JR Central Group's First Brewery Opens Under the Tracks at Kyoto Station
A group company of JR Central, which runs the Shinkansen, has opened a craft beer brewery under the viaduct near Kyoto Station and unveiled its first beer, a Hazy IPA.
A Hazy IPA Born Under the Shinkansen Viaduct
JR Tokai Kansai Development (headquartered in Kyoto), a group company of Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central), which operates the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka, has opened the group’s first brewery. It sits under the Shinkansen viaduct to the west of Kyoto Station and began operating on 29 June 2026. The company runs ASTY Kyoto, the shopping complex at Kyoto Station. The brewery is called “Rock Song Oh! Brewery”, a name taken from the nearby old shrine, Rokusonno Shrine, with its pronunciation rendered as English-sounding words. The first brew, a “Hazy IPA”, is said to be characterised by a grapefruit-like citrus aroma from the hops, a smooth mouthfeel and a soft, rounded bitterness. Hazy IPA is a style known for its cloudy appearance and juicy aroma, and it is also well known in Europe.
60 Kilolitres a Year, Heading for Six Core Beers
Production is planned at up to about 60 kilolitres a year. That is far smaller than the big brewers and typical of a small brewery. The company plans to brew six core beers in turn, along with seasonal and other limited-edition beers. For now, the beer is available only at the company’s own outlet near the Shinkansen ticket gates. What makes this news notable is that a large company whose core business is not brewing has become a brewer by using its own spare space under the viaduct.
Where Is Japanese “Craft” Heading?
In the United States, the Brewers Association names being small and independent as a condition of craft beer. In Japan, by contrast, the word “craft” is widely used to convey a handmade feel, rarity and attention to detail. This beer from a railway group can be seen as one example of Japanese-style “craft”. For European readers, it offers a clue that Japan’s brewing scene extends beyond sake breweries and specialist brewers to transport and property companies. There is no prospect of this beer reaching markets outside Japan for the time being, but when you choose Japanese craft beers that are available to you, check whether the label gives the brewery name and the style. It can also be fun to compare how Japanese brewers interpret a global style such as Hazy IPA with your local beers.
Sources
- PR TIMES（ジェイアール東海関西開発）「”JR東海グループ初“クラフトビール自社の醸造所が稼働開始！ オリジナルクラフトビールの完成・提供開始のお知らせ」
- SAKE Street「クラフトサケとは？ 日本酒とどう違うの？ 本来の意味から具体例まで詳しく解説」
This article was written by The Sake Wire editorial team, summarising the public sources listed above. Images are our own.
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