The Grammar of Japanese Taste in Florence: Sake Days 2026 Returns This Weekend, Featuring Events at the Conventino and OFF Locations
Florence is preparing to host the sixth edition of Sake Days – Taste of Japan, the event dedicated to the food and wine culture of Japan, scheduled from Thursday, October 1, to Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Organized by the Italian Sake School under the patronage of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), this year’s event revolves around the theme “The Grammar of Japanese Taste.”
The festival offers an in-depth exploration that combines insights from Japanese producers with the most contemporary approaches to gastronomy and mixology.
The four-day event is divided between a series of events taking place at various venues throughout Florence and the main weekend program held at Officina Creativa Lab, located within the Conventino complex on Via Giano della Bella. This is an opportunity aimed at both professionals in the Ho.Re.Ca. sector and enthusiasts who wish to explore the flavors of contemporary Japan.
A Weekend at the Conventino Featuring Masterclasses, Tasting Sessions, and Artisan Crafts
The heart of the event takes place on Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4, when the historic spaces of the Conventino Fuori le Mura will host the exhibition area and tasting stations. At the entrance, visitors will receive a welcome kit that includes a technical tasting glass provided by the main partner, RCR Cristalleria Italiana, the event’s official sponsor, known for its professional lines dedicated to mixology and tastings.
Inside the exhibition area, importers and distributors guide the public in discovering exceptional labels and rare products, explaining the technical specifications related to water, the degree of rice polishing, and the various regions of origin. In addition to the selection of sake, the exhibition features a wide range of traditional spirits such as shōchū and awamori, botanical gins, whiskeys, and rare Japanese Piwi wines.
Among the cultural activities, the Kintsugi workshop curated by Gioia di Biagio stands out, focusing on the traditional technique of repairing broken ceramics using gold.
The Program of Cooking Shows and Gastronomic Workshops Related to Umami
The major themes of Japanese cuisine are explored through a schedule of cooking shows and workshops included in the daily ticket, spread over the two days of the weekend.
On Saturday, the program opens with a focus onOkonomiyaki led by M. Tezuka, centered on the concepts of umami and conviviality, followed in the afternoon by a session dedicated to sushi preparation with P. Del Bergiolo. On Sunday, the focus shifts to technical skills and precision, beginning with a session led by Shusuke Tabuchi on artisanal Japanese cutlery. Next, Miyako Stella leads a workshop focused on artisanal soy sauces to highlight the differences between various fermentation methods, while M. Kuroda wraps up the series with a cooking show dedicated to the secrets of tempura.
Throughout the weekend, the outdoor food area also offers the chance to enjoy on-site street food specialties from Oko Bento, butadon from Ristorante Nida, and traditional dishes from Sagami Italia.
Admission Information, OFF Events, and Practical Ticket Information
The festival kicks off with the first two days—Thursday, October 1, and Friday, October 2—which are dedicated exclusively to OFF events.
These evenings feature the participation of select restaurants, wine bars, and cocktail bars throughout Florence, where special pairings and cocktails made with sake and umeshu will be offered. For the main event on Saturday and Sunday at the Conventino, the standard daily admission ticket costs 25 euros and grants access to the exhibition area, tastings, and cooking shows, subject to availability.
To participate in the limited-capacity guided tastings (such as the masterclass dedicated to the wines of the Dassai producer), you must purchase a specific ticket for 25 or 30 euros.
This option automatically includes the daily admission and the welcome kit, making it the most comprehensive way to plan your visit. All tickets are available exclusively on the festival’s official platform firenzesakeday.com
