Up until now the otherwise lively main strip of Isezakicho Mall has been a dead zone for craft beer in this city where it flourishes. Thankfully, one of the area’s newest bars, Synchronicity, has changed that. This brightly lit, relatively spacious bar in the heart of the city is yet another place where you can try some of Japan’s best brews.
Previously located above Craft Beer Bar in the Kannai area, owner Fukamachi Keiichi took notice of the growing popularity of craft beer and decided to go that route when they relocated. The bar currently offers six rotating craft beers on tap (all domestic upon our visit) served in three sizes: S 280ml, M 360ml, and L 568ml British pints (¥650〜/800〜/1250〜). There is also an ample selection of bottled brands (mostly imports, ¥700〜). The menu further features two full pages of cocktails (¥750〜)–your date or friend that doesn’t drink beer will be happy.
Synchronicity’s staff cooks up specialty smoked foods daily, and all are great beer snacks. The recommendation of the day, smoked scallops (¥600), paired perfectly with the lager on tap (Hinomaru from Ibaraki). For those looking to shake the winter chill, the pork stew (made with Guinness, ¥850) with a side of baguette (¥200) for dipping should do the trick. The menu has a wide variety of other dishes from curries (¥700-¥900) to bolognese (¥800) and tacos (¥500).
There are ten seats at the bar and four tables each seating four. The bar is appropriate for dates, friends, co-workers and those drinking solo.
Note: smoking is allowed inside.