Brewpubs are slowly becoming more common in Japan, though space is a limiting factor for many. They are places where everything is made on-site, and you can see the process in action. Brewpubs also have a more relaxed atmosphere than your regular bar it seems, with the brewpubs having a stronger community aspect. While overseas, they may have kitchens attached to them, it’s often the case in Japan that the food aspect is often thought of later. Or, with the link to the local community, local producers will have their food on sale.
In this Best of the Bunch, we’re going to be looking at only brewpubs – those that do brew their own beer on site. We’re not going to be looking at taprooms, that’s an article for another time. The big difference between the two is that the latter does not brew any beer on site. That’s the limiting factor for this entry. It doesn’t matter if the brewpub has food or not; and it does not matter if they have any takeaway beers.
Table of Contents
Taproom Pherment – Shinjuku / Tokyo
This place used to be Vector Brewing and they hadn’t impressed me with their beers. So it was a surprise when I came along here with a Patron – it was a sudden decision and one that I was glad we did. The beers are on-point for their style and all tasted great. The only downside was that the number of taps have widely varied when we’ve been thre
Link to Review : Taproom Pherment (Shinjuku / Tokyo)
Okei Brewery Nippori – Arakawa / Tokyo
Nippori isn’t really known for much – perhaps the train line that goes to Narita Airport springs to mind. However, Okei Brewery Nippori stood out for me as a great little place. I had heard mixed things about it, but the visits I’ve made here have shown that the mixed things were wrong and it’s a place that welcomes the local community with good beers and even better chips.
Link to Review : Okei Brewery Nippori (Arakawa / Tokyo)
Shared Brewery – Hachioji / Tokyo
This list came about because of this place – so it’s only right that it makes it to the list. What it lacks in food, Shared Brewery more than makes up for with a fantastic lineup of craft beer that always impresses me when I go. The only surprising thing about this place is that it isn’t more popular than it already is. That means more beers for you when you go.
Link to Review : Shared Brewery in Hachioji, Tokyo
Inkhorn Brewing – Mejiro / Tokyo
Another brewpub that I first visited during Covid, and a place that I’ve been back to time and time again. A standing bar with pretty much only beer on offer, the beers are well-made to style and hit the spot. The open bay doors that open onto the street means some people watching can be done, or you can admire the bird artwork and greenery inside the bar.
Link to Review : Inkhorn Brewing in Mejiro, Tokyo
Grandline Brewing – Yokosuka / Kanagawa
Yokosuka has two brewpubs at the time of writing, though Grandline Brewing edges out Yokosuka Beer. That’s due to the quality of beers that I’ve had from the former being all-round better. There’s a decent selection of styles at this brewpub, and with the funny little outside drinking area, it’s a really community spot with all welcome.
Link to Review : Grandline Brewing (Yokosuka / Kanagawa)
Libushi Bashamichi – Bashamichi / Kanagawa
What to do when you’ve got a historical building that isn’t being used? Well you could put a brewpub in it, and that’s exactly what Anglo-Japanese Brewing did with this branch. Operating as a brewpub in its own right, they brew some of their own beers that can’t be found elsewhere. On top of this, the food is fantastic so you’ve got a dangerous combination here.
Link to Review : Libushi Bashamichi (Bashamichi / Kanagawa)
TDM 1874 – Tokaichiba / Kanagawa
TDM 1874 does have a new brewery in Tennocho, but it’s the original place that wins out – only just! I’ve had many a good time here and enjoyed some well made beers, with great food. There are also two fridges of craft beer that can be enjoyed at home, so once you’ve had a belly full of beer here, then you can get some more at home. How long will this place stay on the list? Let’s see how the new branch gets on first.
Link to Review : TDM1874 Brewery in Tokaichiba, Yokohama
Yggdrasil Brewing – Hiratsuka / Kanagawa
Heavy metal and craft beer – there’s few places that combine them so well in Japan like Yggdrasil Brewing. Like other places on this list, this brewpub is entrenched in the local community, and is often busy at the weekends with families or groups of drinkers alike. Get in early, and try some of the differing styles of drinks on offer, as well as mead.
Link to Review : Yggdrasil Brewing in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa
Outside of Kanto
Otaru Beer Warehouse No. 1 – Otaru / Hokkaido
I love Otaru Beer Warehouse No. 1. Surely that should be enough of a reason to include it on this list? The atmosphere, the views, the food, and the beer – all warrant a must visit when you’re in Sapporo. Every time I’ve been here, I’ve come away happy and relaxed, and doing the free brewery tour with a beer in hand, life doesn’t come much better.
Link to Review : Otaru Beer Otaru Warehouse No.1 (Otaru / Hokkaido)
Prost – Arai / Fukushima
In spite of the awful weather on the day that I visited Prost, which is part of the Michinoku Fukushima Beer group, I enjoyed my time here. While some may consider this a taproom, the fact that you can see people working away at the brewery means this makes the list.
The beers are solid and dependable, if not exciting. However, grab a beer flight or two enjoy as you sit out on the deck, or inside watching the hustle and bustle in the brewery.
Link to Review : Prost (Arai / Fukushima)
Joynt Brewing – Ito / Shizuoka
Another surprise place on this list but again, it’s here for good reason. The views as you sit and drink a beer on the deck; the well made beers which encompass a variety of styles. Oh, and the tacos. Combine all of this together and you’ll enjoy your time here – just make sure you do keep an eye on the clock though as it’ll pass quicker than you realise.
Link to Review : Joynt Brewing in Ito, Shizuoka
Kyoto Beer Lab – Kyoto / Kyoto
It’s been a good few years since I’ve been to Kyoto Beer Lab – yet the times I have been, the beers have been solid and matched to the style. Moreover, there’s been a variety of beers on tap, so there is something for everyone. If you can, go during spring or autumn, when the weather is cooler, and perfect for just sitting at the bank of the river, dangling your toes in as you drink a cold pint of beer.
Link to Review : Kyoto Beer Lab in Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto
Free Spirits Brewing – Himeji / Hyogo
Himeji isn’t all just about the castle it seems now with Free Spirits Brewing striking up well with some well made craft beer. Located in what appears to be a run down area of the city, the inside is warm and inviting, with a strong local community spirit having been developed. If you can, go when the beer garden is open up on the top floor, and enjoy some cold craft beer with the views.
Link to Review : Free Spirits Brewing (Himeji / Hyogo)
Fukuoka Craft – Fukuoka / Kyushu
Mexican food and craft beer – such a great combination and I hope it increases in Japan. With Joynt making this list, as well as Chelas knocking out some great good, it would make sense for Fukuoka Craft to make it. A large selection of beers on tap, and some decent food – with this going hand-in-hand, you might end up staying longer than expected.
Link to Review : Fukuoka Craft in Fukuoka, Kyushu
