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Kinosaki Onsen and the nearby areas are not only praised for their unmatched Tajima Beef and succulent winter Snow Crab - refreshments for the adults such as beer and sake shine spotlights on overnight hospitality, local samurai warrior lore, and even whispers of forgotten industrial heritage.
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Kinosaki Onsen Beer
Yamamotoya Ryokan, a long-standing traditional inn in Kinosaki Onsen, brews four types of beer at a local craft brewery:
These beers are branded as Kinosaki Beer. They are available at many gift shops around Kinosaki Onsen, and weekday overnight guests at Yamamotoya Ryokan receive a complimentary glass during their stay.
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Bier des Himmels - pilsner
4.5% alcohol - A classic pilsner that goes down easy, infused with malty aroma and flavor.
Bier des Meeres - stout
5% alcohol - Blending bitter and sweet, this rich stout boasts a caramel essence complimented by strong roasted malt flavor.
Bier des Flusses - weizen
4.5% alcohol - A crisp taste and fruity aroma boasting a refined blend of wheat and malt.
Bier des Schnee - special crab beer
6% alcohol - Exclusive to Kinosaki Onsen, crafted through trial and error resulting in a beer that pairs perfectly with Snow Crab, Kinosaki’s winter dish.
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Where to try Kinosaki Beer
Gubigabu
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“Gubigabu” is the Japanese sound for eating and drinking to your heart’s content.
Owned by Yamamotoya Ryokan, Gubigabu is a hopping restaurant on Kinosaki’s main Willow Street.
Along with various Tajima Beef dishes, Gubigabu is a popular post-hot spring spot for a glass (or four) of Kinosaki Beer - visitors itching to try a sip of all four of Kinosaki Beer’s brews can order a tasting flight with savory snacks included.
Walk-ins welcome.
Address: 646 Kinosakicho Yushima, Toyooka, Hyogo 669-6101
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Izushi Castle Town Sake and Beer
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One direct bus away from Kinosaki Onsen lies Izushi Castle Town, a carefully preserved samurai district with castle ruins, kabuki theater, and many traces of forgotten battles.
While the heated battles of the past now serve as gallant tales to dazzle visitors, warriors' descendants continue to keep Izushi's fighting spirit alive with cultural innovation and preservation moving forward hand in hand.
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Where to try Izushi Castle Town Sake and Beer
Izushi Shiroyama Garden
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Izushi Shiroyama Garden, once a bustling silk mill, is now a full-scale brewery and soba noodle restaurant right beside the Izushi Castle Ruins.
After traveling Japan and discovering the unique tastes of regional beers, Shiroyama Garden’s owner thought, “why not make some for Izushi?”.
Despite many trials and errors, Shiroyama Garden refused to give up the fight for Izushi local beer.
In his words, “I have absolute confidence…because it possesses all of the conditions vital to delicious beer: fresh air, clear water, premium malt, and the pride of craftsmen who brew with conviction.”
Walk-ins welcome.
Address: 83 Izushicho Uchimachi, Toyooka, Hyogo 668-0214
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Izushi Roman
White ale - 5% alcohol - Made with blueberries from the nearby Tamba City, featuring a tropical and fruity aroma from the hops. The town's symbol, Shinkoro Clocktower, is a fitting design for the flagship beer.
Weizen
6% alcohol - White beer with a mild aroma and flavor including clove, nutmeg, and banana.
Izushi Pale Ale
IPA - 7% alcohol - A firm malt flavor with the fresh aroma of citrus and tropical hops. The crest on the design's samurai armor is an Asian virginsbower, a flower symbolizing Izushi Castle Town.
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Sasazuru sake
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Sasazuru is a sake brewing company that has had roots in Izushi Castle Town for over three centuries.
Their long, 14-generation story begins with the change of Izushi’s ruling samurai lords, when the newly appointed Sengoku Clan requested sake as a gift in 1708.
The brewery’s distinct red clay walls have stood the test of time, dutifully protecting the precious brews from the drastic temperature changes Izushi experiences throughout the seasons.
Upon entering the shop visitors will be greeted with the smell of sake and a retro, old-world charm.
The current 14th generation lead, Mister Nakayasu, is happy to offer visitors a taste before bringing home a bottle of sake as a souvenir.
Some of the sake kegs from Sasazuru can be found at Izushi’s Eirakukan Kabuki Theater, as was the custom to celebrate with sake after a performance.
No seating. Free tastings.
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Junmai
15.6% alcohol - Pure sake with no added flavors or other alcohols. Dry and smooth, easy to drink at room temperature or warmed.
Josen
15.8% alcohol - Flavorful and slightly dry. Perfect at any temperature.
Genshu
19.3% alcohol - Especially strong, ideal chilled or on the rocks.
Amazake
0% alcohol - A sweet non-alcoholic treat made with sake kasu paste.
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Danielle Leveille
Junior Local Expert
Originally from Chicago in the USA. She currently works for Visit Kinosaki as a coordinator for international relations. A lover of Tajima beef and hidden sightseeing spots, she can be found either at one of her favorite restaurants or exploring a secret nook in town.