Magic Hour Kyodo : The Bottom Line
I’m really in two minds about Magic Hour Kyodo – I liked the atmosphere and vibe of this place; however, the prices left me feeling a bit underwhelmed by it all, so I’m unsure if I’d actually go back here, even if I am in the area. It’s a shame really as the only other place in the area is Goto Jozo and their beers haven’t improved enough to warrant putting them over this place either. I guess that the taplist makes up for the prices, as there were other beers besides IPAs on the menu, and there was a small selection of cans and bottles to choose from as well at the front of the store.
Magic Hour Kyodo : Background
The original Magic Hour opened in July 2009, making it one of the earlier craft beer-focused venues in the area. It has developed a loyal local following over the years and has become something of a neighbourhood institution for craft beer enthusiasts. The owners expanded with a second venue, Magic Hour Kyodo Craft Beer & Spice Bar, which opened in August 2024, and it is just a short walk from Kyōdō Station. This newer location emphasizes craft beer and curry, with a more casual beer-bar atmosphere. Just be warned, this branch is located in the basement of a building, and is easy to miss.
Magic Hour Kyodo : Atmosphere & Interior
As you approach the bar, from the correct end of the underground alleyway, you’re greeted by a number of kegs outside, a good sign that you’re in the right place. The person I was drinking with got a bit lost until I pointed out the empty kegs to him. Though Magic Hour Kyodo is underground, there is plenty of lighting inside to make it seem brighter than the underground setting would have you believe.
There’s space inside for around 25 people, with ten counter seats around the bar / kitchen area, and a few high tables dotted around the inside of the bar. There’s plenty of trinkets and paraphenalia inside to give this place some character, and stand out from the crowd of white tiled bars, or wood being used to decorate everything from floor to ceiling. The whole bar is non-smoking and there is no table charge either. Finally, there is also some free WiFi available, though I am not sure if it was from the bar, or from the building the bar is located in instead.
Magic Hour Kyodo : Beer & Tap Information
Magic Hour Kyodo has six taps of craft beer on, with a strong leaning towards domestic beers; however, this is where things began to feel a bit flat. The beers come in two sizes : regular size (296 ml) from ¥1,100 and pint size (473 ml) from ¥1,650 thus putting Magic Hour Kyodo at the more expensive end of the bars we’ve been to. The beers are served well, with very clean glasses, so that’s a good sign, but I still felt my wallet sigh as I ordered a beer.
As you enter the bar, there is also a beer fridge with a selection of both cans and bottles available to drink in store. The 350ml cans are priced at ¥1,300 while the 500 ml cans are priced at ¥1,800. All of the prices include tax, so there’s no extra surprises at the end of drinking. I didn’t notice any happy hour or any offer of a beer flight either.
Magic Hour Kyodo : Food & Menu Information
Magic Hour Kyodo specilises in curry, and though I didn’t eat on the day, I had heard very good things about the food. I guess that’s a reason to come back here – I do love a good curry with New Rose in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa and Cuffy in Kashiwa, Chiba both being excellent examples of how craft beer and curry can be paired together. In terms of the menus though, they were all in Japanese, with just the name of the beer and the style in English. We weren’t offered any English menus, and the staff didn’t speak any English on the day, so you will need to go with someone who can read and/or speak Japanese.
Magic Hour Kyodo : Bar Details
- Open : Weekdays 18:00 – 01:00 Weekends & Holidays 15:00 – 01:00 (L.O Food 00:00 Drink 00:30)
- Closed : Irregular
- Happy Hour : –
- Phone : –
- Homepage (in Japanese) : –
- Social Media : Instagram
