Craft Beer in Ibaraki
Japan is better known for its rice wine (sake) than it is for its beer, but people all around the world know big label brands such as Asahi, Sapporo, Suntory and Kirin.
Japan has had a long history of beer, especially in the Hokkaidō region. Beer was imported to Japan in the early Meiji Period by foreign specialists who were invited to Japan for the development of the northern island of Hokkaidō. In 1870, an American, W. Copeland, founded the Spring Valley Brewery in the settlement of Yamate, Yokohama ,and beer was produced locally for the first time. By 1886, the amount of domestically produced beer exceeded the amount of import beer for the first time.
In recent years, there has been a kind of "beer boom" with microbreweries have popping up all over the country, mainly in tourist areas. These local brews are called "ji bi-ru" or "Craft Beer."
The main reason for the influx of microbreweries was a law change in 1994 that broke up the big beer brand's monopoly and allowed more people to open up their own brewery. Previously, only breweries who could produce more than 2 million liters were allowed to sell beer. In 1994, this was reduced to 60,000 liters, opening up the market to smaller producers.
Many companies even hired brew masters from Germany to give their beers a more authentic taste. However, because it is illegal to produce beverages containing more than 1% alcohol without a licence, homebrewing is uncommon.
You might not have a chance to taste Ibaraki's craft beer outside of Japan, so you should try to visit some of ji-biru breweries before you go home. Ibaraki may have 2 big brand breweries (Asahi in Moriya and Kirin in Toride), but the smaller craft breweries are all well worth a visit.
Hitachino Nest Beer
Hitachino Nest Beer was started in 1996 by Kiuchi Breweries, already quite well known for their sake brewing. They have been exporting to the USA since 2000 through B.United International Inc.
Their English style brews include White Ale, Weizen, Pale Ale, Amber Ale, Sweet Stout, Red Rice Ale, XH, Japanese Classic Ale, Celebration Ale 2005, and Non-alcoholic Ale. The White Ale is their top-selling beer both in Japan and the U.S.
It is possible to visit the brewery in Naka to take a tour of the facilities. The closest station is Hitachi Kounosu station on the JR Suigun Line.
You can also brew your own original ales at the Kiuchi Brewery. The brewing process takes roughly 3 to 4 hours and finished products will be delivered to your door in three weeks' time.
Kiuchi Brewery
1257 Kounsosu, Naka-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
029-298-0105
http://kodawari.cc/
Kiuchi also runs a restaurant/bar in the Keisei Department Store in Mito called "Nakaya." You can sample their entire range of beers and Japanese wines there.
Nakaya
1-6-1 Izumi-chō, Mito
029-302-5959
http://www.nakaya.cc/index2.html
Yamizo Beer
Daigo is located in the far north-eastern tip of Ibaraki Prefecture. It is known for its relaxing nature and hot springs resorts.
The Daigo Brewery is one of those breweries that have imported their beer meister all the way from Germany to create their 3 special trypes of beer. These have a pilsner, a weizen and and a helz. A 330 ml bottle will set you back around 525 yen. The brewery also contains a restaurant where German food can be enjoyed.
The closest train station is Daigo, on the JR Suigun Line, approximately 1 hour from Mito. Make a day of it and visit the Fukuroda Falls on the way.
Daigo Brewery
1653 Oaza Kamikanazawa, Daigo
02957-2-8888
Past Lake
Past Lake follows the traditional Germany recipe of beer, using only malt, hops, yeast, and water to create a special brew. White, red, and an English stout-like beer called "porter" are available for 420 yen per 330 ml bottle. Seasonal labels are also available.
The brewery is part of the Peace Park Shimotsuma complex which includes accommodations, hot springs, and a number of restaurants. Tours of the brewery are available.
To get there, take a train to Shimotsuma Station on the Jōsō Line and then it's a 10 minute taxi to the park.
Peace Park Shimotsuma
70-3 Nagatsuka, Shimotsuma
0296-30-5121
Ushiku Brewery
Ushiku Brewery is part of the Chateau Kamiya complex. It was made famous by its French style wines but for the past 10 years has been specializing in the production of a local beer.
When the chateau was built in 1903, the original owner Kamiya Denbei always wanted to brew a local beer. This wish was accomplished by the Oenon Holdings, the current owner of Chateau Kamiya, in 1996, with the birth of Ushiku Chateau Beer.
The beer varieties include pilsner, helz, dunkel, and special beers depending on the season. There is also a restaurant on site to enjoy traditional food to match the beer.
The brewery is 8 minutes by foot from Ushiku station (East exit) on the JR Jōban Line. It is located next to the city hall.
E-Ibaraki visited the Chateau in July 2006, please see here for more information about its history and attractions.
Oenon Holdings
0298-71-0145
http://www.chateaukamiya.jp/kamiya/h_beer.html
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