Tama Tsumuji Works
- Address
- Tama City, Tokyo, 1-9-4 Suwa
- Area
- Tokyo Tama City
What kind of brewery is Tama Tsumuji Works?
Hop BroTama Tsumuji Works in Tama City is impressive because it brings a hair salon, a cafe, and a brewery together in one space. The beer brand name is "Bierernst."
MugiWait, beer at a hair salon!? What do you mean!?
Hop BroThe owner, Kaku Ichikawa, has been a hairstylist since his teens and opened his own business in his hometown of Tama City at age 30. He first planned to serve coffee in the cafe, but the idea expanded into, "Wouldn't it be great if we could drink beer too?"
MugiIt started from a light idea, huh (laughs). But actually getting a brewing license from that is amazing.
Hop BroA meeting with the popular Okutama brewery VERTERE was the trigger, and it took more than a year to obtain the license. It went into full operation in 2024 and became the only craft brewery in Tama City.
MugiVERTERE is well known, right? So that inspired them. What kind of beers do they make?
Hop BroTheir signature is "Nümasuguri," a blueberry sour ale. At 6.5% ABV, it uses plenty of blueberries grown by farmers in Tama City. The gentle acidity from lactic acid bacteria gives it a yogurt-like character, making it easy to drink while still having a strong personality.
MugiWhat is that! A blueberry sour sounds absolutely delicious! "Nümasuguri" is such a cute name.
Hop Bro"Numasuguri" is the Japanese name for blueberries. The label was also designed by an illustrator who lives in Tama City, and it depicts the scenery of Tsurumaki Higashi Park. It's also offered as a return gift for hometown tax donations.
MugiUsing ingredients from local farmers, having a local artist design the label, and even being part of the hometown tax program... I love how the whole city of Tama seems to be supporting it.
Hop BroThey are also developing a tomato beer, and there are plans for a grape beer too. You can drink it at the cafe PARLOR, with its raw concrete ceiling, so it's easy to drop by from Nagayama Station.
MugiBeing able to have a beer after a haircut sounds like a dream! Get your hair cut, then enjoy a blueberry sour. There's no way I wouldn't go.
