Kyoto Is a Craft Beer Hub! 5 Local Breweries and a Complete Guide to Enjoying Kyoto's Local Markets

When people hear “Kyoto,” isn’t the first thing that comes to mind usually the “Japanese” image—things like matcha, sake, and traditional Japanese sweets? However, just as renowned bakeries and coffee shops have been popping up one after another in Kyoto in recent years,Craft BeerThat scene, too, is quietly but steadily building momentum.

After a day of visiting temples and shrines, treat your heated body to a refreshingly cold beer. In this article, the KYOTREAT editorial team takes a detailed look at the appeal of craft beer brewed in Kyoto, featuring five local breweries and the best places to buy their beers.

What Is Craft Beer? An Explanation of the Differences Between Craft Beer and "Local Beer"

What exactly does “craft beer” mean? While there is no strict legal definition, it generally refers toBeer crafted by small breweries that prioritize uniqueness over mass productionIt is used as a term to refer to [...]. The name was inspired by the concept of “crafts.”

The Relationship with the "Craft Beer" Boom

In Japan, following the 1994 amendment to the Liquor Tax Act, the minimum annual production volume required for a beer manufacturing license was reduced from 2,000 kiloliters to60 kiloliters...was lowered. This led to the emergence of small-scale breweries across the country, sparking the so-called “craft beer” boom.

However, at the time, many brewers’ brewing techniques were still underdeveloped, leading to the widespread perception that “craft beer equals a souvenir from tourist spots, and the taste leaves something to be desired,” which caused the boom to subside temporarily.

Later, in the 2000s, the ”craft beer” trend took off in the United States, and craft beer was re-imported to Japan along with the necessary technology, leading to a renewed appreciation for it. The term “craft beer” became established, partly to distinguish it from “local beer.” It’s worth noting that in Japan, there are no legal distinctions based on scale, and there are even “craft beer” brands produced by major manufacturers.

The Difference Between "Ale" and "Lager"

You often see the word “ale” on craft beer labels. How is it different from “lager,” which is commonly found on major beer brands?

The difference isYeast Used and Fermentation Methodsis located there.

Types	Yeast	Characteristics of Fermentation	Flavor Profile
Lager	Bottom-fermenting yeast	It ferments slowly at a low temperature, and the yeast settles to the bottom of the tank.	Dry and crisp, with a clean finish
Cheers	Top-fermenting yeast	It ferments at a temperature close to room temperature, and the yeast rises to the surface.	Rich, full-bodied, and satisfying to drink

Compared to lager, ale has a shorter brewing and aging period and is well-suited for small-batch production, making it a mainstream style in the global craft beer scene, particularly among small breweries.

Now, let me introduce you to some of Kyoto’s leading craft beer brewers.

5 Top Craft Beer Breweries in Kyoto

① Kyoto Beer (Kizakura) “Pale Ale”
Area: Fushimi Ward | Operator: Kizakura Co., Ltd. (Founded in 1925)

"Kyoto Beer" is a beer brand launched in 1995 by Kizakura, a brewery known for its sake production in Fushimi, Kyoto. Fushimi is a renowned region for sake production, blessed with high-quality groundwater known as "Fushimizu," and Kyoto Beer’s "Pale Ale" is brewed using this water. It is characterized by a pale golden color, a vibrant aroma, and a light, refreshing mouthfeel, with a subtle bitterness. It is recommended for craft beer beginners and those who want to enjoy it with a meal.

② Kizakura “Devil’s Beer”
Area: Fushimi Ward | Style: Red Session IPA

This is another beer from Kizakura with a playful name. “Session IPA” is a style of IPA (India Pale Ale) designed to be more drinkable by keeping the alcohol content at approximately 5% or lower and mellowing the bitterness of the hops. Characterized by tropical hop aromas and a moderate bitterness, it pairs exceptionally well with fried foods like karaage, hearty meat dishes, and spicy cuisine.

③ Ichijoji Brewery “FIND CACAO”
Area: Sakyo Ward (at the foot of Mount Hiei, Ichijoji) | Founded: 2011

Ichijoji Brewery was founded in 2011 by Dr. Shunsuke Takagi, a psychiatrist and director of the medical corporation “Takagi Clinic” in Kyoto City,One of Kyoto's very first microbreweriesIt is one of them. Guided by the philosophy that “work contributes to the recovery of people with mental health challenges,” the organization arrived at beer brewing as part of its employment support efforts. It offers a diverse lineup ranging from beers made with Kyoto ingredients—such as Saikyo miso and Aoya plums—to classic beer styles.
“FIND CACAO” is a beer developed exclusively for the Kawaramachi shopping complex “Good Nature Station.” It uses “cacao husks”—the outer shells of cacao beans that are discarded in large quantities during the chocolate-making process—as a secondary ingredient. This collaboration aligns with Ichijoji Brewery’s policy of reducing food waste. It offers a playful flavor profile where the sweet aroma of cacao gently rises from beneath the fruity hop aroma and pleasant bitterness.

