Minato Ward, Where Craft Beverages Thrive—A Tour of “Unique Drinks” Born from Artisanship
“Craft drinks” refer to beverages crafted by artisans using carefully selected ingredients and meticulous production methods. In recent years, this trend has sparked a social craze, with not only small-scale businesses but also major manufacturers entering the market. Their greatest appeal lies in the complex aromas not found in mass-produced beverages, flavors that reflect the character of the region, and—above all—the “artisan’s passion” that shines through the glass. Minato Ward is at the forefront of this craft drink movement, home to a surprisingly diverse array of “handcrafted beverages.” In this article, we’ll explore the essence of craft culture while introducing some of the craft drinks you can enjoy in Minato Ward.
Craft Beer at "Ottotto BREWERY Hamamatsucho"
A 1- to 2-minute walk from JR Hamamatsucho Station or Daimon Station on the Toei Oedo Line. There’s a place right in the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle where, the moment you step inside, a whole new world unfolds. The standout feature of “Ottotto BREWERY Hamamatsucho,” where you can enjoy house-brewed craft beer, is that it has its own on-site brewery. Upon entering the store, the first thing that catches your eye is the row of large, silver tanks neatly lined up behind the glass. The sight of a “beer factory” suddenly appearing in a spacious underground space—one you’d never imagine from the entrance—surprises every visitor.
The cheerful-sounding name “Ottotto” is said to embody the hope that visitors will share a cheerful and enjoyable time through the carefully crafted original craft beers. The interior, designed with a “factory-style” concept, has an atmosphere reminiscent of a brewpub overseas.
It’s one of the largest venues in Tokyo. It features a party room where you can all enjoy tasting our carefully crafted original beers together.
What sets this brewery apart is its meticulous brewing process—made possible precisely because it is a small-scale operation. Not only does it prioritize the freshness of its ingredients, but it also makes no compromises when it comes to water quality—which is often considered the lifeblood of beer—and rigorously manages the fermentation process to bring out the unique character of each beer to the fullest.
The restaurant always has at least five varieties of its original beers on tap, and one of the unique pleasures of craft beer is that its flavor changes subtly from day to day depending on when it was tapped and how far it has aged. You can truly enjoy a one-of-a-kind glass of beer—an experience you can only have at that very moment.
Among our wide selection, the first beer we’d like you to try is our “Pale Ale.” It features a refreshing citrus aroma, deep richness, and umami that harmonize in perfect balance, and we’ve crafted it to be smooth and easy to drink—even for those unfamiliar with craft beer.
Weizen beers with less bitterness and limited-edition beers made with seasonal fruits are also popular, earning strong support from women who don’t usually drink beer and from international tourists seeking ingredients that are uniquely Japanese.
The brewery’s brewers’ desire for customers to “enjoy craft beer in a more casual and free-spirited way” is reflected in the food as well, with an extensive menu featuring dishes that pair perfectly with beer—starting with the signature “Louisiana Cajun.” Whether you drop by alone for a quick visit or raise a glass with friends in high spirits, you’re sure to have a great time. Come spend a special moment with us, accompanied by craft beer and exquisite cuisine.
《Ottotto BREWERY 浜松町店》
東京都港区浜松町2-1-5クレトイシビルB1
営業時間：月～木ランチ11:30～14:30／ディナー17:00～23:00、金・祝前日ランチ11:30～14:30／ディナー17:00～23:30、土ディナー16:30～22:30
定休日：日曜・祝日
※その他、詳しくは下記の公式サイトへ
https://ottotto-hamamatsucho.owst.jp/
東京都港区浜松町2-1-5クレトイシビルB1
営業時間：月～木ランチ11:30～14:30／ディナー17:00～23:00、金・祝前日ランチ11:30～14:30／ディナー17:00～23:30、土ディナー16:30～22:30
定休日：日曜・祝日
※その他、詳しくは下記の公式サイトへ
https://ottotto-hamamatsucho.owst.jp/
Craft Gin from “Sake Shokudo Toranomon Distillery”
In the Toranomon area—which is undergoing redevelopment and brimming with new energy—there’s an izakaya where you can enjoy gin. Located in a corner of “Toranomon Yokocho” within the Toranomon Hills Business Tower, “Sake Shokudo Toranomon Distillery” is a unique spot that could truly be called a “neighborhood distillery,” complete with its own gin stills inside the restaurant. Since opening in 2020, guided by the concept of “Tokyo Local Spirits,” it has continued to transform the charm of Tokyo into gin and share it with the world.
