What is FUKUOKA CRAFT BREWING with COMATSU? Craft Beer Paradise Directly Connected to Hakata Station
Hi there! I’m Riho, a craft beer enthusiast. This time I visited FUKUOKA CRAFT BREWING with COMATSU, located in a prime spot directly connected to JR Hakata Station’s Chikushi Exit in Fukuoka (福岡). Set on the 1st floor of the “Deitos Annex” commercial facility at Hakata Station, it’s a beer stand where you can casually enjoy house-brewed craft beer in a cash-on (pay-as-you-go) format.
FUKUOKA CRAFT BREWING started brewing in the Daimyo (大名) area of Fukuoka in 2018 and relocated in 2022 to a new factory in Okagaki-machi, Onga-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture, equipped with tanks imported from America. Head brewer David Victor, originally from Michigan, uses the mineral-rich groundwater of Okagaki-machi to brew American-style craft beer. Having won Gold at the Japan Great Beer Awards, this is a proven powerhouse brewery from Fukuoka.
Riho
Craft beer of this quality directly connected to Hakata Station — perfect for your first or last day of a Fukuoka trip!
FUKUOKA CRAFT BREWING with COMATSU: Access & Basic Info
The fact that they’re open until 2 AM is a key point! Even after a night out in Hakata, you can still grab a craft beer on the way home!
FUKUOKA CRAFT BREWING with COMATSU: Atmosphere & Facilities
The interior is a bright, open space with glass walls. Despite being right at Hakata Station’s exit, it’s a casual standing-style spot you can drop into anytime. Eight draft beers are always on tap, plus over 30 varieties of canned beer. They carry guest beers from other Kyushu (九州) breweries in addition to their house brews, making it possible to experience Fukuoka’s entire craft beer scene in one visit.
The operation is jointly run by Yoshifumi Sugiyama, owner of the Mexican restaurant “El Borracho,” Munetaka Matsumura, head of “COMATSU,” and Nobuhiro Tajima, editor-in-chief of the craft beer magazine “TRANSPORTER” and creative director. This is a noteworthy brewery where beer passion and food industry professionals converge.
Rune-chan
The glass-walled, bright interior looks so welcoming! It’s great that you can casually pop in while waiting for the bullet train!
Riho
Since it’s cash-on style, having just one quick drink is totally fine. One pint before hopping on the Shinkansen after a business trip — that’s the perfect scenario, right?
FUKUOKA CRAFT BREWING Beer Lineup Highlights
FUKUOKA CRAFT BREWING’s beers are crafted in American style by head brewer David Victor from Michigan, using the mineral-rich groundwater of Okagaki-machi to bring out the best in their hops.
The regular lineup includes Pale Ale, Double IPA, and more, with seasonal limited editions appearing throughout the year. With 30-40 varieties always available, every visit brings new flavors to discover. They also keep pace with the DDH (dry-hopped) beer trend, so don’t miss their hop-forward offerings.
Hop-kun
Having a head brewer from Michigan is fascinating! They’re brewing authentic American craft beer style right here in Fukuoka. Recommended for dank beer fans too!
Beyond their house brews, they also carry guest beers from across Kyushu, which is a great bonus. You can experience Fukuoka’s broader craft beer scene in one spot. As a 2026 Japan craft beer trend, Kyushu breweries are gaining attention, and being able to sample them conveniently at Hakata Station is a major draw.
Rune-chan
With 30-40 varieties, that’s incredible! It must be so hard to choose!
FUKUOKA CRAFT BREWING Awards & Achievements
FUKUOKA CRAFT BREWING is a proven brewery with multiple awards from Japan’s major beer competitions.
Competition
Beer Name
Award
Japan Great Beer Awards
Christoph Double IPA
Gold
Japan Great Beer Awards
Orchata Porter
Silver
Japan Great Beer Awards
Taimei Lager
Bronze
International Beer Cup
Craft Double IPA
Bronze
The Christoph Double IPA’s gold at JGBA is a significant achievement, proving that Fukuoka-brewed craft beer is of national-level quality. Their Double IPA also earned bronze at the International Beer Cup, demonstrating high acclaim for their American-style, hop-forward brewing.
