May, just before summer, brings pleasantly mild temperatures. It’s the season when drinks enjoyed outdoors taste even better.
Kurashiki hosts many events centered around alcoholic drinks. While many focus on sake, the craft beer festival “BEER SMILES” was held at Achi Terrace Kurashiki.
At BEER SMILES, visitors could sample a variety of delicious craft beers. It was an event that drew not only adults but also many families.
Here’s a look at the event.
The information presented was current when this article was published in June 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What Is “BEER SMILES”?
BEER SMILES was held on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, 2026.
As the event name suggests, with “BEER” right in the title, its main attraction was craft beer from across Okayama Prefecture and beyond. Visitors could sample a variety of distinctive craft beers, each reflecting the brewer’s dedication.
There was also a great selection of drinks other than craft beer, including sake and cocktails made with liqueurs using fruit grown in Okayama Prefecture.
There were also plenty of snacks and food to go with the drinks. Check out the images below for details.
![[Held May 16 (Sat.) and 17 (Sun.)] BEER SMILES — Craft beers from across the prefecture and beyond, brimming with brewers’ passion, gather at Achi Terrace Kurashiki! A beer event the kids can enjoy, too](https://media.kuratoco.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/27204257/IMG_1684-485x323.jpg)
The Event
The event was held at Achi Terrace Kurashiki, about a five-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station. Being able to walk there from the station is a real plus for anyone who enjoys a drink.
When the writer visited on Sunday, May 17, the weather was clear and the venue was bustling.
Let’s walk around the venue and find the first beer.
First, a Sip of Distinctive Craft Beer
For the first drink, the writer was drawn to the refreshing light-blue tablecloth and chose LAMP BEER STUDIO. It’s a brewery in Minami Ward, Okayama City.
The writer ordered “Ginger Lemon,” made with ginger and green lemons from Misaki Town. After the spicy taste of ginger, a crisp, refreshing lemon aroma spreads across the palate. It’s a light, refreshing craft beer you’ll want to drink in hot weather.
Customers also received a complimentary shop sticker with their purchase. It has such a stylish design that you’ll want to stick it somewhere.
For the second beer, the writer bought one from Mabi Bamboo Forest Beer, which brews beer in Mabi. As a Kurashiki resident, the writer wanted to try a local beer from Kurashiki.
The choice was “Amber Ale,” with its fragrant richness and hoppy aroma. Its pleasant bitterness made it hard to stop after just one sip. Its deep orange color was beautiful, almost like a barley juice.
Now that the writer had quenched their thirst, it was time to fill their stomach, too.
A Great Selection of Snacks to Enjoy with Drinks
Drawn by the aroma of charcoal, the writer made their way to Yakitori Natchan. This takeout-only yakitori shop in Mizushima is beloved by locals.
The writer enjoyed chatting with the friendly owner while waiting for the piping-hot yakitori.
The writer ordered chicken thigh skewers and chicken-and-onion skewers. The generous pieces of meat were tender and juicy, and the charcoal-grilled aroma was irresistible. The onion was sweet and had just the right amount of crunch.
The simple, salt-seasoned yakitori seemed like it would pair well with any craft beer.
Next, the writer decided to try another dish: fish and chips from DININGBAR MALFISH, which came from Kasaoka City.
The fish and chips made with sea bream from the Seto Inland Sea is freshly fried and generously portioned. A whole small sea bream is used, making for an impressive presentation. The sea bream is tender and flaky, and pairs perfectly with the mild tartar sauce.
Beer is a must with fried food. I ordered two kinds of craft beer from Fukutsunagi Food Beer Brewing Department, making its first appearance at the event. The brewery is in Higashikagawa City, Kagawa Prefecture.
“Green Afro,” made with parsley, has a fresh parsley aroma that wafts up, and a playful character typical of craft beer. “Hitsuji” is easy to drink, with a fruity, banana-like flavor.
As I savored the pleasant buzz from delicious beer and snacks, I heard lively, spirited voices. The Kurashiki Chitose-raku, held alongside the spring grand festival at Achi Shrine, had made its way to Achi Terrace Kurashiki, too.
I felt as though I had received a little divine blessing.
With just a little beer left, I was thinking, “I’d like one more dish,” when I was able to buy tama konnyaku at Ten, which serves local sake. The chilled tama konnyaku, rich with dashi broth, was perfect as a final snack.
By the way, the sake also seemed to be very popular. It sold so well that the one-sho bottles ran dry, and some varieties sold out. Those who love alcohol are sure to appreciate being able to enjoy drinks other than beer, too.
A lineup that even non-drinkers can enjoy
I met up with a friend partway through.
My friend had to drive, so unfortunately couldn’t drink alcohol, but enjoyed the event with the plentiful food and non-alcoholic drinks.
There were plenty of places to drop by for a bite, including mildly sweet lemon soda and Chinese-style noodles from Garyu Tatsumi.
There were also stalls selling sweets that children would love, such as crepes and shaved ice.
Although it’s a beer event, I think one of its great attractions is that people who don’t drink alcohol and families with children can enjoy it, too.
Instead of dessert, I ordered a cream soda from HOIDA CRAFT. HOIDA CRAFT is a workshop in Mabi that makes liqueurs using fruit grown in Okayama Prefecture.
Made with liqueurs of Okayama-grown pineapple and lemon, the cream soda has a tropical, sweet flavor that makes it perfect for a final drink. It was thoroughly satisfying.
It was a half-day spent enjoying BEER SMILES to the fullest.
From the Writer
BEER SMILES drew many visitors besides beer lovers.
Some people stopped in for a quick drink, while others sat down to savor craft beer at their leisure. I thought it was an event where everyone could enjoy themselves in their own way. It was also lovely that the atmosphere made it easy to attend with children.
I think opportunities to compare craft beers from inside and outside the prefecture are rare unless you visit a specialty shop.
I hope it will continue to be held every year as a craft beer event representing Kurashiki.
BEER SMILES Information
| Name | BEER SMILES |
|---|---|
| Dates | May 16 (Sat.) and 17 (Sun.), 2026 May 16: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. May 17: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. |
| Location | 3-9-1 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Admission is free Food and drinks are pay-as-you-go |
| Website | Official Kurashiki SAKE Festival Instagram |
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