BeerTengoku

Hakobune (Bunkyo / Tokyo) Hakobune : The Bottom Line Tokyo Dome has a number of craft beer bars now but Hakobune is one of better ones - it's got a great little atmosphere; reasonably priced beers, and some of the best chips we've come across. Perhaps it was the anticipation of seeing Oasis after that made this place all the better, but I walked away happy and will definitely be coming back here again when I'm in the area.

I love finding unusual places to drink in and Hakobune has that. It's not often you come across a craft beer bar in a box container, but Hakobune is that with plenty of beer, and also food, to order. Along with some outside drinking, you've got a little place with lots of character. #craftbeer #beer

Groundtap Red Lager Groundtap Red Lager : Background Groundtap Red Lager is a 5.5% American amber lager from Groundtap Brewery based in Saijo, Ehime. It's part of their regular lineup and is available in both cans and on draught. And that's all we know about this beer as Groundtap Brewery haven't released anything else in terms of information about this beer.

Groundtap Red Lager is a solid representation of an American amber lager - almost reminds me of the once great Modern Times Blazing World. #craftbeer #beer

Some cherry blossoms along the Kanogawa - a river that runs through the middle of Izu. One of the most underrated #cycling routes in Japan.

And it tasted even better. 17c, balcony, rolling hills, not a care in the world.

I know I don't use this enough, but a pint of dark sky at the source warrants a post right?

Source of Styles #23: Golden Ales Golden Ales : Introduction Welcome to the 23rd edition of “Source of Styles” - the golden ale style beer. The style has a variety of other names : sometimes called Golden Bitter, Summer Ale, or Blond Ale depending on the region, it is a relatively modern beer style, born out of both tradition and innovation. In reality, there’s very little, if any, difference between the names - think of it as marketing for the beers to make them stand out from one another.

Welcome to the 23rd edition of “Source of Styles” - the golden ale style beer. The style has a variety of other names : sometimes called Golden Bitter, Summer Ale, or Blond Ale depending on the region, it is a relatively modern beer style, born out of both tradition and innovation. #craftbeer #beer

Farmentry Minoru Farmentry Minoru : Background Farmentry Minoru is 7.5% American IPA from Farmentry based in Kashihara, Nara. It's part of their collaborative lineup, with Novoru Brewing being involved in the making of this beer. Though it's available in both cans and on draught, I suspect that this is a one-off brew, and as such, might not be available at the time of publishing.

Farmentry Minoru has more than enough of your 5 fruit per day needed in it - lashings of flavour and a great little brew. #craftbeer #beer

South Horizon Brewing Taproom (Niida / Kochi) South Horizon Brewing Taproom : The Bottom Line South Horizon Brewing Taproom is a place that should be on your list if you're in the Kochi area though it's a bit of a trek to get there from central Kochi itself. There's also a lot of money that has gone into this building to create its open and warm atmosphere and if you can, try to get here for around sunset as that way you'll be treated to some amazing colours, with delicious beer, and one hell of a burger to end the day.

South Horizon Brewing Taproom is a place that should be on your list if you're in the Kochi area though it's a bit of a trek to get there from central Kochi itself. Try to get here for around sunset as that way you'll be treated to some amazing colours, with good beers and food. #craftbeer #beer

Groundtap Yuha Groundtap Yuha : Background Groundtap Yuha is a 6% Orange IPA (whatever that means) from Groundtap Brewery based in Saijo, Ehime. It's part of their canned and draft lineup, though its availability is unknown at the time of writing. Groundtap Yuha is brewed using orange peel from locally sourced farms, though it's unknown what hops went into the making of the beer as Groundtap Brewery haven't released any information about it at the time of writing.

Somehow with Groundtap Yuha, there is a reference to the legendary UK drink Tango. But you will not be tango'd with this beer at all. #craftbeer #beer

Vertere Yokohama Taproom (Hinodecho / Yokohama) Vertere Yokohama Taproom : The Bottom Line Though it had only been open for less than a week, Vertere Yokohama Taproom proved to be a good little spot to try out some beers from Vertere and it also means I don't have to trek out to west Tokyo in the future. There was a decent selection of beers on tap on the day that I went, and there were some beers to takeaway as well.

