup)

*Bundle offer sales end each day when the event begins.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Please read before attending our event

*Bag policy (maximum size: 15"x12"x6")

*Non-Smoking/Non-Vaping Event

*No pets (service animals only)

*A photographer/videographer will be on-site to take photos for archival and promotional purposes. The purchase of a ticket is an agreement to be photographed at the event.

*We will have a security check/bag screening upon entering the venue.

*We encourage responsible sipping/tasting, designated drivers, and ride-sharing.

 

All ticket sales are final; the event will be held rain or shine.

Spirit of Japan is presented by Sakura Foundation and Japan Taste Marketing Inc.

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VOLUNTEER SIGN UP

We are looking for volunteers to join Spirit of Japan San Diego 2026! We have a variety of fun volunteer opportunities available. Please complete the form below and we will be in touch via email.

MANY THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS: 

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Denver International Airport | DEN

East Japan Railway Company | JR-East

NXTSquare

Renewal by Andersen

Sipp Hospitality and Marketing

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SPIRIT OF JAPAN PARTNERSHIP
WITH THE RALLY HOTEL

Take the elevator home and stay in the heart of downtown Denver with the Spirit of Japan x Rally Hotel package, available from Sep 12–14!

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ACCESS

VESPER Venue

2875 Dewey Rd, San Diego 92106

CONTACT

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