Hop-kun
JGBA Gold and International Beer Cup Bronze! Winning at two competitions with their Double IPA speaks volumes about their hop mastery!
On-Site Visit Photos
You can also see photos from my visit on Instagram.
📷 Instagram @lobeerve (2026-03-18)
【#リホブルワリー No.248 #リホアメリカブルワリー No. 143】 博多駅直結でアクセス抜群の「FUKUOKA CRAFT BREWING with COMATSU」さんをご紹介します！…
63 reviews on Tabelog is partly thanks to the direct station access. And a 4.0/5 Untappd rating for the Hazy IPA is well deserved!
FUKUOKA CRAFT BREWING with COMATSU: How to Enjoy
Here are the best ways to make the most of this spot’s unbeatable access from Hakata Station.
While waiting for the Shinkansen or a flight: Right at Hakata Station’s Chikushi Exit — perfect for a pre-departure pint
A nightcap in Hakata: Open until 2 AM, making it ideal for one last beer after a night out in Nakasu (中洲) or Tenjin (天神)
Canned beer as souvenirs: Over 30 varieties of canned beer available for takeout — great as Fukuoka souvenirs
Starting point for a pub crawl: Cash-on style means one drink is fine — use it as the launchpad for a Hakata Station-area beer crawl
Rune-chan
Being able to buy canned beer to take home is wonderful! You can enjoy Fukuoka’s craft beer at home too!
FUKUOKA CRAFT BREWING with COMATSU: Overall Rating
Category
Score
Comments
Beer Quality
★★★★☆
Proven by JGBA Gold and IBC Bronze. Strong American-style lineup
Beer Variety
★★★★★
8 house taps + 30+ cans + guest beers
Access
★★★★★
Directly connected to JR Hakata Station Chikushi Exit. You can’t get better than this
Atmosphere
★★★★☆
Bright, open space with glass walls
Value
★★★★☆
Around 1,000 yen per glass. Excellent value for station-direct, high-quality beer
Overall
★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
The best answer for a craft beer experience in Hakata (博多)
Riho
JGBA gold-medal beer right at Hakata Station. Access, quality, and variety — this incredible beer stand has the trifecta!
Hop-kun
Whether you’re a craft beer beginner or an expert, this place has something for everyone! With their broad lineup from staples to limited editions, you’re guaranteed to find your perfect pint!
Disclaimer
*Information in this article is current as of March 2026. Hours, menus, and prices are subject to change. Please check the official website or official Instagram for the latest information before visiting.
*This article is a personal review based on individual experience. Taste and opinions may vary.
*You must be 20 years old to drink alcohol in Japan. Drinking and driving is prohibited by law.
FAQ (FUKUOKA CRAFT BREWING with COMATSU)
Q1. Where is FUKUOKA CRAFT BREWING with COMATSU located?
It is located on the 1st floor of “Deitos Annex,” directly connected to JR Hakata Station’s Chikushi Exit. It takes approximately 1 minute on foot from the station.
Q2. What are the opening hours and closed days?
Opening hours are 11:00-26:00 (2:00 AM next day), with late-night service. Closed days follow the Deitos Annex facility schedule. We recommend checking the official website for the latest information before visiting.
Q3. What is “cash-on” style? Do I need a reservation?
Cash-on style means you pay for each order when you place it. Since it’s primarily a standing bar, reservations are generally not needed. You can casually enjoy just one drink.
Q4. Can I buy beer to take away?
Yes, canned beer is available for takeout. Over 30 varieties of canned beer are always in stock, making them great Fukuoka souvenirs.
Q5. What awards has FUKUOKA CRAFT BREWING won?
At the Japan Great Beer Awards, Christoph Double IPA won Gold, Orchata Porter won Silver, and Taimei Lager won Bronze. Their Craft Double IPA also earned Bronze at the International Beer Cup.
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