If you love a bit of shochu, you are in for a treat. Love awamori too? You better get to Shinagawa tomorrow (Saturday 18th).

Though the two drinks are very similar on paper, in a glass they are a different beast. Shochu can be distilled from rice, various grains or root vegetables – barley or sweet potatoes are the most common. Awamori is the stronger cousin from Okinawa. Its alcohol level is often double that of ‘normal’ shochu and for that reason it has quite the reputation.

To get more of a taste this weekend and learn from the experts, head over to Shinagawa’s TKP Garden City convention centre for the Shochu and Awamori Festival. There will be up to 100 varieties on offer, with all you can drink tickets (be careful!) costing ¥4,000.

Where: Have a look at the website, here, for a map.

When: Saturday August 18. Two sessions – 12:00 – 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.