Japanese drinks and flavors meet Oregon brews in Portland celebration

Next month, Portland will get a taste of Japan without the long flight. A festival called Fuji to Hood is bringing 25 breweries and cider makers from Japan straight to The Redd in Southeast Portland on July 18. Instead of plain lagers, visitors will find beers spiced with yuzu, IPAs brewed with matcha tea noodles, and even ales with a hint of red miso. Local Oregon brewers are joining in too, adding Japanese touches like cedar, citrus, and native hops to their drinks. Breakside, Fort George, and Deschutes are among the big names mixing things up.The fun starts early for VIP ticket holders at 11 a. m. , while everyone else can join from 1 p. m. to 8 p. m. If beer isn’t your thing, there’s a side bar for wine and cocktails. The event isn’t just about drinks—food trucks and restaurants will dish out ramen, sashimi, pork katsu sandwiches, and more. Watch live performances like dojo battles, sumo wrestling, and traditional Japanese drumming. Artists will also show off crafts, tattoos, manga, and pottery, giving visitors something to take home besides a buzz. The festival’s name comes from two famous mountains: Oregon’s Mount Hood and Japan’s Mount Fuji. Every two years, the celebration switches locations—last time it was in Tokyo. Started in 2018, the event paused during the pandemic but came back in 2022, with Japan hosting again in 2023. Now it’s Portland’s turn once more.