A Guide to Popular Japanese Craft Beers for International Beer Lovers


Introduction

Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores sell large amounts of alcohol.
There are really many liquors, such as beer, sparkling wine, chu-Hi, wine and capital.
Japan offers a diverse range of high-quality craft beers.
Here, we introduce some of the most popular Japanese craft beers that are perfect for international beer enthusiasts.

Popular Japanese Craft Beers List

 Orion The Draft (Okinawa)
 GINGA KOGEN BEER Hefe-Weizen (Iwate)
 SUIYOUBI NO NEKO (Nagano)
 TOKYO Craft Pale Ale (Tokyo)
 YOKOHAMA BEER PALE ALE (Yokohama)
 YONA YONA ALE (Nagano)
 ECHIGO BEER Pilsner (Niigata)
 COEDO Beniaka (Saitama)
 Ryuhyo Draft (Hokkaido)
 FLYING IPA (Niigata)
 MINOH BEER PILSNER (Osaka)
 IZUNOKUNI BEER Pilsner (Shizuoka)
 ISEKADO PALE ALE (Mie)
 THE Karuizawa Beer Weiss (Karuizawa)
 Sheequarsar WHITE ALE (Okinawa)
 Indo no AOONI (Nagano)
 MINOH BEER STOUT (Osaka)
 BAEREN SCHWARZ (Iwate)
 Sankt Gallen Brewery GOLDEN ALE (Kanagawa)
 COEDO Marihana (Saitama)
 Sho-kino Satan (Nagano)
 KOSHIHIKARI ALE (Ishikawa)
 KIRISHIMA BEER PILSNER (Miyazaki)


Orion The Draft

Asahi

A staple from Okinawa, Orion The Draft offers a light and refreshing taste, perfect for enjoying in a tropical setting. Its crisp finish and mild flavor make it an ideal companion for sunny days at the beach. If you visit Okinawa, this is a must-try beer that captures the island’s laid-back vibe.

Type Lager
ABV 5.0%
Region Okinawa
URL https://www.orionbeer.co.jp


GINGA KOGEN BEER Hefe-Weizen

GINGA KOGEN BEER

This smooth and slightly tangy beer is crafted with wheat, providing a silky texture and a refreshing finish. Its gentle acidity and subtle citrus notes make it a versatile choice, whether you’re relaxing at home or pairing it with a light meal.

Type Hefeweizen
ABV 5.5%
Region Iwate
URL https://gingakogenbeer.com/


SUIYOUBI NO NEKO

YO-HO Brewing

This smooth and slightly tangy beer is crafted with wheat, providing a silky texture and a refreshing finish. Its gentle acidity and subtle citrus notes make it a versatile choice, whether you’re relaxing at home or pairing it with a light meal.

Type Belgian-style Ale
ABV 5.2%
Region Nagano
URL https://yonasato.com/ec/product/detail/suiyoubinoneko/


TOKYO Craft Pale Ale

SUNTORY

A product of Suntory, this pale ale combines floral aromatics with a balanced malt profile. It offers a harmonious blend of hoppy bitterness and sweet malt undertones, making it a well-rounded choice for those who appreciate nuanced flavors.

Type Pale Ale
ABV 5.5%
Region Tokyo
URL https://products.suntory.co.jp/d/4901777302006/


YOKOHAMA BEER PALE ALE

YOKOHAMA BEER

A balanced pale ale from Yokohama Beer, this brew offers a perfect harmony of malt sweetness and hop bitterness, making it an excellent introduction to Japan’s craft beer scene.

Type Pale Ale
ABV 5.0%
Region Yokohama
URL https://www.yokohamabeer.com


YONA YONA ALE

YO-HO Brewing

A flagship offering from Yo-Ho Brewing, Yona Yona Ale is a well-loved pale ale with a rich, fruity aroma and a malty backbone. Its full-bodied flavor and smooth finish have earned it a loyal following, making it a staple in Japan’s craft beer scene.

Type Pale Ale
ABV 5.6%
Region Nagano
URL https://yonasato.com/ec/product/detail/yonayonaale/


ECHIGO BEER Pilsner

ECHIGO BEER

Produced by Japan’s first craft brewery, Echigo Beer Pilsner stands out with its crisp, clean flavor and effervescent quality. Its delicate balance of hops and malt creates a refreshing experience, perfect for those seeking a classic yet refined pilsner.

Type Pilsner
ABV 5.0%
Region Niigata
URL https://www.echigobeer.com


COEDO Beniaka

COEDO BREWERY

Coedo Brewery’s Beniaka is a unique sweet potato beer that offers a delightful blend of earthy sweetness and caramelized notes. Its velvety texture and rich flavor profile make it a distinctive choice for those looking to explore unconventional ingredients in craft beer.

Type Dark Lager
ABV 5.5%
Region Saitama
URL https://www.coedobrewery.com


Ryuhyo Draft

ABASHIRI BREWERY

Ryuhyo Draft from Hokkaido’s Abashiri Brewery is a visual and sensory delight. Its striking blue color, reminiscent of the region’s iconic drift ice, immediately catches the eye. The beer offers a crisp and refreshing taste, with subtle hints of citrus and a clean finish that makes it incredibly drinkable. It’s a unique experience that combines Hokkaido’s natural beauty with innovative brewing techniques, making it a must-try for those seeking something truly different.

Type Lager
ABV 5.0%
Region Hokkaido
URL https://www.takahasi.co.jp/beer/#


FLYING IPA

ECHIGO BEER

FLYING IPA is a bold and vibrant beer that packs a punch with its strong hop bitterness and citrusy undertones. Its assertive flavor profile makes it a favorite among IPA enthusiasts who crave intensity and depth in their beer.

