First of all, Otaru itself is a beautiful little town. The 30 minute train ride from Sapporo is scenic, cheap, easy, and all the reason you need to go. Do it. The brewery & pub enjoy an idyllic location on bank of a charming picturesque canal, and they certainly made a big attempt to match that beauty on the inside. Looking for Munich in Japan? Found it. The feel is supposed to be Bavaria I think, but there is an undercurrent of costumey kitch that is unintended (lost in the translation of style I would guess). Still, I found those shortcomings charming. The food was great and the menu vast, almost too westerny for what I was seeking, but good nonetheless. Lots of cheesy items. The pils & dunkel were both excellent. Probably the best lagers I had in Japan. The weiss was less impressive, but still good. While more for the visuals & overall experience versus the beer, I would go back here in a heart beat. Thanks for the tour TimE!
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Boxy and big, it is unusual for Japan. Interesting decorations, which make it despite its size feel very comfortable. Well attended by tourists. Prices are a bit higher than I expected, but beer quality is great. Three regulars, plus one seasonal, usually. food is fairly good too (try the baked potato in salt). Given the quality of beer (bottles are a shadow of the draft at the brewery), this is pretty much a must stop in Otaru.
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printable map
Seasonals
Real Ales
TimE