Bridge Beers Brewing is a brewery founded by Daniel, an American, and it's right in front of the East Exit of JR Nishi-Akashi Station.
Mugi
Wait, a brewery right in front of the station? And an American in Akashi!
Hop Bro
Daniel studied in Japan in college and had always wanted to make beer, but during the COVID-19 pandemic he decided to 'do what I truly wanted to do' and opened in March 2024.
Mugi
The pandemic was the trigger that made him step toward his dream... So, what kinds of beer do they have?
Hop Bro
A signature one is 'Heaven IPA.' It has grapefruit aromas and a firm bitterness, bringing out the complexity of the hops. There's also a fruit beer called 'Lucky me, Lucky you,' which uses plenty of mango and blueberry juice, shifting from tropical sweetness to berry tartness.
Mugi
Lucky me, Lucky you is such a cute name! I saw in an article that it looks like 'capturing the sunset over the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in a glass'!
Hop Bro
Exactly. And they recently released a new beer called 'Linger' too, a dry, refreshing brew made with grated ginger. At 4.2% ABV and 29 IBU, its spicy kick is the accent. They even had a green beer for St. Patrick's Day, so the playfulness is impressive.
Mugi
Ginger beer and green beer! They also did a pairing lunch with Lebanese food, right?
Hop Bro
Yes, and it was so popular it sold out. Also, every Wednesday they hold free English conversation sessions on the terrace. Daniel and his wife love music, and the logo combines an equalizer waveform with a bridge design. On the counter there's an iron bridge ornament, and you can really feel the respect for the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.
Mugi
Beer, music, and a bridge! It feels like a place packed with all the things Daniel loves. Is it true the walls are made from beer cans?
Hop Bro
It's a space they built themselves as a DIY project, with walls made of beer cans and an open terrace. Outside food is welcome, and you can stop by casually in a standing-bar style. It's internationally minded, and the name directly reflects the concept of 'bridging' people to each other through beer.