The most distinctive feature of the gin produced at this distillery lies in the selection of its ingredients. For the base alcohol, they use authentic island shochu produced on the Izu Islands off the coast of Tokyo, such as Hachijojima and Niijima. Furthermore, for the water used in the distillation and finishing processes—which is essential for blending—they use spring water from Sawai in Ome, which originates in the headwaters of the Okutama Mountains. The robust character of shochu cultivated on Tokyo’s islands and the pure water nurtured by Tokyo’s mountains—when these two elements come together, they give rise to a truly unique “Tokyo-made spirit.”
We recommend “COMMON,” a regular-line product available year-round. Start by enjoying it simply mixed with soda as an aperitif. The soft flavor of the island shochu base and the aroma of juniper berries blend in perfect harmony, complementing any dish.
Made with local ingredients from Tokyo, “COMMON” is great served with water or on the rocks. During the colder months, a connoisseur’s way to enjoy it is to mix it with hot water and savor the rich aroma that rises from the glass.
Our “Seasonal Gin” uses botanicals—such as herbs, flowers, and fruits encountered throughout the changing seasons—harvested at the moment their aromas are at their peak. When mixed with tonic water, the sweetness and tartness of the tonic bring out the gin’s vibrant character even more. If you’re unsure how to enjoy it, please feel free to ask our knowledgeable staff for advice.
The restaurant offers a wide variety of approachable izakaya dishes, all carefully crafted to pair well with gin. Winter specials, such as sashimi of winter yellowtail and a gratin of fish milt and tofu, are available through early March.
The food menu and gin pairing experience offered by the restaurant are sure to pleasantly challenge your preconceptions about gin. A diverse crowd—from businesspeople working in Toranomon to international tourists visiting Japan, and even gin enthusiasts traveling from afar—all come together to enjoy their own unique experiences centered around gin.
This shop, which distills spirits made from Tokyo-sourced ingredients right in the heart of the city, is quickly becoming a mecca for gin lovers. Be sure to experience a drink that blends urban sophistication with the warmth of the local community. You can also purchase bottles right at the store, making them the perfect souvenir from your trip or a thoughtful gift for someone special.
"UMAMI COLA" Craft Cola
"UMAMI COLA," created based on Japan's culture of fermentation, is a health-conscious energy drink made with domestic ingredients and spices, without relying on artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or artificial colors. It has been attracting significant attention, including a pilot test sale at select convenience stores in June 2025.
Headquartered in Minami-Aoyama, Minato Ward, and having even built its own factory, this brand has been launching groundbreaking products since its founding in 2020 that have completely transformed the image of cola. While cola is generally associated with high levels of sugar and additives, “UMAMI COLA” set out to create a “natural craft cola” that is gentle on the body and infused with Japan’s proud traditional culture.
Believing that the term “UMAMI”—a concept unique to Japan—encompasses not only taste but also a “sense of well-being felt by the body,” the company named its product “UMAMI COLA” as a symbol of this concept.
Born from the founder’s strong desire to “create a beverage that isn’t just delicious, but one that lifts both the mind and body when consumed,” this drink is based on the non-alcoholic koji amazake from the “Hakkaisan” sake brand. Spices and herbs are then added to transform it into a cola. Take a sip of “UMAMI COLA,” and you’ll experience the gentle sweetness of amazake blending with the refreshing kick of spices, creating a deep, rich flavor that seems to permeate your entire body.
We add more than 10 types of spices and herbs to our nutrient-rich koji amazake—often called a “drinkable IV”—including tulsi, known as the “elixir of immortality,” as well as elderflower, hibiscus, and shikuwasa, which are referred to as the “universal medicine cabinet.” We blend these ingredients in the perfect balance to create a unique flavor.
They are particularly dedicated to a production method that maximizes the power of the ingredients. Rather than focusing on aroma or visual appeal, they prioritize the inherent properties of the ingredients and reportedly design and manage every step of the process in-house. By meticulously controlling the temperature when simmering koji amazake and spices, they ensure that active ingredients are extracted in the most stable way possible. It’s surprising to learn that this goes beyond being a mere beverage—it’s even designed to provide a “sense of recovery” after drinking. The recommended way to enjoy “UMAMI COLA,” which is packed with such meticulous attention to detail, is to serve it well-chilled and savor its pure flavor. Chilled “UMAMI COLA” is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re enjoying a meal, need a refreshment during work, or are rehydrating after exercise. It also pairs exceptionally well with alcohol, so we recommend mixing it with rum or whiskey to create your own custom cocktail. Pouring it into a glass and taking the time to slowly savor its complex aroma is sure to help you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Currently, “UMAMI COLA” is available in 250ml cans and syrup bottles (L and M sizes). You can purchase it at partner shops and cafes across the country, as well as online, so be sure to check it out.