Heart & Beer Japan Sea Club

Heart & Beer Japan Sea Club is a brewery in Noto Town at the tip of the Noto Peninsula, but its origins are completely different from most others. It is run by the social welfare corporation Boshien.

They started brewing beer as part of efforts to support the independence of people with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1998, the brewery has staff members with disabilities involved in brewing and farm work. Making beer is, in itself, a form of welfare.

What’s more, the brewmaster in charge is Yuji Kotinek, a brewmaster invited from Czechia, nicknamed Kochas. They blend authentic Czech brewing techniques with the fermentation culture of Oku-Noto.

Their signature "Oku-Noto Legend" is an amber lager brewed with deep seawater from off the Noto coast as the brewing water. The mineral-rich deep seawater gives it body, crispness, and a mellow character. It won a silver medal at the International Beer Cup.

Their "Pilsner" is a Bohemian-style beer brewed only with hops from Saaz, Czechia, and it has won three silver medals and one bronze medal at the International Beer Cup. Everything is 100% malt, unpasteurized, and unfiltered. It’s a truly natural food product with living yeast still in it.

The Sea of Japan is right in front of you, so you can drink beer while looking out over the sea from the terrace seats. There’s also a farm on site, and the brewery, restaurant, farm, and seaside park are all integrated into one resort space.