Summer Festa IN KORIYAMA

JR Koriyama Station transforms into an extraordinary festival ground this summer as the colossal beer garden stretches 350 metres along the main station avenue. Summer Festa in Koriyama, the city's premier beer festival, returns for three days of celebration in July.

The festival has grown significantly since its inception, drawing 60,000 visitors last year and establishing itself as one of the region's most anticipated summer events. This year's expanded format promises an even more impressive experience across multiple venues in central Koriyama.

The festival's origins trace to 1993 when an 18-member delegation led by Mayor Eiji Fujimori and Chamber President Zenhei Otaka visited Munich's Oktoberfest during a Germany-France convention inspection tour. Witnessing the massive beer festival that attracts 6.5 million visitors annually to its 42-hectare venue inspired the creation of Koriyama's own beer celebration.

The event has evolved from this international inspiration into a distinctly Japanese summer festival, incorporating local flavours, regional partnerships, and community engagement while maintaining the celebratory spirit of its Bavarian inspiration.

Highlights

The festival spans several key locations including Koriyama Station Front Avenue, Nakamachi Yume Street, Omachi Street, and JR Koriyama Station West Exit Plaza. Each area offers distinct atmospheres and specialities, creating diverse experiences within the single event.

Fifty-eight food booths and food trucks from popular Koriyama restaurants will participate, with all vendors setting up along the sidewalks while seating areas expand into the roadways - more than doubling last year's capacity. Local ingredients feature prominently in the offerings, showcasing regional culinary traditions.

Two dedicated music stages will host approximately 20 performing artists throughout the three-day event. The entertainment spans multiple genres including ska bands, jazz ensembles, Hawaiian music, and dance performances, ensuring diverse musical experiences for all attendees.

Stages are positioned on Station Front Avenue and at Koriyama Station West Exit Plaza, allowing visitors to choose performances that match their preferences. The varied programming creates continuous entertainment across both venues.

The West Exit Plaza features local specialities including strawberry shaved ice, sausages, carp cuisine, and craft beers representing Koriyama and the broader regional area. Products from sister cities Nara (Nara Prefecture) and Kurume (Fukuoka Prefecture) will also be available.

This area provides a more relaxed, adult-oriented atmosphere compared to the bustling Station Front Avenue, offering visitors a quieter space to enjoy regional specialities.

Payment and Ticketing Options

The festival accommodates various payment preferences. Each vendor accepts cash, cashless payments (where available), and advance tickets, with no entry fees required. Premium advance tickets with 10% bonus value are available for 1,000 yen, providing 1,100 yen worth of vouchers.