Japan is home to a variety of fascinating festivals throughout the year and in each region, but one that we highly recommend you experience is the Yokohama Oktoberfest, a special event that combines an international flavor with the beautiful scenery of Japan.

When you hear the word "Oktoberfest," many people think of Munich, Germany. In its home country of Germany, it is famous as the world's largest beer festival, but here in Japan, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is hosting the same excitement and fun, with the added charm of a "Yokohama-esque" atmosphere. In this article, we'll introduce you to a wealth of information and tips to help you fully enjoy Yokohama Oktoberfest and deeply experience the charm of Japan. So, let's dive into the world of this wonderful festival together!

A special meaning in Yokohama: the wonderful connection between Japan and Germany

History and the special meaning of place

The Yokohama Oktoberfest will be held in the event plaza of the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. This location itself symbolizes the historical connection between Japan and the world. Yokohama is an "open port" where Japan opened its doors to the world in 1859, and has long flourished as a hub for international trade. The Red Brick Warehouse is a historic building built from the end of the Meiji period (1868-1912) through the Taisho period (1912-1926), and was once used as a national bonded warehouse.

Beer and Yokohama: A Connection with German Culture

The history of beer's full-scale introduction and spread to Japan is in fact deeply connected to Yokohama. Technology and knowledge from Germany contributed greatly to the early days of Japan's beer industry. Even today, Yokohama is home to historic breweries, and beer culture is deeply rooted there. Yokohama Oktoberfest was first held in 2003, inspired by this international historical background and the desire of Yokohama residents to promote international exchange. While cherishing the authentic German atmosphere, the festival offers a unique fusion of Japanese and German styles, set against the backdrop of the beautiful night view of the harbor and retro red brick warehouses.

Event period, location, and access: Basic information you need to know before you go

Event period (check the schedule!)

As the name suggests, Oktoberfest is held annually for about two to three weeks from late September to mid-October. The pleasant autumn breeze makes it the perfect time to enjoy a beer outdoors. (Please be sure to check the official information for each year for the exact dates.)

Venue

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Event Square

• Address: 1-1 Shinminato, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture

• Features: With Yokohama Port right in front of you, the retro red brick buildings create an exotic atmosphere. It is especially romantic at night when it is lit up.

Access: Use Japan's convenient transportation

Yokohama is also very easily accessible from Tokyo. • Train (JR/municipal subway): Approximately a 15-minute walk from Sakuragicho Station. • Train (Minatomirai Line): Approximately a 6-minute walk from Bashamichi Station or Nihon-odori Station. We recommend the Minatomirai Line! The best part of sightseeing in Yokohama is getting off the station and walking while enjoying the harbor scenery. Things to note about Japanese trains: Japanese trains are very punctual and convenient, but they can get very crowded during rush hour (7am-9am, 5pm-7pm). If you have large luggage, it's best to avoid rush hour.

Location of Kanagawa Prefecture

This is the best part! 5 tips for the best experience

Now, let's take a look at how to enjoy the venue.

Tip 1: First, secure a seat and get your own mug!

・Securing a seat: It gets especially crowded during the day on weekends and in the evenings on weekdays. A large tent (beer hall) will be set up at the venue. Seating is generally unreserved (with some reserved seats), so if you're going with a group, make sure someone reserves a seat first. ・Deposit system: A system where you pay a "deposit" for mugs and glasses is sometimes introduced. You pay for the mug in addition to the cost of the beer, and the deposit is refunded when you return it after finishing your drink. This is to protect the environment and prevent theft. Be careful not to lose it! ・"Maß": A large mug that holds 1 liter. Be sure to try one of these giant mugs and experience the authentic atmosphere!

Tip 2: Conquer the variety of beer! A collaboration between Japan and Germany

The biggest attraction of Yokohama Oktoberfest is the chance to taste German beer, which is being introduced to Japan for the first time.

Tip 3: Combine German cuisine with Japanese flavors!

Delicious food is essential to go with beer. • Classic German cuisine: Sausages (Wurst), pretzels, sauerkraut, and schnitzel (cutlets) are a must! • Yokohama & Japanese fusion: Yokohama is close to Chinatown, so you'll sometimes see Japanese street food stalls selling Chinese-style sausages, fried chicken, yakisoba, and other Japanese dishes. Trying the unexpected combination of German beer and Japanese street food is one of the unique ways to enjoy Yokohama.

Tip 4: Get excited with the music! Communicate with a "cheers!"

The excitement reaches its peak with a live performance by an Oktoberfest band invited from Germany. • "Prost!": This means "Cheers!" in German. When the band starts playing the toast song "Ein Prosit!", everyone raises their mugs high and shouts along with the song. • Interacting with Japanese people: Try saying "Cheers!" to the person next to you. Even if you don't speak the same language, with a smile and a mug, you can quickly become friends. This is a chance to make special encounters, in line with the Japanese spirit of "ichigo ichie" (a once-in-a-lifetime encounter).

Tip 5: Enjoy a stroll around Yokohama outside the venue! Rediscover the charm of Japan

If you've come all the way to Yokohama, be sure to enjoy other Japanese attractions besides the festivals. • Red Brick Warehouse: There are many stylish shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's also fun to look for uniquely Japanese goods and fashion items.

UNI COFFEE ROASTERY Yokohama Red Brick Wafflehttps ://tenposstar.com/ja/merchant/64bf16fc93efe

• Night view of Minato Mirai: The night view of the Ferris wheel and skyscrapers seen from the Red Brick Warehouse is a spectacular sight that truly symbolizes "Japan, the city of the future."

• Yamashita Park and Hikawa Maru: A short walk away is Yamashita Park, where you can experience the history of Yokohama Port, and the historic passenger ship Hikawa Maru, where you can tour the interior.

Cultural Tips for Enjoying Japan

Finally, here are some tips to help you enjoy Japanese festivals more comfortably and to the fullest.

1. Please help us separate your garbage: Japan is a country with very strict rules regarding garbage separation. In order to protect Japan's beautiful environment, we ask that you help us separate your garbage into separate bins for "burnable garbage," "plastic," "cans and bottles," etc.

2. Public etiquette: Smoking is only permitted in designated areas. Also, while beer is delicious, getting drunk and causing a nuisance to others is viewed very harshly in public places in Japan. Please enjoy in moderation.

3. Hospitality: The venue staff work hard to ensure you have a great time. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. They will be delighted if you say "Arigato" (thank you) to show your appreciation for their service.

Conclusion

Make the best autumn memories in Yokohama The Yokohama Oktoberfest is a wonderful festival unlike any other in the world, where German traditions are beautifully combined with the charm of Yokohama, Japan's innovative international port. With a delicious beer in hand, you can enjoy the beautiful night view and toast to the exciting music with a "Prost!" We would be so happy if this experience allows you to experience Japanese culture, history, and the warmth of its people, and help you fall in love with Japan even more. So, next autumn, be sure to head to Yokohama! Create unforgettable memories at this wonderful international festival.

Yokohama Oktoberfest official website : https://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/oktoberfest/

*This is only a plan recommended by the editorial department. Please check the actual traffic conditions yourself.

Please also check out "10 Things to Do in Kanagawa (Kamakura)" ▼▼