Belgian Beer Weekend Shinjuku 2026

A Popular Annual Event That Brings a Festive Touch to Shinjuku at the End of the Year

Belgian Beer Weekend is an annual event held at the Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Belgium. Since the event's Japanese debut in Hibiya, Tokyo in 2010, it has expanded to five cities nationwide. Among them, the Shinjuku event is the only Belgian Beer Weekend held during the winter, and 2026 marks its sixth year. To make it possible to enjoy Belgian beer in comfort even during the colder months, the event is held indoors at Shinjuku Sumitomo Building Sankaku Hiroba. It has firmly established itself as a regular year-end event in Shinjuku, annually attracting a diverse crowd ranging from local business professionals and tourists to embassy officials. At the venue, visitors purchase a dedicated glass—featuring a new design every year—and original tokens used to pay for food and drinks. Visitors can take the glass home, offering the appealing perk of keeping that specific year's exclusive design.

An Impressive Lineup of Exclusive Belgian Beers

One of the biggest draws is the chance to sample Belgian beers brought to Japan by importers with connections to breweries across Belgium. The selection includes beers that are only available locally in Belgium, as well as beers making their debut in Japan. You'll find a wide variety of Belgian beers rarely seen at Japanese izakaya or convenience stores, from Trappist beers brewed by monks and creamy, easy-to-drink white beers to sweet fruit beers that are popular even with people who don't usually drink beer. All beers are categorized into 15 types, making it easy for anyone to find their perfect glass and casually experience "Belgian Beer Culture," a recognized UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The food selection is just as appealing. Try frites, Belgium's famous fries, often described as the country's national food, prepared the traditional way by frying them twice, just as they are in Belgium. Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, enjoy them the authentic Belgian way with plenty of mayonnaise. The menu also features traditional Belgian dishes, as well as cheese and chocolate pairings. A special highlight of the Shinjuku venue is the opportunity to enjoy winter-exclusive, high-alcohol beers paired with hearty hot dishes. Following its massive success last year, "The Table"—a special dining experience prepared by the Executive Chef of the Embassy of Belgium in Japan—will return this year. Guests can enjoy a rare pairing of carefully selected Belgian beers with dishes typically served at diplomatic events (Maximum 28 guests per session / Reservation required).

Experience Belgium Through All Five Senses

Live music and stage events hosted by an MC are another highlight of the festival. 2026 marks the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Belgium. To mark the occasion and promote cultural exchange between the two countries, a special talk show featuring a brewer from Verhaeghe, a historic Belgian brewery, is scheduled to take place. A souvenir marché (market) is also planned as part of the event. Visiting during relatively uncrowded times, such as after work on weekdays or right after opening on weekends, is highly recommended. The Shinjuku venue is highly convenient to get to, directly connected to Tochomae Station and within walking distance of Nishi-Shinjuku and Shinjuku Stations. The indoor venue is also equipped with heated floors, so you can enjoy the event comfortably without worrying about the cold. Multilingual menus and staff assistance eliminate language barriers, and the reservation-free, casual nature of the event makes it highly popular among international tourists. Come by the venue and discover what it means to "Experience Belgium Through All Five Senses."

Please note: Vendors, menu items, and other details may be subject to change.

Belgian Beer Weekend Executive Committee

A wide selection of Belgian beers

Frites, said to be Belgium's national food

A rich selection of Belgian food

Music and visuals as part of the experience

A wide variety of sweets

Beer poured into a dedicated glass. The glasses are washed and reused.

Mussels, a classic Belgian food

Scenes from “The Table” Special Dining

Scenes from “The Table” Special Dining

* Photos from the 2025 event