VISIT KANAZAWA, JAPAN - Official Travel Guide

A Must-Try Brewery Leading Kanazawa’s Craft Beer Scene

Among the many craft beer options in Kanazawa, ORIENTAL BREWING stands out as a local favorite, both for tourists and residents. With multiple directly operated taprooms across the city, the brewery has played a major role in growing Kanazawa’s craft beer culture.

■The Founder's Journey: From the World to Kanazawa

Founder Makoto Tanaka was inspired to create his own brewery after experiencing diverse craft beer cultures during his round-the-world travels. He studied brewing techniques in Sweden and returned to Japan with a mission:

To bring authentic craft beer culture to Kanazawa.

Established in 2016, ORIENTAL BREWING now produces beers that reflect the natural beauty and rich local ingredients of the region, evolving into one of Kanazawa’s most beloved craft breweries.

■ Award-Winning Local Beers

ORIENTAL BREWING is known for its creative use of regional specialties, crafting unique beers that have earned international recognition.

• Yuwaku Yuzu Ale
  　A refreshing ale brewed with plenty of Kanazawa-grown yuzu from the Yuwaku hot spring area.
  　(Gold Medal – Int’l Beer Cup 2017)

• Kaga Bocha Stout
  　A rich, dark stout infused with the roasted aroma and subtle acidity of Kaga Bocha, a specialty roasted green tea.
  　(Bronze – Int’l Beer Cup 2018, Silver – Japan Great Beer Awards 2020)

• Noto Salt Saison
  　A bright and spicy saison enhanced with sea salt from the Noto Peninsula.
  　(Silver – Int’l Beer Cup 2020)

■Distinctive Features

As a small-batch, community-driven brewery, ORIENTAL BREWING prides itself on producing beers that are both high-quality and deeply rooted in Kanazawa’s identity.
Their flexibility allows them to offer seasonal brews, such as cherry blossom ales in spring and pumpkin ales in autumn—providing something new to discover all year round.

■Where to Enjoy ORIENTAL BREWING in Kanazawa

■Kanazawa Station Area

• ORIENTAL BREWING Kanazawa Station (Ain’t Kanazawa 2F)
  　A convenient spot located inside the station—perfect for grabbing a pint before or after your trip. Also ideal for purchasing beer as a souvenir.

• BISTRO ORIENTAL (Cross Gate Kanazawa 2F)
  　Enjoy creative food pairings with local ingredients and freshly brewed beer in a stylish bistro setting.

■Higashi Chaya District

• ORIENTAL BREWING Higashiyama
  　Set in a charming renovated office of a historic ice merchant, this taproom near the Asanogawa Bridge offers a cozy stop during sightseeing.

Located near Kanazawa Port, BREW CLASSIC is an up-and-coming craft brewery gaining attention in Kanazawa—a city where innovation and tradition intersect. Known for its exceptional flavors, BREW CLASSIC has captivated beer enthusiasts and earned high praise at international beer competitions.

【The Beginning of Craft Beer Passion】

Founder Soten Sakeo was first inspired by the taste of "Boston Lager" during his MBA studies abroad. Moved by the flavor and the local-focused nature of craft breweries, he was drawn into the world of craft beer. In 2021, he launched BREW CLASSIC in Kanazawa with a vision rooted in community and quality.

【Brewmaster’s Commitment – The Freshness of Yeast】

At BREW CLASSIC, yeast quality is at the heart of the brewing process. Instead of using recycled yeast, only fresh liquid yeast is used in every batch. This ensures the yeast performs at its best, resulting in a clean, delicate flavor with no off-notes. This dedication to excellence led to a Gold Award at the prestigious World Beer Cup. BREW CLASSIC continues to challenge itself in the pursuit of uncompromising quality.

【Enjoy Our Beer in Kanazawa – Taproom BREW CLASSIC】

Located in Katamachi, central Kanazawa, our official taproom serves six varieties of fresh craft beer on tap. It’s a popular stop for both tourists and locals—perfect for a weekend visit or a quick break. Takeaway canned beers are also available.

Address: 1-3-3 Katamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa

Opening Hours:

 Wed / Thu / Fri: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

 Sat / Sun / Holidays: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays (Open on national holidays)

Bringing a fresh breeze to the craft gin world, Alembic Distillery is Kanazawa’s first craft gin distillery.

Its first release, HACHIBAN, launched in 2022, has quickly gained international acclaim—winning top honors at prestigious competitions in London and San Francisco.

Now considered one of Japan’s most promising craft gins, HACHIBAN is celebrated by bartenders and gin enthusiasts around the globe.

■The Vision: From Kanazawa’s Culinary Culture to the World 

Alembic was founded in 2019 by Toshihiko Nakagawa in Ono, a historic port town in Kanazawa known for its traditional soy sauce breweries.

Growing up in a family of chefs, Nakagawa envisioned a gin that would complement Kanazawa’s rich culinary traditions.

That vision was realized in 2022 with the creation of HACHIBAN—crafted to reflect the essence of local flavors and craftsmanship.

■What Makes "HACHIBAN" Special 

HACHIBAN is made with eight botanicals, carefully selected to reflect the nature and food culture of the Hokuriku region.

It is distilled using pure spring water from Mt. Hakusan, resulting in a gin that is both smooth and clean.

Using the one-shot distillation method, all botanicals are distilled together in a single batch. This ensures a unified aroma and precise quality control.

Despite its recent release, HACHIBAN has already earned top international awards:

 - Gold Outstanding at IWSC 2023 (London)

 - Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition

■Smooth and Approachable 

Think gin is too strong or overpowering? HACHIBAN might just change your mind.

Its elegant, refined flavor pairs exceptionally well with Japanese cuisine—especially sushi and other delicate dishes.

It’s widely appreciated as a gin that enhances the dining experience without overwhelming it.

■Where to Buy

HACHIBAN is available at select liquor stores and specialty shops in Kanazawa.

If you're visiting the city, don’t miss the opportunity to bring home this award-winning expression of local craftsmanship.