Hibi Hitoawa Brewery

Hibi Hitoawa Brewery (Hibi Hitoawa Buruwarii) has a really interesting origin. It was launched by five craft beer-loving employees from different departments and roles at a JR West group company, gathered through an internal open recruitment drive.

Right. It's a group company called JR West Daily Service Net. Centered on store manager Kaori Narimatsu, they started preparing in 2022 and opened in November 2024 under the elevated tracks at JR Fukushima Station. There is a unique atmosphere under railway viaducts.

The concept is 'a sip that serves as a trigger to free you from everyday constraints and pressure.' And even before the opening they released original beers in limited quantities. One label, 'Koshi Ransho,' used fresh hops that they themselves grew during cultivation training and harvested in Heguri Town, Nara Prefecture.

It means 'the beginning of things.' Pretty fitting for a first step, right? At Kyoto's Gion Festival, they also sold limited quantities of 'Yamabushiyama Beer' officially approved by the Yamabushiyama Preservation Society. The Session IPA uses Japanese sansho pepper from Kyoto, and the SAISON uses Uji tea. Beer made with local ingredients at a festival is irresistible, isn't it?

Since obtaining their brewing license in March 2025, they also started in-house brewing. Their standard saison uses Cascade and East Kent Golding hops for a fruity aroma; their IPA uses Cascade and Mosaic for citrus and tropical notes; and their stout balances roasted barley and caramel malt. All are designed to be easy to drink at 4.5% to 6% ABV.

They rotate eight taps with microbreweries across Kansai, such as open air in Kobe, Kotokoto Beer in Kizugawa, Kyoto, and ONE's BREWERY in Kujo, Osaka. With their own beers and guest beers, the place feels like a miniature map of Kansai's craft beer scene.