2nd Karuizawa Fermentation Festival Brings 3 Days of Nagano Wine, Cheese, Pickles, and More

Karuizawa Marriott Hotel (Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture) will host the 2nd Karuizawa Fermentation Festival from June 19 (Friday) to June 21 (Sunday), 2026. The three-day event is organized in collaboration with "Fermentation Valley NAGANO," a network of eight organizations and companies in Nagano Prefecture's fermented food industry.

Under the theme "Fermented Foods for Nagano's Longevity and Health," the festival invites visitors to discover, taste, and experience the fermentation culture that has long been embedded in Nagano, a prefecture renowned for its long-lived population. Approximately 20 fermented food makers from across the region will set up stalls, with hands-on workshops and expert-led talks rounding out the three days. The program caters to all ages.

Beyond Nagano's traditional fermented staples like Shinshu miso, the festival also features products that incorporate fermentation techniques from abroad — such as cheese — adapted using distinctly Japanese methods.

About the Karuizawa Fermentation Festival

The 2nd Karuizawa Fermentation Festival brings together Nagano's fermented food culture in the internationally known resort town of Karuizawa. Through vendor stalls and workshops, the festival highlights the fermentation traditions that have shaped the food culture of one of Japan's leading longevity prefectures.

During the festival, Karuizawa Marriott Hotel's restaurant will offer a special fermented plate featuring a generous assortment of Nagano-produced cheese, prosciutto, and pickles, as well as a refreshing fermented mocktail inspired by the verdant early-summer scenery of Karuizawa. The mocktail is crafted using locally grown fruits and amazake (fermented rice drink), creating a seasonal taste perfectly suited to the occasion.

Hotel Special Food & Drinks:

• Fermentation Plate: ¥1,500
• Fermented Mocktail: ¥1,300

All prices include consumption tax and service charge.

Participating Vendors

The following Nagano producers and makers will take part in the festival:

• Sake (Japanese Rice Wine): Osawa Shuzo
• Beer & Cider: Yoho Brewing, Kamoshika Cider Brewery
• Wine: Karuizawa An Winery, Villa d'Est Garden Farm and Winery, SunSun Winery, Hase de Kodawaru Winery, Yone Farm Tomi, Tomi Wine & Beer Museum, Hikaru no Hatake
• Cheese: Atelier de Fromage, Boschetto Cheese Lab, Shinshu Cheese no Ki
• Pickles: Kurumaya, Yamahei
• Miso: Suya Mo, Izumiya Shoten, Takeda Miso Jozo
• Soy Sauce: Suya Mo
• Vinegar: Uchibori Brewing
• Natto: Asama Natto Honpo, Murata Shoten
• Bread: Boulanger Asanoya
• Coffee: Mikado Coffee
• Fermentation Plate & Mocktail: Karuizawa Marriott Hotel

Workshops & Talk Sessions

Hands-on workshops and talk sessions will be held on both June 20 and June 21, with 15 seats per session (advance reservation required). Sessions run at 2:00 PM to 2:50 PM (Session 1) and 4:00 PM to 4:50 PM (Session 2).

June 20 (Saturday):

1. "One-Level-Up Fermented Recipes to Enjoy at Home — Taught by the Hotel Chef" (Karuizawa Marriott Hotel)
2. "Nagano, Land of Longevity: Is Fermented Food the Secret?" (Fermentation Valley NAGANO)

June 21 (Sunday):

1. "A Freshly Made Experience! Health Power from Cheese & Whey" (Fermentation Valley NAGANO)
2. "Find Balance with Fermentation: A Drinkable Retreat Experience" (Karuizawa Marriott Hotel)

Special guests on Saturday and Sunday include Arukuma (Nagano Prefecture's PR character) and Ruiza-chan (Karuizawa Town's PR character).

Event Details

Walk-in visitors are requested to use public transportation to reach the venue.

Event details, including participating vendors, workshop content, and hours, are subject to change. Please check the official hotel website for the latest information: https://www.karuizawa-marriott.com/