Nomono is a purveyor of Japanese craft beer from the eastern climes of Japan; in particular, the Tohoku and Chubu regions of Japan. It was discovered purely by accident after a recent trip to Le Collier in Tokyo station. Trying to find beers from outside of Kanto can be difficult at times; however, the kind staff at Le Collier told us about this Nomono. It was hard to believe at first, “Akihabara? Japanese craft beer? Are you sure?” Turned out the staff knew what they were talking about.
Nomono is located inside the barriers at Akihabara station, to the left of the central exit barriers. Great news as it means you don’t have to pay extra money to pick up some beers on your way from or to Tokyo craft beer bars, ahem. The range is nowhere near as expansive as Le Collier but they did have three fridges full of Japanese craft beer. Breweries from Tohoku such as Aqula, Baeren, and Oirase were represented well, as well as some breweries from the Chuetsu region, for example, Swan Lake, Echigo Yuzawa Beer, and Minami-Shinshu.
Prices varied quite a lot with Swan Lake being the most expensive at able 700yen a bottle and some of the Echigo Yuzawa beers at about 280yen a can. Both bottles and cans are the same size though so we’re guessing it’s the tax laws and supply/demand chain playing a part in the higher prices.
On the second floor of Nomono is a small restaurant and bar area that sells some of the beers from the fridges. The prices are about 200yen more expensive than just getting a bottle. For the eagle-eyes readers, the cash registers downstairs do have coupons in front of them that will give you 100yen off anything purchased in the restaurant.
If you’re in the Akihabara area, say going to Kanda or Ueno, Nomono is well worth stopping off for.
Nomono Details
Nomono has a homepage on the JR website here. The shop is open from 11am to 9pm daily, while the kitchen is open 7am to 10pm on weekdays and 8am to 9pm on other days.
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I have been to this shop a couple of times, well worth a visit. Recently, I did not see any Baeren and Minami-Shinshu, but they had Fuji-Sakura-Kogen, Hokkaido Fruit Beers and Gran Agri. Regular brands seem to be the “big craft beers” as Baird, Hitachino Nest, Ginga Kogen, Yoho, Aqula and Echigo. Normally there are always two fridges full of craft beer.