Oktoberfest, Beer Gardens And Craft Beer: The Japanese Beer Experience

Japan's Craft Beer Scene

You can find some international beers both in cans and on tap at various bars throughout Japan, but the major domestic brands are Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo, Suntory, Ebisu, and Orion. Each of this brands has their own subtypes too, so if you are looking for more information on major beer brands, you might want to check out What's In That Can? A Guide To The Taste of Japanese Beers.

The craft beer scene first developed in the early 90s in Japan, but has taken on a new shape in the past five or so years, with new, smaller breweries taking on the old forerunners and offering their products in exclusive restaurants, bars, or in limited edition series. Here are four of best craft breweries you'll find in Japan.

1. Yona Yona Beer Works

From: Enjoy Superb Meat And Craft Beer At Yona Yona Beer Works
Yona Yona Beer Works is the official beer bar of Yona Yona Ale, Japan's pioneering craft beer, and has four locations in the Tokyo area to choose from. Here you'll find ten beer varieties produced by Yo-Ho Brewing, the brewery responsible for Yona Yona Ale plus amazing dishes designed to match perfectly the various craft beers on tap. One must try is Wednesday Cat, a Belgian white ale that is hard to beat.

2. Oriental Brewing

From: Oriental Brewing - Get A Taste Of Kanazawa's Craft Beer

Kanazawa is found in Ishikawa prefecture, and can easily be reached from Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto. This area is famous for sake, hot springs, and of course, its own craft beer.

Oriental Brewing is centrally located in Kanazawa, in the historic Higashi Chaya tea house district, and has eight varieties of beer on tap including a Weizen (white ale) and a Yuzu Ale (white ale infused with yuzu citrus). Their Yuzu Ale comes highly recommended - the yuzu is locally grown, as are many of the ingredients used by this cafe style restaurant, and they offer brewery tours too.

3. Y.Y.G. Brewery And Beer Kitchen

From: Fresh-Brewed Tokyo Craft Beer! Y.Y.G. Brewery And Beer Kitchen

Tucked away on a quiet backstreet in Shibuya, Y.Y.G. Brewery And Beer Kitchen is a brewery, bar, and restaurant in one building. Here you can find staple craft beers as well as season limited varieties on a menu that rotates roughly once a week. They've also dedicated themselves to pairing their beers to their food menu, which means that you can enjoy a range of artfully prepared meals and beers all year long. Their selection of IPAs is particularly good, and the ideal place to start if you're new to craft beers in general.

4. ON THE MARKS Hotel

From: ON THE MARKS: Enjoy Beer And Music At Kawasaki's New Type Of Hotel

ON THE MARKS is a new style hotel that opened in September 2015, found in Kawasaki, Kanagawa prefecture. You don't have to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy their wares though, as every night from 18:00-23:30 their restaurant is open to the public too, and the ideal place to savor craft beer, and smoked foods inspired by Kawasaki. Their menu is constantly changing and growing, so if you want to try an overall approach to Japan's craft beer industry, then this is the place to go, as craft beers from across the country are always on tap.

Bonus - Craft Beers Available in Stores

From: Experience Japan's Latest Boom With These Three Craft Beers!

Many of the smaller craft beer brands that you may not find in bars can also be purchased at convenience stores, in specialty grocery stores, and in the depachika gourmet areas of department stores. If you want to find some craft beer to enjoy in your hotel, or to take home as a souvenir, then please check out Experience Japan's Latest Boom With These Three Craft Beers!

When in Japan, you'll probably want to try out different aspects of Japanese cuisine, but don't forget to give Japanese craft beer a try too! You just might find the beer of your dreams here.