Though it had only been open for less than a week, Vertere Yokohama Taproom proved to be a good little spot to try out some beers from Vertere and it also means I don't have to trek out to west Tokyo in the future. #craftbeer #beer

Yumegaoka Sunday Brewing Information Background Yumegaoka Sunday Brewing is a brewery located in Yumegaoka - a suburb of Yokohama, Kanagawa. The brewery opened in August 2024 and also incorporates a taproom on the same site. The brewery takes its name from the idea of people feeling relaxed, as if it were a Sunday, when they drink. The brewery was created by Swivel and Knot Co., Ltd.

Looking for information about Yumegaoka Sunday Brewing? We've got you covered with a list of their beers we've had and other important information. Check it out here. #craftbeer #beer

Novoru Warau Novoru Warau : Background Novoru Warau is a 7% West Coaast IPA from Novoru Brewing based in Miyazaki, Kyushu. It's part of their canned and draught lineup, with it also being a regular beer with this batch being the first time in a year the beer has been released. This beer is brewed using only Citra and Mosaic hops. Finally, the beer takes its name from the Japanese word "わらう" which means "smile" with Novoru Brewing hoping you do smile after trying this beer.

Novoru Warau is 7% West Coast IPA from Novoru Brewing and is brewed using Citra and Mosaic hops. The beer takes its name from the Japanese word "わらう" which means "smile".

Hop Scotch Tokyo (Iidabashi / Tokyo) Hop Scotch Tokyo : The Bottom Line If this had been eight years ago, on my first trip to Hop Scotch Tokyo, then it would have been highly recommended to get here. And while time does change things, I'd still say get along to this place when you're in the vicinity as the tap list can be pretty damned good. The atmosphere also helps things, especially if you're into rock music and heavier stuff as well.

Hop Scotch Tokyo opened up in July 2015 and I had gotten over their for the opening party. Yet, I was a tad drunk - no surprise - and the pictures from that day were all blurry. On subsequent times I've been back there, I've not written up about it as I thought I already had done. #craftbeer #beer

Novoru Mawaru Novoru Mawaru : Background Novoru Mawaru is a 10% triple IPA from Novoru Brewing based in Miyazaki, Kyushu. It's part of their canned and draught lineup, though with it being a collaborative effort with Craft Beer iBrew Akihabara, there's no guarantee that this will be on sale at the time of publishing. Additionally, this beer is brewed using Citra, Mosaic, Motueka, Nelson Sauvin, and Superdelic hops.

Novoru Mawaru is a 10% triple IPA from Novoru Brewing and is brewed using Citra, Mosaic, Motueka, Nelson Sauvin, and Superdelic hops. #craftbeer #beer

Craft Beer & Fish and Chips Being British, people often assume that we’re either eating full English breakfasts every day, or dining on fish and chips - neither of which are true. As much as I love them both, I can’t imagine how big I would be if I were to combine these with beers. However, with Japan being a country which, at times, is obsessed with Britain, there are a fair number of places that offer up fish and chips.

Being British, we love our fish and chips here at BeerTengoku. Washed down with a quality pint of beer, we've got some of our favourite places in Japan that combine them both. Let us know in the comments what you think are the best place for craft beer & fish and chips. #craftbeer #beer

Break Edge Beer Works Information Background Break Edge Beer Works is a microbrewery that opened in Minami-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture in 2023. At Break Edge Beer Works, they specialize in IPAs, from refreshingly dry beers to gorgeous, juicy beers and beers with deep aromas. Beer Reviews The following are some of the beers we've had: Break Edge Big Mouth - A 7% Hazy IPA first released in March 2024, and uses New Zealand Nelson Sauvin hops.

