GKB and Village

Izu no Kuni Beer is a separate brand launched in 2010 by the Tokinosumika Group, known for Gotenba Kogen Beer. It took over the former orchid park site in Izunokuni City and installed a brewery there.

The facility was once renamed "IZU WORLD Minna no Hawaiians," and later relaunched as "IZU VILLAGE." It went through a lot of changes, but beer brewing has continued all along. The brewhouse is a modest 1,000 liters, a size that lets them keep a close eye on every batch.

Their staples are four beers: Pilsner, Weizen, Stout, and Climb. The Pilsner is especially interesting because it uses Czech hops and is dry-hopped late in fermentation. Dry-hopping a Pilsner is pretty rare, and it really lifts the aroma.

They are meticulous about ingredients too, sourcing them from Germany, France, the UK, and other EU countries. Their Weizen won a silver medal at the International Beer Cup 2014, so the quality is definitely there.

Since it's part of the Tokinosumika Group, the brewing know-how from Gotenba Kogen Beer is clearly being put to good use. Its location in Izunokuni City is also great because you can stop by while sightseeing or visiting hot springs.