Hanazono Craft

Hanazono Craft is seriously the real deal. Owner Shinsuke Takahashi studied brewing in Tokyo, then trained at a Ginza brewery and a Nakasu microbrewery before going independent in Higashiosaka in August 2024.

And it's right by Hanazono Rugby Stadium, along Scrum Road Hanazono. The beer they're brewing follows the classic path inherited from Germany's Beer Purity Law, but Takahashi's trademark is adding a playful touch.

It's the traditional German rule that beer is made only from malt, hops, water, and yeast. Hanazono Craft follows that style and doesn't add unnecessary adjuncts, but the lineup is diverse. The flagship "Origin Lager" uses German hops for a perfect citrus-and-spice aroma. The "Baltic Porter" uses eight kinds of malt to create a chocolate-like roasted character.

The "Weizen" has a gently fruity aroma like banana, and the "Strong Golden Ale" is Belgian-style with mellow sweetness and depth. What's more, it won silver in the fruit wheat beer category at the Japan Great Beer Awards 2026.

That shows just how good they are. They also release seasonal "Sakura Lager" and "Sakura Leaf Lager," which use cherry blossoms and leaves from Ikoma. They even host an event called Yozakura Beer Night.

The interior has an American-style design and two TVs, so having a beer while watching rugby sounds perfect. They also make their own craft cola with over 10 kinds of spices, so even people who don't drink can enjoy it.