Looking for information about Break Edge Beer Works, a brewery in Hiroshima? We've got you covered with a list of some of their beers we've had and where to get them from. #craftbeer #beer

Wayfarer Brewing Company Roundup Rather than writing up individual reviews for these beers, we’ve come up with a page of beers for our recent trip to Wayfarer Brewing Taproom – which is a brewpub located in Nankoku, Kochi. As these are draught beers, there is no guarantee that they will be on tap if and when you go there so check out their Instagram…

Rather than writing up individual reviews for these beers, we’ve come up with a page of beers for our recent trip to Wayfarer Brewing Taproom – which is a brewpub located in Nankoku, Kochi. #craftbeer #beer

Gogoshima Iyokan Lager Gogoshima Iyokan Lager : Background Gogoshima Iyokan Lager is a 4% lager with fruit from Gogoshima Beer Farm based on Gogoshima, in Ehime, Japan. It's part of their regular lineup and is available in both cans and on draught. As the name suggests, Gogoshima Iyokan Lager uses thinned Iyokan oranges carefully cultivated by Hanamoto Farm, a citrus farm on Gogoshima, are used immediately after harvest and only the peels are processed and steeped with hops after fermentation.

Gogoshima Iyokan Lager is a 4% lager with fruit from Gogoshima Beer Farm. Gogoshima Iyokan Lager uses thinned Iyokan oranges carefully cultivated by Hanamoto Farm, alongside Chinook, Magnum, and Strata hops. #craftbeer #beer

Wayfarer Brewing Taproom (Nankoku / Kochi) Wayfarer Brewing Taproom : The Bottom Line Wayfarer Brewing Taproom is a little out of the way for most people but I whole-heartedly recommend getting out here when you're in the area - just bring some cash with you because at the time of writing, cash is still king. With five taps of craft beer, there's a decent variety of styles on tap, along with them being reasonably priced.

We're heading over to Nankoku in Shikoku for Wayfarer Brewing Taproom and it's one of the best places I've been to for drinking! Just remember to take plenty of cash with you and a map to make sure you get back to the station at the end of your drinking.
#craftbeer #beer

Gogoshima Iyokan IPA Gogoshima Iyokan IPA : Background Gogoshima Iyokan IPA is a 6% West Coast IPA from Gogoshima Beer Farm based on Gogoshima, in Ehime, Japan. It's part of their canned and draught lineup, with it also being part of their regular lineup. It's brewed using Cascade, Columbus, and Rakau hops and uses thinned Iyokan citrus fruits carefully cultivated by Hanamoto, a citrus farmer on Gogoshima.

Gogoshima Iyokan IPA is a 6% West Coast IPA from Gogoshima Beer Farm. It's brewed using Cascade, Columbus, and Rakau hops and uses thinned Iyokan citrus fruits carefully cultivated by Hanamoto, a citrus farmer on Gogoshima. #craftbeer #beer

Off The Beaten Track #32 Roadside Station Kisarazu Umakuta-no-sato : Background For this entry, we're heading over into Chiba - no you do not need a passport, and no you do not need vaccinations to come here. However, you will need a map, as no matter how many times I've been to this prefecture - either by train, by car, or by bicycle - I always seem to get lost.

We're heading over to Chiba for the latest Off The Beaten Track - a nice little suprise for us to stop here and get some local craft beer. Get access to this, and 31 other "Off The Beaten Track" from $1 a month.

Caghiya Jiyugaoka (Jiyugaoka / Tokyo) Caghiya Jiyugaoka : The Bottom Line There are places that do beer better than Caghiya Pizza and Tap in the area; there are places that do the pizza better than Caghiya Pizza and Tap in the area; but there aren’t any places that offer a decent number of taps with a value for money in the area. The nomihodai deal – no matter how long you go for – is fantastic value for money, and gives you a chance to serve your own beer; too much head?

There are places that do beer better than Caghiya Pizza and Tap in the area; there are places that do the pizza better than Caghiya Pizza and Tap in the area; but there aren’t any places that offer a decent number of taps with a value for money in the area. #craftbeer #beer

Free Spirits Brewing Information Background Free Spirits Brewing is a craft beer brewery in Himeji, Hyogo, with the brewery opening in August, 2022. It is located just a five-minute walk from JR Himeji Station and a three-minute walk from Sanyo Himeji Station. he brewery is on the first floor, the brewery pub and restaurant on the second floor, and a beer garden on the rooftop of the third floor.

