These days, craft beers from across Japan—and even overseas—are showing up more and more.

There are so many different kinds of beer out there, so today we’re taking a closer look at the world of beer!

 

What Is Beer/Crafted Beer?

Beer is a brewed alcoholic beverage made from malt, hops, water, and yeast. It’s known for its alcohol produced via fermentation and its distinctive bitterness and aroma from hops.

Crafted beer, on the other hand, is made in small batches by passionate brewers who put care into each step.

Unlike mass-produced beers from major companies, craft beer features a wide variety of ingredients and brewing methods, resulting in truly unique flavors.

Recently, more “taprooms” have opened up across the country(Japan has various types of brewery everywhere!) and brewery tours and restaurant-style brewpubs are becoming tourist attractions in many areas.

The Brewing Process: More Complex Than You’d Think

There are two main brewing methods:

• Top Fermentation: This method uses warmer temperatures and produces fruity aromas and richer flavors. Ales are the most common example.
• Bottom Fermentation: This method uses lower temperatures and results in a clean, crisp taste. Lagers fall into this category.

In recent years, brewers have started combining techniques or using new ingredients—leading to creative beers like grapefruit or mango-infused varieties, and even apple pie-flavored brews!

Many come in stylish packaging too, making it hard to choose when browsing the shelves.

The Charm of Beer: A Wide Variety of Flavors

The biggest appeal of beer is its sheer variety. From fruity aromas to bold richness and sharp bitterness, the flavor profiles are incredibly diverse. Here are a few popular styles:

• IPA (India Pale Ale): Known for its bold hop bitterness and aroma. A favorite for seasoned beer lovers.
• Pale Ale: Fruity aroma and balanced taste make it ideal for beginners.
• Weizen: Brewed with wheat malt, offering a refreshing, fruity profile. Especially popular among women.

There are also darker styles like stouts, and hop-heavy varieties like DDH (Double Dry Hopped) and DIPA (Double IPA), which are perfect for those who find regular beer too boring.

Ways to Enjoy Beer

• As a Toasting Drink: You can’t beat a crisp, cold beer for saying “cheers!” with friends. That first sip together after saying “good job today” is unbeatable.

 

• With Food:Try locally brewed craft beers made with regional ingredients—they’re great conversation starters!
  A beer from the snack bar mama’s hometown or local brewery is sure to spark some fun chat.
  Letting the beer warm slightly can bring out the hops’ bitterness more deeply.

 

• After a Meal:Unique beers like fruit-infused or chocolate-flavored brews pair well with nuts or dried snacks.
  A slightly stronger beer after a meal can even aid digestion!

 

• Tasting Flights:
  Perfect for customers who want to sample a variety of flavors.
  If more snack bars offered this kind of beer tasting experience, beer fans would flock to them!

Conclusion: Beer Is a Hanami Essential—Taste Spring at Your Local Snack Bar!

You simply can’t have a proper cherry blossom party without beer. And beer enjoyed at a snack bar? Even more special.

From pouring beer into glasses—a ritual deeply rooted in Japanese culture—to sipping unique craft brews with great company, there’s no better way to savor the season.