Hitachino Nest Brewing Lab Tokyo Station The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a quick beer near Tokyo Station, or if you’re fan of Hitachino Nest, then there isn’t much better place to go than Hitachino Nest Brewing Lab Tokyo Station. However, if you’re looking for variety, then you’ll need to carry on walking a bit. It isn’t the most exciting of places and I prefer the Akihabara branch – just. All prices include tax and there isn’t a table charge either. There is some English menus available and the staff did explain some of the beers in English – without asking. Moreover, there is a free WiFi option – thanks to JR East.
A photoshoot was going on when we were there. Not for us though…
Hitachino Nest Brewing Lab Tokyo Station Full Review
Hitachino Nest Brewing Lab Tokyo Station opened up December 1st 2016, just outside the Yaesu central exit and it is the third taproom from Kiuchi Brewery after their Mito and Akihabara branches. It is a welcome addition to an area spartan of options – Le Collier closed in 2016, BarBAR Tokyo is expensive, and Liquors Hasegawa don’t allow you to drink in store – so what are you supposed to do when waiting for a Shinkansen?
If you’ve read our review of the Akihabara branch, then you won’t be too surprised to know that Hitachino Nest Brewing Lab Tokyo Station follows pretty much the same route as that one. Hitachino Nest Brewing Lab Tokyo Station is much smaller than that location, perhaps 1/4 of the size, with just enough space inside for a couple of tables to sit down at, and the rest being standing only. The most disappointing thing about it is that don’t allow the beers to be taken outside, even though the whole area is covered by the station. A shame as the day we went, it was a beautiful winter’s day: blue skies with the mercury just reaching 10c.
There are eight beers on tap and two on hand pump, and all the beers are from the Hitachino Nest range. All beers are priced at ¥680, tax included, for either a glass or tumbler, though their sizes differ depending on the strength of the beer. There are also some bottled beers available but are much more expensive, almost ¥3,000, and can not be bought unless you buy the whole bottle. There is also a three-beer tasting set for ¥980, which gets you three 150ml beers. There isn’t any kind of happy hour deal on either.
The food also follows the Akihabara branch down to the letter with small pots of food at various prices and some sandwiches on sale too. Nothing extraordinary really – guess they’re hoping you’re popping in for a quick beer before moving onto elsewhere. Be warned though, the sandwich is freshly made and very very hot!
Hitachino Nest Brewing Lab Tokyo Details
Open: Daily 11:00 to 23:00 (L.O Food and Drink 22:30)
Happy Hour: None
Phone: 03-6551-2515
Homepage (in Japanese): http://hitachino.cc/brewinglab-tokyostation/index.html
SNS: Facebook
How to Get to Hitachino Nest Brewing Lab Tokyo
The closest station to Hitachino Nest Brewing Lab Tokyo is Tokyo Station and its underground stations. Take the Yaesu central exit and go to the second floor. Hitachino Nest Brewing Lab Tokyo is on the main concourse area.
