Fujiyama Beer Brewery

Fujiyama Beer, located in Fujiyoshida in Yamanashi, was founded in 1998, so it's a long-established brewery that has been around for more than 25 years.

Exactly. What's more, at the time of its founding, they invited a brewmaster from Germany, and after he tasted Fuji's water and was impressed, he created recipes that make the most of that water. They still faithfully follow those recipes today.

The brewing water is natural underground water from Mt. Fuji, drawn from 100 meters below ground. They also use a mash kettle imported directly from Germany, and ferment at a low temperature of 13 degrees Celsius. That helps keep off-flavors to a minimum.

They have three standard beers. First, the flagship 'Pils' is a classic with a crisp finish and a clean hop aroma. 'Weizen' uses wheat malt for a fruity, mildly bitter drink. And 'Dunkel' has the roasted aroma and richness of deeply roasted malt, but it's not heavy.

They also release a winter-limited 'Pils W Bock,' a richer version with a stronger hop and ingredient design. It's nice how they go bold with seasonal releases.

Yes, it's inside Michi-no-Eki Fujiyoshida, and there's also a restaurant attached. You can eat Italian-style hamburger steak while drinking beer in a place with jazz playing. It's a surviving brewery from the local beer era, blending German technique with Mt. Fuji's blessings.