Hakuraku Mokki : The Bottom Line
I came to Hakuraku Mokki for the beer – yet I ended up enjoying the food so much more, and there’s very few places that make me say that. There was a decent selection of beers on tap, with some kind of variety across the taps, so there is something for everything. But the biryani was to die for – the only downside to that was that the portion was small. The small, intimate atmosphere to the bar also made it welcoming and I’ll definitely be coming back here again to have some beers, but more of the food as I want to try all the menu. The whole place is non-smoking, and has no table charge.
Hakuraku Mokki : Background
Hakuraku Mökki opened on 8th November 2021, tucked into the arcade of the long-established Rokukakubashi Shopping Street, just a few minutes from Hakuraku Station on the Toyoko Main Line. The decision to open in Hakuraku appears to have been driven as much by the character of the neighbourhood as by the location itself. The area has a distinctly old-school Yokohama feel, with its narrow, slightly weathered shopping arcade, independent shops and strong local community, while the nearby Kanagawa University brings a younger population into the area. Mökki’s owners were attracted to that atmosphere and created a small, relaxed space that feels almost like a hideaway within the shopping street.
The name Mökki comes from the Finnish word for a cottage or cabin, which fits the cosy, understated character of the place. From the beginning, the concept brought together three things: Japanese craft beer, natural wine and spice curry.
Hakuraku Mokki : Atmosphere & Interior
As you approach the bar, you can’t help but feel transported to a time gone by – these kinds of shopping streets, aka shoutengai, are slowly getting knocked down, or gentrified into coffee shops and record stores. The sliding door to Hakuraku Mokki will announce to everyone around that someone is coming in, or going out, it’s that juddery and loud. The interior was deliberately given a warm, vintage feel, with antique furniture and subdued lighting creating somewhere that felt more like a neighbourhood hideaway than a conventional beer bar.
The small and intimate space inside means that you’re either going to be sharing a table with other people during busy times, or rubbing shoulders with the person next to you at the counter. At 1m 83cm, I’m taller than the average Japanese person, and felt like a giant among a hobbit sized house – I was so worried that one sudden movement might knock the building down.
There’s space for around 15 people inside, with five or so seats at the counter, and then another 10 people at various tables. On the day I went, the bar was filled up so I was lucky enough to get a seat at the counter. If you’re lucky, and the weather is suited for it, there are a couple of outside seats to watch people go by, but in reality, I think they are for people waiting to come into the bar. Finally, the whole place is non-smoking and has no table charge either. Th
Hakuraku Mokki : Beer & Tap Information
There are usually seven taps of craft beer on Hakuraku Mokki, with the focus firmly on Japanese craft beer and, in particular, limited-release kegs that you are unlikely to find hanging around for very long. The selection leans towards the more modern end of Japanese brewing, with breweries such as Uchu Brewing, West Coast Brewing, Oni Densetsu, Be Easy Brewing, Amakusa Sonar Beer and Open Air appearing among the beers offered. Rather than sticking to a particular regional style or brewery, Mökki seems to enjoy moving around the Japanese craft-beer landscape, with American-style IPAs, hazy beers and fruit-forward smoothie-style beers featuring regularly.
The beers come in three sizes : small (200ml) from ¥858, regular (300ml) from ¥1124, and finally pints (473ml) from ¥1,592. It’s certainly on the pricier end for the craft beer, but then you’re paying for some limited kegs that I’ve not seen elsewhere on my drinking adventures in Japan. There are also two beer flight options : three 100 ml with some snacks for ¥1,650, or a four 100 ml flight for ¥1,980 – with both beer flights allowing you to choose any beers on the menu. Finally, the beers are served immaculately – you’re paying for the beer, not a massive amount of head.
Hakuraku Mokki : Food & Menu Information
I came for the beers. As soon as I stepped into this place, the smells emanating from the kitchen drew me in. The food is an important part of the beer experience too. Mökki’s spice curry works particularly well alongside the bold, aromatic beers that tend to appear on the taps, giving the place a slightly different identity from the typical Japanese craft-beer bar. The biryani was easily one of the best I’ve ever had – and I’ve eaten a good number both in Japan, and overseas – and I’ll be back again. The menus though are mostly in Japanese so you’ll need some help when you get here. Finally, the prices include tax.
Hakuraku Mokki : Bar Details
- Open : Weekdays 18:00 – 23:30 (L.O Food 22:30 Drink 23:00) Saturdays 15:00 – 23:00 (L.O Food 22:00 Drink 22:30) Sundays 15:00 – 22:00 (L.O Food 21:00 Drink 21:30)
- Closed : Tuesdays / Wednesdays
- Happy Hour : –
- Phone : 050-3101-3939
- Homepage (in Japanese) : –
- Social Media : Instagram
