Reports Things to See & Do in Osaka at Night

On December 15, 2012, Masaji Ohshita, the "godfather of craft beer in Japan" and founder of Osaka's Minoh Brewery passed away after a work-related accident. While his loss is lamented, his legacy in popularizing microbrews (known locally as “ji-biiru”) is more than assured, and so is his company in the capable hands of eldest daughter Kaori, who was already a brew master for some time.

And what better place to honor the late Mr. Ohshita than at one of Minoh Brewery's three Beer Belly pubs. Freshly maintained in optimal conditions, most of the draft beers offered are delivered straight from the brewery, including some hand-pumped real ales. Over the years, Minoh's beers have won several international beer awards. Their Stout and Imperial Stout won gold medals at the World Beer Awards, and their new Yuzu White Ale, masterminded by Kaori, won gold for Best Fruit Wheat Beer in 2012. The menu varies from pub to pub, each with their own specialties: 14 taps - with many guest beers - and beer batter fish & chips at the original shop in Tosabori, mouth-watering burgers in Edobori, and a fermentation tank and grilled meats in
Tenma
.

Qbrick, in Osaka's business district initially started by serving import beers, but now mostly offers local microbrews. The rustic, wood atmosphere is relaxed, with added space in the basement. About 14 taps assure you will find something for your taste. If not, the chilled display cases contain about 200 types of local and foreign bottled beer. The sausage plate comes recommended, while the succulent, grilled lamb should not be missed either. With its neighborly atmosphere and friendly customers, Qbrick makes for a great stop, at 5pm or 10pm.

Two newcomers on the scene, on opposite ends of the city, have also quickly gathered a strong following. Up north near the Umeda Sky Building (great location to watch sunsets) is Craft Beer Base, which doubles as a bottle store and pub. Unlike other places, the decoration is simple and bright, with counters on the first floor and tables on the second. With only four taps, local and foreign, it allows quick turnover and assures your ji-beer is fresh. The walk-in refrigerator is impressive, a sort of Ali Baba's beer cavern, allowing you to bring something home.

Eni-bru in Sakai city is operated by a sociable chap, Keiji Nishio. With up to 21 taps, JPY 1,100 3-beer samplers and special collaboration beers with his wide network of breweries from Japan, it is easy to understand why the place can quickly fill up, especially on weekends. It also boasts an excellent, mostly organic menu and all-you-can-drink courses requiring reservations.

Molto in Umeda,
Lezzet in Tennoji and Kamikaze near Shinsaibashi are also good locations to enjoy some delicious Japanese craft beers. Should you travel outside Osaka, consult the Japan Beer Times for some useful information on breweries and pubs (a little Tokyo-centric for now). Kanpai!

By Jean-Yves Terreault