Spirit of Japan returns to downtown Denver Sept. 18-20 with authentic Japanese dishes, sake, whiskey, cocktails, cultural experiences, and the return of its popular tuna cutting demonstration.
Denver’s Sakura Square will once again transform into a destination for Japanese food, spirits and culture this September.
Spirit of Japan, presented by Sakura Foundation in partnership with SP-RING, returns for its third year from Sept. 18–20, 2026. The three-day celebration brings together authentic Japanese cuisine, premium sake and spirits, cultural experiences, and a lineup of tastings in the heart of downtown Denver.
Guests can dig into Japanese favorites including sizzling okonomiyaki, crispy takoyaki and more, while exploring an extensive selection of sake, shochu, Japanese whiskey and other spirits. Along the way, experts will share the stories, craftsmanship and tasting notes behind the bottles.
A New VIP Night Kicks Off the Weekend
New for 2026, the event begins with an exclusive VIP Night on Friday, Sept. 18, featuring specialty cocktails, unique Japanese bites and complimentary swag.
The full weekend schedule includes:
- Friday, Sept. 18 | 6–10 p.m. — VIP Night
- Saturday, Sept. 19 | 11 a.m.–9 p.m. — General Admission
- Sunday, Sept. 20 | 11 a.m.–5 p.m. — General Admission
General admission tickets are $15, while VIP tickets are $49. Children ages 10 and younger are admitted free. Food, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase throughout the event, with prices starting at $4. Every guest will also receive a complimentary Spirit of Japan tote.
And yes, the crowd favorite is returning. Two sessions of the tuna cutting demonstration are planned for the weekend.
A Taste of Yamagata
This year, Spirit of Japan will spotlight Yamagata, a mountainous prefecture in Japan’s Tohoku region. Known for producing approximately 70 percent of Japan’s cherries, the region will also offer guests an opportunity to discover sake crafted there and learn more about its culture and traditions.
“Spirit of Japan brings people together, building cultural connections, inspiring travel to Japan, and deepening ties within our community,” said Stacey Shigaya, Executive Director of Sakura Foundation. “The response to our first two events has been incredible. Guests get to celebrate Japanese traditions in a lively, festive setting, while also helping power Sakura Foundation’s mission: sharing Japanese and Japanese American heritage in ways that build a more resilient, compassionate, and equitable society.”
A portion of the event’s proceeds will support Sakura Foundation, a Colorado nonprofit that works to share Japanese and Japanese American heritage through programs including the Mirai Generations Leadership Program, Chibi no Gakko cultural school, scholarships, community grants and year-round cultural programming. The organization also presents the annual Denver Cherry Blossom Festival each June.
With a mix of street food, premium pours, demonstrations and cultural experiences, Spirit of Japan offers one of Denver’s most immersive opportunities to explore the flavors of Japan — all in the heart of downtown.