Libushi Bashamichi : The Bottom Line
Libushi Bashamichi is a fantastic addition to the craft beer scene in Yokohama, and with it comes some well made beers from Anglo-Japanese Brewing Company. While Libushi Bashamichi isn’t the cheapest place to get some beers, the selection on tap means there is something for everyone. The bar itself is in a nice open environment, and with the huge table at the back, gives you a chance to spread out, or make some new friends.
Libushi Bashamichi : The Full Review
I know I’ve been a bit lazy with this place – Libushi Bashamichi originally opened up in April 2022 and I’ve already been here four times – so what took me so long to write up about it? Well I was lucky enough to go along for the first weekend it opened to the public and that’s never a good time to write up about a place. And since then, with a trip to the UK, I have been swamped with ideas and Libushi Bashamichi just lingered in the draft mode. It was on the fourth time of going there, and having some of the first in-house beers, more about that later, that I finished this off. So apologies to everyone who has been eagerly awaiting this write-up.
Libushi Bashamichi opened in April 2022 in the Kitanaka area of Bashamichi, right next to Bashamichi Station on the Minatomirai line. It was funded by crowdfunding on Camp Fire. The building that Libushi Bashamichi is located in used to be the former Raw Silk Inspection Center, which has been certified as a historic building by Yokohama City though Libushi Bashamichi is located on the first floor, with other businesses on the upper floors.
Libushi Bashamichi : Atmosphere & Interior
As you walk into Libushi Bashamichi, you’re met with the small brewery on the right hand side, and then the bar that stretches out throughout. There are two sections to the bar: the front section that encompasses as small standing area along the counter with some seats at the windows, and the back section with a huge table made from piece of wood, that is for groups and families it seems. The front section has seating for about 10 people, while the large table has space for around 14 people. The whole place is non-smoking and has no table charge either.
There was some light music playing in the background – loud enough to be heard but not so loud to detract away from conversations being held. I was expecting it to be quite dark inside – mainly due to the age of the building, but with the light colours that Libushi Bashamichi uses, it’s rather light and airy inside.
Libushi Bashamichi : Beer & Tap Information
Libushi Bashamichi has around 15 taps of various drinks – mostly craft beer but there are occasionally some non-beer drinks on, such as lemon sours. The majority of the beers are from AJB but with the brewery at the back, there is a goal to have some more locally produced beers. In fact, on the day I went for the fourth time, Libushi Bashamichi had just produced its first in-house beer, imaginatively titled Bashamichi Pale Ale. The beers come mainly in two sizes: half US pint from ¥650 and US pint from ¥1,200. There is also a four beer tasting flight for ¥2,400 that gets you any 4 x 240 ml beers. Moreover, if you have a spare ¥2,500, you can become a member of the Libushi Pint Club that – for 1 year – gets you any US pint upgraded to the size of a UK pint (563 ml). Not a bad deal if you plan on coming here more than once a month.
Libushi Bashamichi : Food Information
The food at Libushi Bashamichi is based around locally sourced meats and vegetables where possible. There isn’t a wide selection of food, but the food is very good. It’s a little pricey but the portion sizes are pretty large. The menus are in English and in Japanese, with all the prices including tax. Unfortunately, there are no chips on the menu, but there are some crisps instead so that’s a win in my book.
Libushi Bashamichi : Information
- Open : Weekdays 15:00 – 23:00 (L.O Food 22:00 Drink 22:30) Weekends & Holidays 11:30 – 23:00 (L.O Food 22:00 Drink 22:30)
- Closed : N/A
- Happy Hour : N/A
- Phone : 045-307-4555
- Homepage (in Japanese) : N/A
- Social Media : Instagram
