T.Y. Harbor

T.Y.HARBOR actually opened in 1997, so it's one of Tokyo's longest-running independent craft breweries. That is, among breweries not affiliated with a major company.

Exactly. And its origin is interesting too: Terada Warehouse, a long-established warehouse company in Tennozu, converted one of its old warehouses into a brewpub. A warehouse turning into a brewery is pretty unusual, right?

It's right along the canal too, with a dining area for about 350 seats, terrace seating, and even River Lounge, the only waterside lounge in Tokyo. You can enjoy craft beer while looking out over the canal, and that only happens here in Tokyo.

The standard lineup has five beers: Pale Ale, Amber Ale, Wheat Ale, IPA, and Imperial Stout. The IPA uses seven kinds of hops at three times the amount used in the Pale Ale, so it hits with bright citrus aromas and a strong bitterness. The Imperial Stout is deep and rich, while the Wheat Ale is light and easygoing, making it great for beginners.

When they marked their 20th anniversary in 2017, they added a pilot brewery and started making experimental beers and collaboration beers there. They've also held collaboration events with Noboribetsu Jibeer Oni-Densetsu, so I like that they never get complacent.