Just before summer, May brings pleasant temperatures. It's the season when drinking alcohol outdoors becomes even more enjoyable.
In Kurashiki, numerous alcohol events are being held. Among many events focused on sake, the craft beer festival BEER SMILES was held at Achi Terrace Kurashiki.
At BEER SMILES, you could taste delicious craft beers. The event attracted not only adults but also many families.
Here’s a look at the event.
What is "BEER SMILES"
BEER SMILES is an event that took place on May 16 (Saturday) and 17 (Sunday), 2026.
As the name suggests, the main attraction is the craft beers gathered from within and outside Okayama Prefecture. You can taste a variety of unique craft beers that reflect the brewers' dedication.
In addition, there are plenty of other alcoholic beverages, including sake and cocktails made with fruits produced in Okayama Prefecture.
A wide range of snacks and food essential for enjoying drinks were also available. Please check the images below for more details.
![[May 16 (Sat) and 17 (Sun) Event] BEER SMILES - Craft beers filled with the passionate thoughts of the brewers from within and outside the prefecture gather at Achi Terrace Kurashiki! A beer event enjoyable for children too](https://media.kuratoco.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/27204257/IMG_1684-485x323.jpg)
Event Highlights
The event was held at Achi Terrace Kurashiki, located about a 5-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station. It's convenient for those who love alcohol to be able to walk from the station.
On May 17 (Sunday), when I visited, the weather was clear, and the venue was bustling with activity.
I immediately started walking around the venue in search of my first beer.
First, a sip of unique craft beer
For my first drink, I was drawn to the refreshing blue cross and decided on LAMP BEER STUDIO, a brewery located in Minami-ku, Okayama City.
I ordered the "Ginger Lemon," which uses ginger and green lemon from Misaki Town. The spicy flavor of ginger is followed by a refreshing lemon aroma that spreads in the mouth. It's a crisp craft beer that you want to drink in the hot season.
Those who made a purchase received a sticker from the shop as a bonus. The stylish design makes you want to stick it somewhere.
Next, for my second drink, I purchased from Makibi Chikurin Beer, which brews beer in Mabi. As a resident of Kurashiki, I wanted to try the local beer.
I chose the "Amber Ale," which offers a rich aroma and flavor of roasted malt and hops. The moderate bitterness is delicious, making it hard to stop at the next sip. The deep orange color is beautiful, resembling a juice made from barley.
Now that my thirst is quenched, let's fill my stomach as well.
A variety of snacks to accompany the drinks
Drawn by the aroma of charcoal, I arrived at Yakitori Nacchan. This takeout-only yakitori shop is located in Mizushima and is loved by locals.
While enjoying a conversation with the friendly owner, I waited for the hot yakitori.
I ordered the thigh skewers and onion skewers. The large pieces of meat were tender and juicy. The aroma from the charcoal grilling was irresistible. The onions were sweet and had just the right crunch.
The simple yakitori seasoned only with salt seems to pair well with any craft beer.
Next, I decided to try the fish and chips from DININGBAR MALFISH, which came from Kasaoka City.
The fish and chips made with locally sourced sea bream from the Seto Inland Sea are freshly fried and very filling. The small bream is used whole, making for a visually impactful dish. The bream is fluffy and tender, perfectly complemented by the gentle-tasting tartar sauce.
You can't have fried food without beer. I ordered two types of craft beer from Fukusaki Food Brewery, which is making its debut at this event. It is a brewery located in Higashikagawa City, Kagawa Prefecture.
The "Green Afro," made with parsley, has a fresh parsley aroma that wafts through, giving a playful craft beer experience. The "Hitsuji" has a fruity banana-like flavor that makes it easy to drink.
As I was enjoying the delicious beer and snacks, I heard lively and spirited voices. The Achi Shrine Spring Festival was taking place simultaneously with the Kurashiki Chitosegaku, which also made its way to Achi Terrace Kurashiki.
I felt like I received some good fortune.
With just a little beer left, I thought, "I want one more dish," and was able to purchase some konnyaku balls from Ten. The cold konnyaku balls with flavorful broth were perfect for a final snack.
By the way, it seems that sake was also very popular, with some bottles running out and even some sold-out varieties. The ability to enjoy drinks other than beer is surely a delight for sake lovers.
A Lineup Enjoyable Even for Non-Drinkers
I met up with a friend along the way.
Unfortunately, my friend couldn't drink because they were driving, but they enjoyed the event with a satisfying selection of food and non-alcoholic drinks.
There were shops where you could casually stop by to fill your stomach, such as lemon soda with a moderate sweetness and Garyu Tatsumi's Chinese Soba.
There were also stalls selling sweets like crepes and shaved ice that children would surely enjoy.
Although it is a beer event, I think the fact that it is enjoyable for non-drinkers and families with children is a major attraction.
As a substitute for dessert, I ordered a HOIDA CRAFT cream soda. HOIDA CRAFT is a workshop that produces liqueurs using fruits from Okayama Prefecture in Mabi.
The cream soda made with Okayama pineapples and lemons is perfect for a final drink, with its tropical and sweet flavor. It is very satisfying to drink.
It was a half-day fully enjoyed at BEER SMILES.
In Conclusion
BEER SMILES attracted many visitors, not just beer lovers.
Some people had a quick drink and left, while others sat down to enjoy craft beer at their leisure, making it an event where everyone could enjoy it in their own way. The atmosphere is also wonderful for families with children to participate easily.
Opportunities to compare craft beers from within and outside the prefecture are rare unless you go to a specialty store.
I hope it continues to be held every year as a representative craft beer event of Kurashiki.
BEER SMILES Data
| Name | BEER SMILES |
|---|---|
| Date | May 16 (Saturday) and 17 (Sunday), 2026 On the 16th, from 11 AM to 9 PM On the 17th, from 10 AM to 7 PM |
| Location | 3-9-1 A, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Free to participate Food and drink at your own expense |
| Website | Official Instagram of Kurashiki SAKE Festival |
