Wayfarer Brewing Taproom : The Bottom Line
Wayfarer Brewing Taproom is a little out of the way for most people but I whole-heartedly recommend getting out here when you’re in the area – just bring some cash with you because at the time of writing, cash is still king. With five taps of craft beer, there’s a decent variety of styles on tap, along with them being reasonably priced. Moreover, though I sat inside that day and talked with Matt et al for hours, the small outside area is perfect when the weather is nice. The whole place is non-smoking and there’s no table charge either.
Wayfarer Brewing Taproom : Background
Wayfarer Brewing Taproom has been open for a few years at the time of writing, and while the Wayfarer Brewing has flown under the radar for a while it seems, I’ve been trying to get their beers for a while now. I had looked around Kochi trying to find their beers on tap, but alas, nothing.
The nearest station to the tapoom is Gomen, though it’s a long walk yet if you do walk it, there is also Kokubunji temple, #29 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage, that is worth stopping in at, as personally, it’s one of the most aesthetically pleasing temples in Japan, let alone Shikoku. There is also a local bus route that runs past the taproom, though it’s so erratic that it might actually be quicker to walk anyway.
Wayfarer Brewing Taproom : Atmosphere & Interior
As you approach Wayfarer Brewing Taproom, you’re greeted by a large factory building, with just a small signage for the taproom. Don’t let that fool you because as you enter the place, you’re met with something rustic, something quaint, something that had been hand built by Matt and his wife when they moved into the place. All of the decor had been styled around creating a place that allows music and conversation to flow; windows that let lots of light in, and cosy chairs that mean you can easily sit back and knock back a few pots.
There’s space for around 10 people inside, with some table seats and counter seats, though be prepared to squeeze in when more people come along. On the day I went, I got there for opening – I was thirsty! – and when I left at around 2:30 pm, the bar had filled up, people were sat outside drinking, and there was a queue building up with people wanting to buy beers to takeaway. The whole place is non-smoking and there is some WiFi in the area though I’m unsure if it’s from the bar or not – I was a bit tipsy when I left and forgot to ask.
Wayfarer Brewing Taproom : Beer & Tap Information
There are five taps of craft beer on at Wayfarer Brewing Taproom, with all the beers being from Wayfarer Brewing Company. The beers come in two sizes : pot (265 ml) from ¥650 and schooner (420 ml) from ¥1,000, with cans also available to purchase to takeaway. There’s no beer flight and no happy hour option either. I ended up having all five beers on the menu that day, some more than once, and would have had more but it’s cash only here and I only had ¥4,500 on me, and I needed the money back for the train and a potential bus ride.
Wayfarer Brewing Taproom : Food & Menu Information
There’s not much on in terms of food here, and that’s not an issue. I didn’t get any food on the day – though that was because I didn’t have enough cash on me! The food they do have is some simple snacks that encompass both meat and vegetarians options. Though the menus are mostly in Japanese, the important information is in English and the staff do speak English so there’s not an issue there at all. Finally, all the prices include tax so there’s no surprises at the end – though do bring cash with you!
Wayfarer Brewing Taproom : Bar Details
- Open : Friday to Sunday 11:00 to 18:00 (L.O 17:30)
- Closed : Monday to Thursdays
- Happy Hour : –
- Phone : –
- Homepage (in Japanese) : http://www.wayfarerbrewingcompany.com/
- Social Media : Facebook /. Instagram