Type IPA
ABV 6.5%
Region Niigata
URL https://www.echigobeer.com


MINOH BEER PILSNER

MINOH BEER

Minoh Beer Pilsner is a crisp and clean pilsner with a subtle malt sweetness and a delicate hop bitterness. Its refreshing profile makes it a versatile choice, whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with a meal.

Type Pilsner
ABV 5.0%
Region Osaka
URL https://minohbeer.jp


IZUNOKUNI BEER PILSNER

IZUNOKUNI BEER

Crafted with local ingredients, Izunokuni Beer Pilsner offers a refreshing and crisp experience. Its clean, malty taste is complemented by a subtle hop bitterness, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate a well-crafted, traditional pilsner.

Type Pilsner
ABV 5.0%
Region Shizuoka
URL https://www.izunokuni-beer.com


ISEKADO PALE ALE

ISEGADO BREWERY

ISEKADO PALE ALE is a well-balanced beer with a robust hop character and a smooth malt backbone. Brewed in the historic city of Ise, this pale ale offers a delightful combination of floral and citrus notes, making it a refreshing choice for any beer enthusiast.

Type Pale Ale
ABV 5.5%
Region Mie
URL https://www.kadoyahonten.co.jp/products/


THE Karuizawa Beer Weiss

Karuizawa Brewery

Made with the pristine water of Karuizawa, this weiss beer is a testament to the region’s natural purity. Its fruity aroma, coupled with a smooth and creamy texture, makes it a delightful choice for those who enjoy light and refreshing wheat beers.

Type Hefeweizen
ABV 5.0%
Region Karuizawa
URL https://brewery.co.jp/en/product/weiss/


Sheequarsar WHITE ALE

HELIOS DISTILLERY

A tropical white ale infused with Okinawan shikuwasa citrus, Sheequarsar White Ale delivers a zesty and invigorating flavor. Its bright citrus notes and crisp finish make it an excellent choice for warm weather and those who enjoy a citrusy punch in their beer.

Type White Ale
ABV 5.5%
Region Okinawa
URL https://www.heliossyuzo.co.jp


Indo no AOONI

YO-HO Brewing

An intensely bitter IPA from Yo-Ho Brewing, “Indo no AOONI” is known for its bold hop character and robust aroma. Its deep, resinous flavors are balanced by a slight malt sweetness, making it a standout for those who appreciate a strong and flavorful IPA.

Type IPA
ABV 7.0%
Region Nagano
URL https://yonasato.com/ec/product/detail/indonoaooni/


MINOH BEER STOUT

MINOH BEER

Minoh Beer Stout is a rich and velvety stout with deep roasted malt flavors. Its chocolate and coffee notes are complemented by a smooth, creamy finish, making it a luxurious treat for stout lovers.

Type Stout
ABV 5.0%
Region Osaka
URL https://minohbeer.jp


BAEREN SCHWARZ

BAEREN

This German-style dark beer offers a harmonious blend of mild sweetness and a gentle bitterness. Its smooth, roasted flavor and subtle chocolate undertones make it a satisfying choice for those who enjoy dark beers with a balanced profile.

Type Schwarzbier
ABV 5.5%
Region Iwate
URL https://www.baerenbrewery.com


Sankt Gallen Brewery GOLDEN ALE

Sankt Gallen Brewery

Golden Ale is a beautifully crafted beer with a bright golden hue and floral aroma. Its crisp and clean finish, along with its light malt sweetness, makes it an easy-drinking ale that pairs well with a variety of dishes.

Type Golden Ale
ABV 5.5%
Region Kanagawa
URL https://www.sanktgallenbrewery.com/beers/golden-ale/


COEDO Marihana

COEDO BREWERY

COEDO Marihana is an IPA that captivates with its fresh hop aromas and clean, refreshing finish. Its light body and vibrant flavor make it an accessible yet flavorful option for those exploring the world of IPAs.

Type Golden Ale
ABV 5.5%
Region Saitama
URL https://www.coedobrewery.com


Sho-kino Satan

YO-HO Brewing

With its bold name and equally bold flavors, “Sho-kino Satan” delivers a powerful and memorable drinking experience. Its high alcohol content is balanced by rich, complex flavors, making it a standout for those seeking a strong and intense beer.

Type IPA
ABV 0.7%
Region Nagano
URL https://yonasato.com/ec/product/detail/satan/


KOSHIHIKARI ALE

KANAZAWA HYAKUMANGOKU BEER

Brewed with Niigata’s famed Koshihikari rice, “KOSHIHIKARI ALE” offers a unique sweetness and a smooth, velvety texture. Its delicate rice flavor adds a distinctive touch, making it a refreshing choice for those looking for something different in a beer.

Type Pale Ale
ABV 5.5%
Region Ishikawa
URL https://www.wkwk-farm.com/?mode=grp&gid=2482704


KIRISHIMA BEER PILSNER

KIRISHIMA SHUZO

KIRISHIMA BEER Pilsner, brewed with natural water from Kirishima, is known for its crisp and clean flavor profile. Its balanced bitterness and smooth finish make it an excellent example of a well-crafted pilsner. This pilsner is brewed by Kirishima Shuzo, the renowned producer of the famous Kuro Kirishima.

Type Pilsner
ABV 5.0%
Region Miyazaki
URL https://www.kirishima.co.jp/products/beer/pilsner/

Tips for Enjoying Japanese Craft Beers

Pair with Local Cuisine: Pair sushi, tempura, or yakitori with these beers for an authentic Japanese dining experience.

Explore Regional Styles: Each beer often reflects the ingredients and culture of its region.

Join Festivals: Japanese beer festivals are a great way to explore multiple breweries and styles in one place.

Japanese craft beers showcase the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, offering something special for every beer lover. Dive into this world and let your taste buds experience the artistry of Japanese brewing!

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