Hongo Kikusaka‐cho Camos : The Bottom Line
I’m in two minds about this place. Hongo Kikusaka‐cho Camos is clear a hit with the local community as when we went, the place was full up, with lots of vibrant chatter going on. However, perhaps because of the timing that we went, there weren’t many beers actually on tap, and those that were, weren’t very good. Clearly though they’re doing something right with this place being so far. Maybe another visit is in order, but next time, at a quieter time of day so we can try more of their beers.
Hongo Kikusaka‐cho Camos : Background
Hongo Kikusaka‐cho Camos is a brewpub located in the Hongo area of Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo. It’s the first, and at time of writing only, brewpub in the area, with them opening in May 2023 after brewing their first batch of beer a few months earlier in December the previous year. They got the idea of opening a brewpub after “Sam” the owner and brewer, was stationed in Germany and was inspired to brew craft beer after seeing small breweries in every town.
The brewpub is located less than five minutes walk from Hongo-sanchome station, which is found on the Tokyo Metro Oedo Line and also Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line.
Hongo Kikusaka‐cho Camos : Atmosphere & Interior
As you approach Hongo Kikusaka‐cho Camos, you can’t help but feel that this is more of a communal style brewpub, with the aim of being a focus in the area, rather than one attracting people from farther afield. It’s small shop front belies the depth of the place, and as you enter, you can see the brewery at the back of the bar. In fact, they do brewery tours once a month, though it’s a tight space, so I can’t imagine these tours being larger than groups of five or six people.
In terms of seating, there is space for around 15 people inside, with some seats located along the length of the wall, and some counter seats at the bar. On the day we went to Hongo Kikusaka‐cho Camos, the whole place was full up, with just some seats at the back. The whole place is non-smoking and there is also some free Wi-Fi with the details around the bar for people to use. More importantly, there’s no table charge here.
Hongo Kikusaka‐cho Camos : Beer & Tap Information
On the day we went to Hongo Kikusaka‐cho Camos, most of the taps had run out – not a good sign, but also it is as it means they’re doing something right here. The staff very quickly apologised for this and said that they would have some new beers on the next day. There are usually 10 taps of craft beer, with a split between in-house beers and some guest beers. One of those guest beers is always going to be Brew Classic as that’s where the brewery got trained.
The beers come in three sizes : small (140 ml) from ¥650, medium (240 ml) from ¥800, and finally large (473 ml) from ¥1,100 with all of the prices inclusive of tax. There’s no beer flights on; however, they do have a happy hour on Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm to 4pm, where all in-house beers are ¥100 off. Finally, there is an all-you-can-drink-plan for two hours at ¥3,600
Hongo Kikusaka‐cho Camos : Food & Menu Information
There are some basic foods on at Hongo Kikusaka‐cho Camos, with a heavy German influence – unsurprising really considering the history from the owner. You can also bring in some of your own food to eat, though do take your rubbish home with you. In terms of menus, they were mostly in Japanese, with the occasional smattering of English on the menu so bring your Japanese speaking and reading mates to the bar.
Hongo Kikusaka‐cho Camos : Bar Details
- Open : Wednesday to Friday 18:00 – 22:00 (L.O. Food 21:00 Drink 21:30) Saturdays 14:00 – 19:30 (L.O Food 18:30 Drink 19:00) Sundays & Holidays 14:00 – 18:30 (L.O Food 17:30 Drink 18:00)
- Closed : Mondays & Tuesdays
- Happy Hour : Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm to 4pm, in-house beers ¥100 off.
- Phone : –
- Homepage (in Japanese) : https://camosclassic.stores.jp/
- Social Media : Instagram
