Bay Brewing Taproom

Yokohama has a rich legacy when it comes to beer. It was the location of Japan’s first brewery in the late 19th century (Spring Valley, now Kirin) and today it’s home to a couple of importers and a handful of craft breweries. Among the latter, Yokohama Bay Brewing is not only recognized across Japan, but has also garnered international attention. Brewer-owner Shinya Suzuki most recently won a gold medal at the World Beer Cup (it’s like the Olympics of beer), and it was hardly his first award on an international stage. Now, you can drink his delicious brews at a new taproom by Yokohama Station.

The highlight of the taproom is over twenty taps of draft beer, many of the selections from Bay Brewing, but also a handful of guest selections from the likes of Nihonkai Club (another great domestic brewery), Pilsner Urqell (a Czech classic), and even Asahi. Beers come in glasses appropriate to their styles, but there is a “small” option and “large” option for most, with prices ranging from ¥690 on the low/small end to above ¥1330 on the high/large end. Intriguingly, the menu also features a range of spirits, mostly specialty gins from ¥980 (Suzuki also owns a distillery).

You’ll probably want some food with a drinks menu this rich. There are small plates (gyoza, deep fried eggplant, potato salad, etc) starting from just ¥480. If you’re hungry for something with more heft, the centerpiece of the menu is their Singaporean Chicken Fried Rice; a set is just ¥1200. The chicken comes care of Yokohama’s own Umeya, a specialty producer.

Seating is casual, with about eight stools around the small bar, and a few tables for two in a seating area. In a hurry or just passing through? Need a beer for the train? There’s a take-out fridge as well! Drink responsibly, please.