Craft Beer

While everyone has likely heard of Japan's major beer companies (Asahi, Kirin, Suntory, Sapporo and Orion), you may not be aware that it's possible to get craft beer in Mie.

In fact, there are two producers of craft beer in Mie, Ise Kadoya in Ise City and Iga-based Moku Moku. It's also possible to get craft beer from other parts of Japan as well.

Background

Before 1994, Japanese law made it impossible for small breweries to exist. Since that change, numerous small beer makers have emerged across the country.

Ise Kadoya and the Biyagura Brewpub

Ise Kadoya is a company that for many years served its famous mochi to Ise Jingu pilgrims on the last leg of their journey. In 1996, they started making beer, and over the years they have garnered international recognition for some of their offerings.

Their main lineup of beer is available on tap at the Biyagura restaurant in Ise, along with a rotating roster of seasonals. Most of their beers, including a wider array of seasonals, are sold in bottles at the restaurant shop and in some liquor stores around the prefecture. The Shinto Beer and the Kumano Kodo Ale are more widely available and distributed in cans.

More information can be found on their website or English website

Moku Moku

Known for the organic food restaurants, which serve food from the Iga farm, Moku Moku also makes craft beer. The beer is on the menu at their restaurant locations, and brewery tours are available.

For more information, see their website(Japanese only).

Craft beer from other parts of Japan

Yona Yona Ale, a craft brew from Nagano, is available at some grocery stores. At 260 yen a can, it is more expensive than regular beer but is a good choice for fans of craft beer. Other craft beers from around Japan may occasionally appear on store shelves or at liquor stores.

More resources

• The Japan Beer Times - a quarterly, bilingual magazine about craft beer in Japan.
• Beer in Japan - A guide to craft beer in Japan available online and in an iPhone app