Shimoda Brewing Company

Next is Shimoda Brewing Company. The lead brewer, Yusuke Hikida, has an interesting background: he got into craft beer while living in Australia and the U.S., and later served as head brewer at RISE & WIN Brewing Co. in Kamikatsu, Tokushima Prefecture.

That's right. After about five years of preparation, they renovated an empty building within walking distance of Izu-kyu Shimoda Station and opened it. The first beer they ever served to customers was on the day of Shimoda's Black Ship Festival, which is pretty dramatic.

Hikida's concept is clear: 'Because this is a brewery in Shimoda, where the sea is beautiful, we want to make beers that evoke the sea and feel refreshing.' They base their beers on West Coast American styles and aim for a dry, aromatic finish.

Their staples include 'CHILL HELLES,' a clean, no-frills beer, and 'SLIDE GOLDEN ALE,' which is known for its light drinkability. They also offer IPAs and hazy styles, and they brew about two new beers a month, keeping around six varieties on tap at any given time.

The interior is great too: the first floor is the tap space with counter and table seating, and the second floor has billiards and darts. There are also wood-deck terrace seats under the eaves, so you can drink while feeling Shimoda's atmosphere.