Looking for information about Free Spirits Brewing? We've got you covered with a list of some of their beers we've tried and details about where to buy them, so check it out. #craftbeer #beer

Gogoshima Setouchi Breezin Gogoshima Setouchi Breezin : Background Gogoshima Setouchi Breezin is a 5% Cold IPA from Gogoshima Beer Farm, based on Gogoshima, Ehime. It's part of their canned and draught lineup, though its availability is unknown at the time of writing. It's brewed using Chinook, Columbus, and Strata (Cryo) hops. Finally, it's a collaboration beer, having been brewed with Gogoshima Beer Farm, …

Gogoshima Setouchi Breezin is a 5% Cold IPA from Gogoshima Beer Farm. It's brewed using Chinook, Columbus, and Strata (Cryo) hops. #craftbeer #beer

Irish Pub Amontillado (Kochi / Kochi) Irish Pub Amontillado : The Bottom Line I'm in two minds about Irish Pub Amontillado - it had some decent beers on tap, at decent prices, along with some tasty good; however, something about the atmosphere left me feeling deflated. A shame as a bar does need to have a good atmosphere really to keep me interested. I can imagine that this place, on the right night, at the right time, would be good fun.

We're back in Kochi again for this week, with an Irish pub - every city in Japan must have an Irish pub and a British pub by law - with Irish Pub Amontillado being one of the oldest bars in the area at the time of writing. #craftbeer #beer

Gogoshima Rice Lager Gogoshima Rice Lager : Background Gogoshima Rice Lager is a 5% rice lager from Gogoshima Beer Farm, based on Gogoshima, in Matsuyama, Ehime. It's part of their regular lineup, and is available in both cans and on draught. As the name suggests, this beer uses sake rice (Matsuyama Mitsui) from Ehime Prefecture being the strain used. The rice was polished to 50% at the island's rice mill to remove impurities, then cooked over a gas flame and added to the malt during mashing.

Gogoshima Rice Lager is a 5% rice lager from Gogoshima Beer Farm, based on Gogoshima, in Matsuyama, Ehime. As the name suggests, this beer uses rice with sake rice (Matsuyama Mitsui) from Ehime Prefecture being the strain used. #craftbeer #beer

Atsumi Tikitiki Atsumi Tikitiki : Background Atsumi Tikitiki is a 7% hazy IPA from Atsumi Peninsula Brewing, based in Atsumi, Aichi. It's part of their regular lineup and is available in both cans and on draught. Moreover, it is brewed using Motueka and Sabro hops, both imported from New Zealand. At A Glance ABV : 7% Style : Hazy IPA Hops : Motueka and Sabro…

Atsumi Tikitiki isn't based on the Hawaiian restaurant that could once be found in Tokyo - but probably based on the Maori word used to fetch repeatedly - so you're going to need some more of these in the fridge to get. #craftbeer #beer

Flora Fermentation Information Background Flora Fermentation is a brewery located in Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture. The brewery opened in August 2024, at the base of Egenji Temple in the city. The brewery was founded by three brewers, Kohei Onishi, Kai Shimizu Neubauer, and Shota Tanaka, with the aim of balancing agriculture and brewing with the theme of "agriculture and fermentation." The brewery takes its name from "flora" which means "plants and microorganisms in a specific region" and is the goddess of fertility in Roman mythology, and is also the motif of the logo mark.

Looking for information about Flora Fermentation? We've got you covered with a list of some of their beers we've had and where to get them from. Check it out here. #craftbeer #beer

Gogoshima Lemongrass Saison Gogoshima Lemongrass Saison : Background Gogoshima Lemongrass Saison is a 4% saison from Gogoshima Beer Farm based on Gogoshima, in Matsuyama, Ehime. It's part of their regular lineup, and is available in both cans and on draught. The beer is brewed using their basic saison recipe and uses lemongrass that was grown on the Gogoshima Beer Farm and also cuttings from Weeds Vegetable Garden, a natural farming company on Gogoshima Island.

Gogoshima Lemongrass Saison is a 4% saison from Gogoshima Beer Farm based on Gogoshima, in Matsuyama, Ehime. It uses lemongrass that was grown on the Gogoshima Beer Farm and also cuttings from Weeds Vegetable Garden, a farming and natural farming company on Gogoshima Island. #craftbeer #beer

Was pretty much there every other weekend for 18 months. Wonderful city. Only other city outside of Yokohama that I'd move to.