The rise of Japanese craft beer
Japan’s craft beer industry has grown rapidly in recent years, and as of 2026, there are over 500 breweries nationwide.
Especially in major cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto, and Osaka, brewery pubs are opening one after another where you can enjoy unique, locally brewed craft beers.
The appeal of Japanese craft beer, which has attracted attention from beer lovers overseas, lies in its flavors that take advantage of the four seasons and delicate tastes that match the delicate Japanese food culture.
Recommended breweries in the metropolitan area
In the Tokyo metropolitan area, you cannot miss “Harutani Brewing” in Kuramae, Tokyo and “IBREW” in Shimokitazawa.
At Harutani Brewing, you can always enjoy more than 10 types of beer, from the standard IPA to the seasonal Yuzu Ale, and the reasonable pricing of 700 to 900 yen per pint is also attractive.
In addition, “Sound Brewing” in Yokohama is located in the Kannai area and is popular for pairing with food made with local Kanagawa ingredients. Brewery tours (2,000 yen per person) are also held on weekends, where you can sample freshly made beer while observing the brewing process.
Popular spots in Kansai area
In the Kansai area, Kyoto Brewing Company, which opened in Fushimi, Kyoto in 2024, is rapidly gaining popularity. The Pilsner made with Fushimi’s high-quality groundwater is exceptional, and you can see the rows of cherry blossom trees along the canal from inside the store.
Minami Craft, located near Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street in Osaka, also offers local collaboration food with takoyaki and kushikatsu. It is very popular among foreign tourists as it allows you to enjoy the marriage of Japanese street food and craft beer at reasonable prices starting from 600 yen per cup.
Hot topics in 2026
As a hot topic in 2026, you can’t miss the excitement of the craft beer scene in the Kyushu area. In Fukuoka, “Brew Pub Fukuoka” is planning to open its second store in the Tenjin area, and its fruit ale made with local Amaou strawberries is attracting attention.
In addition, an increasing number of breweries around the country are offering tasting sets (from 1,200 yen for 3 drinks) in English, making it easy for foreign travelers to enjoy Japanese craft beer culture. Why not add not only Japanese sake but also Japanese craft beer to your travel memories?