FAQs

What is BeerTengoku?

BeerTengoku is a site that reviews Japanese craft beers, craft beer bars, breweries and also lists events. There was a distinct lack of up to date knowledge in English about craft beers. 

Why are there only Japanese craft beers and not American, British, Czech etc..?

We feel that there is plenty of information about American and British craft beers out there. With the sudden influx of the international market to Japan, it is a worry that the domestic market will be left behind. While we enjoy beers from all over the world, our focus is Japan. Some of the bars reviews may server imported craft beer, and we will say in our reviews as well.

Is the site English only?

We would like to include everyone who likes craft beer, or is interested in trying it. If you know someone who would like to help, then let us know by getting in contact.

Who reviews the beers / bars / breweries?

The BeerTengoku staff do. We do not accept advertisements, and we are completely impartial to all breweries. Of course, we have our favourite beers and no doubt they will be mentioned on the site, but first and foremost, we love beer. Not mass manufactured beer, but beer with flavour. Beer that tastes like a meal.

Why do the beers / bars / breweries not have any ratings?

How can you rate a beer? How can you decide if a beer is a 3 out of 5, or a beer worth a score of 80%? Our reviews aren’t designed to rate beers, bars, or breweries more review them in a descriptive manner that lets you know about them and let you make up your mind. 

Who pays for the beers / bar trips / brewery tours?

Again, the BeerTengoku staff do. We’re not in this for the money, but if you wish to throw some our way, sure, would be nice. We are in this to spread the message about Japanese craft beer and to ensure that as many people know about it as possible.

Where are the adverts?

We are not being paid by anyone to review beers or bars or go to breweries. Seriously. We have some tiny little adverts dotted around the site, but a Patreon helps to fund out travels and interviews.

What is the second opinion for?

From time to time, we will add a second opinion to the beer reviews. The writers on BeerTengoku have different tastes in beer and that might affect our opinions on the beer. The second opinion gives the chance for a different view point on the beer.

Can you send me some beer labels?

In short, no. Sorry! A combination of strong glue and low-quality paper makes removing labels on most Japanese craft beer bottles a time-consuming chore. Post a request to the BT Facebook page, though, and one of our loyal readers might be able to sort you out with some!

(Better still, buy the beer! Then you can try it as well as have the label!)

I’m coming to Japan soon, can you recommend a place to drink?

Of course! Give us a shout on Twitter or Facebook and we’ll be more than happy to help. Our craft beer map of Japan also plugs directly into Google Maps!

We pride ourselves on being independent, and we don’t have any business connections with any bars, so we can’t make reservations for you, I’m afraid.

Need any help with the site? Can I write for you?

The site in its current state is managed by Rob. The one thing we are looking for help on is translation of existing articles into Japanese. If you can help with that, get in touch!

If you want to write for us, get in touch as well! Include a beer or bar review of one that we’ve done and that showcases your writing style. If you live outside of Kanto we will be very pleased to hear from you, as we’re looking to expand our review base outside of the Tokyo area more! At the moment the site is not monetised so we can’t pay you.

Nice pictures, mind if I use them?

Sure, as long as you credit us! Our photos are an integral part of the site and our intellectual property. Read more about the Creative Commons license we have here at creative common license system. This works for us in terms of copyright and all images, articles, reviews, and related content is licensed under the Attribution-NoDerivs system. Of course, if you have questions, then please do not hesitate to ask us.

Hang on, I went to a bar and it wasn’t open! Why?!

We try to keep all information up to date; however, there are times when bars are not open due to unforeseen circumstances. Before you go, phone them up and ask them.

Hang on, I read a review and then you changed it / added to it / amended it! Why?!

From time to time, we go somewhere and we review it. Perhaps we enjoyed it, perhaps we didn’t. But we’re not afraid to edit a review to change our experience of it. Why do we do it? Well we might go on an event day, for example all IPAs and we might not enjoy it and we should say so. If we go back there again and it’s different, then we should say. If we do amend a review, for better or for worse, then we will announce it on our social network feeds so you know. We may miss something out, e.g. free wifi, or table charge or something so we’ll also add that too.

How do I contact someone?

If you wish to contact someone, then click on the link at the bottom of the site. Of course, we can not reply to all emails but we will try out best.