Beer from Ichijoji Brewery is served at the company-owned pub near Kawaramachi Station, “BEER PUB ICHIYA"You can enjoy it along with a beer tasting set. The original dishes paired with the beer are also very popular."

④ Kyoto Brewing “Ichii Sen Shin”
Area: Minami Ward (around Toji Temple) | Founded: 2015

Kyoto Brewing Company is a brewery founded in 2015 in the Toji area of Minami Ward by Benjamin from Wales, Chris from the United States, and Paul from Canada. The three men are responsible for brewing, sales, and management, respectively. Centered on a “Belgian × American” style, they produce highly original beers that blend the distinctive character of traditional Belgian yeast with the aroma of American hops. Since its founding, the brewery has expanded its fan base beyond Kyoto to the Kansai region and the Tokyo metropolitan area, and has grown to the point where it now supplies more than 700 restaurants and liquor stores nationwide.

"Ichizensen" is an IPA-style beer that combines Belgian yeast with American hops. Its appeal lies in its excellent balance, featuring prominent citrus hop aromas and the fruity notes derived from Belgian yeast, while offering less intense bitterness than typical IPAs. At the brewery’s on-site taproom, you can enjoy fresh beer on Friday evenings and weekends (please check the official website for operating days and hours).

⑤ Kyoto Tango Craft Beer “TANGO KINGDOM Beer”
Area: Kyotango City | Operator: Tango Kingdom Brewery Co., Ltd.

"TANGO KINGDOM Beer" is brewed at the "Tango Kingdom: Capital of Food" roadside station in Kyotango City, located in the northernmost part of Kyoto Prefecture. Crafted by a master brewer with a career spanning approximately 20 years, this beer is a true standout, having won multiple awards at major domestic and international competitions such as the International Beer Cup (IBC) and the Japan Great Beer Awards (JGBA). Most recently, its “Märzen” won a bronze medal at the Japan Great Beer Awards 2026, announced in March 2026, and the beer continues to receive high acclaim.

Made with wheat malt, this “Weizen” is characterized by a fruity aroma reminiscent of bananas and a refreshing mouthfeel; with its low bitterness, it’s popular even among beginners. The label features Princess Tanimoto (Empress of Emperor Kōtoku), who has ties to the Tango region, making this a bottle that’s sure to be appreciated as a souvenir or gift.

Places to buy in Kyoto City (We recommend checking business hours before purchasing)

Many of the beers we’ve featured are available not only on each brewery’s official website but also at liquor stores and retail outlets throughout the city. The stores our editorial team frequents are listed below. Since business hours and product offerings are subject to change, we recommend checking each store’s official information before visiting.

• Sake no Yamaya, Karasuma-Oike Branch(Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City): Kizakura, etc.
• Good Nature Station(Kawaramachi, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City): Kyoto Brewing, Ichijoji Brewery, etc.
• Ropia Kyoto Yodobashi Store(In front of Kyoto Station): Kyoto Brewing, etc.
• Kyoto Sake Bar Tomiya, Kyoto Station Branch(Inside JR Kyoto Station): Kyoto Tango Craft Beer, Kinshi Masamune, and others
• Harves Food Specialty Store(Inside the Kintetsu Shopping Arcade at JR Kyoto Station): A wide selection of souvenirs and boxed lunches, including Kizakura

In addition, there are an increasing number of spots in Kyoto City where you can enjoy a drink while watching the brewing process, such as “Iemori-do,” a brewery pub housed in a renovated Fushimi-style Kyoto townhouse, and “SPRING VALLEY BREWERY KYOTO” in Kawaramachi. Be sure to check them out when planning your trip.

summary

Bitterness, aroma, alcohol content—even among “Kyoto craft beers,” there are as many distinct characters as there are brewers. Even if you’re not usually a beer drinker, you’re sure to find one that suits your taste.

Whether you’re enjoying an evening drink at a guesthouse or hotel, looking for a drink to accompany your ride home on the Shinkansen, or searching for a souvenir to commemorate your trip to Kyoto, why not soothe your body—warmed up from visiting temples and shrines—with a drink crafted by local brewers?

◆Sake no Yamaya Karasuma Oike
Address: Medina Karasuma Oike 1F, 592 Bano-cho, Sanjo-Agaru, Karasuma-Dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone number: 075-254-4733
Business hours: 10:00-22:00

Good Nature Station
Address: 318-6, Inari-cho, 2-chome, Shijo-sagaru, Kawaramachi-Dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone number: 075-352-3712
Business hours: 10:00 - 20:00

◆Ropia Kyoto Yodobashi store
Address: 590-2 Higashishiokoji-cho, Shichijo-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone number: 075-353-0298
Business hours: 10:00 - 20:00

◆Kyoto Sake Shop Tomiya Kyoto Station
Access: JR Kyoto Station West Exit 2F, North-South Free Passage (South side), in Miyako, Kyoto's famous sweets and vegetable restaurant
Phone number: 75-365-8725
Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

◆Food Specialty Store Harbeth
Address: 31-1 Higashishiokoji Kamadono-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Kintetsu Meitengai Miyakomichi
Phone number: 075-681-0486
Hours of operation: 7:00-22:00