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- 【2025 Latest】Enjoy West Coast Brewing! Travel Guide to Craft Beer in Shizuoka
- ✅ West Coast Brewing Verified Facts
- 【Basic Information and Access】West Coast Brewing Overview
- 【Taproom Experience】Facilities and Ordering Process
- 【2025 Latest】West Coast Brewing Tap List
- 【Tasting Report】Detailed Review of Beers Enjoyed at West Coast Brewing
- 【Beer Geek Section】West Coast Brewing Detailed Information
- 【Local Information】Shizuoka’s Craft Beer Scene
- 【Summary and Additional Information】
- 【Reference Information】
【2025 Latest】Enjoy West Coast Brewing! Travel Guide to Craft Beer in Shizuoka
I visited “West Coast Brewing,” one of Japan’s premier craft beer breweries, in March 2023. This article is based on my experience during that March 2023 visit and is published in April 2025. Located at Mochimune fishing port in Shizuoka City, this brewery has achieved wonderful evolution that is uniquely Japanese while rooted in American craft beer culture. It has earned a top-class rating in Japan on Untappd (3.97 points) and has created over 400 unique beers to date.
Craft beer sounds complicated, woof. Can beginners enjoy it too, woof?
West Coast Brewing is very beginner-friendly. The staff explains things carefully, so you can visit with confidence.
Their IPA and stout brewing techniques are world-class, hop! They perfectly recreate American West Coast-style dry hopping techniques in Japan, hop!
They are particularly renowned for the high quality of their IPAs and Imperial Stouts, characterized by well-balanced flavors. This time, I’ll introduce the Shizuoka craft beer scene, focusing on the experience at their directly-operated taproom.
✅ West Coast Brewing Verified Facts
The following is factual information confirmed through the official website, Untappd, and actual visit.
History and Characteristics of West Coast Brewing
West Coast Brewing was founded in 2019 at Mochimune fishing port in Shizuoka City. True to its name, the brewery started with the concept of aromatic beers in American West Coast style, achieving unique Japanese evolution while cherishing the owner’s American roots. What’s particularly distinctive is their unique worldview centered on a character called “Hop Dude,” with each beer having its own story and highly individual label designs.
The founder, Derek Buston, is an architect from Seattle who moved to Japan in 2003. While operating the architectural design firm “West Coast Design,” he opened “12-twelve (Twelve),” a beer pub specializing in IPAs, in Shizuoka City in 2017. Later, to realize his passion for craft beer brewing, he obtained his license in June 2019 and started brewing in July.
The founding head brewer was Satoshi Niwa, who’s called “the yeast magician” in the industry, hop! He’s a brewing legend who was involved in launching Hakusekikan Brewery, Iwate Kura Beer, and Outsider Brewing, hop!
I see! So West Coast Brewing is a brewery that combines an American owner with Japanese brewing master techniques. Currently, Mr. Niwa is active as the brewing manager at “Kamado Brewery” in his hometown of Gifu Prefecture.
During the startup phase, Satoshi Niwa, considered a legend in Japan’s craft beer world, participated as head brewer. Mr. Niwa is an experienced brewer who has been involved in launching multiple famous breweries including Hakusekikan Brewery, Iwate Kura Beer, and Outsider Brewing. He’s a pioneer who succeeded in brewing barley wine and beers using wild yeast for the first time in Japan. Mr. Niwa’s techniques and experience, known as “the yeast magician,” supported West Coast Brewing’s dawn. Currently, Mr. Niwa is active as the brewing manager at “Kamado Brewery” in his hometown of Gifu Prefecture.
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Currently, they operate not only the Shizuoka main store but also multiple taprooms nationwide, known as an active brewery that releases new products every week. They have directly-operated stores in Shizuoka Prefecture, Osaka Prefecture, and Okinawa Prefecture, and have also opened a pop-up shop in Roppongi, Tokyo for a limited time.
【Basic Information and Access】West Coast Brewing Overview
| Item | Details |
| Name | West Coast Brewing |
| Address | 2-18-1 Mochimune, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture |
| Phone | +81-54-204-1747 |
| Hours | Please check the official website for taproom hours |
| Established | 2019 |
| Official Website | www.westcoastbrewing.jp |
| SNS | Instagram: @wcbshizuoka |
| Untappd Rating | 3.97 points (Top class in Japan) |
【Access Information】West Coast Brewing Location
Access to West Coast Brewing is within walking distance from the nearest Mochimune Station. It’s about 20 minutes by taxi from central Shizuoka City. Parking is available for those arriving by car.
Basic Brewery Information
| Brewery Name | West Coast Brewing |
| Location | 2-18-1 Mochimune, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Founder | Derek Buston / Architect from Seattle |
| Annual Production | Approximately 500kL (Microbrewery scale) |
| Flagship Beers | “Hop Alchemist” and “Starwatcher” series IPAs |
| Characteristics | Unique Japanese evolution based on American West Coast style |
| Sales Format | Direct taproom sales, online sales (nationwide shipping), partner restaurants |
【Beginner’s Guide: Brewery Types】
Are there different types of breweries, woof? I don’t really understand the differences, woof…
West Coast Brewing is a “microbrewery” with an annual production of about 500kL, a small-scale brewery, hop! Unlike mass-produced industrial beer, they can brew diverse styles in small quantities, hop!
Microbrewery: Small-scale brewery with limited annual production. In Japan, this often refers to production scales under 1,000kL annually. Characterized by small-batch production of diverse styles and experimental beers.
Craft Brewery: Brewery that emphasizes traditional methods and quality, contrasted with mass-produced industrial beer. A designation that focuses on methods and philosophy rather than scale.
Farm Brewery: Brewery attached to a farm, characterized by using home-grown grains and hops. Embodies the “farm-to-glass” philosophy.
Brewpub: Facility combining brewery and restaurant. Format that serves freshly brewed beer on-site, emphasizing freshness and experience value.
Contract Brewing: Style of brewing using another brewery’s equipment without owning production facilities. Allows focus on recipe development while reducing initial investment.
Jibiru (Local Beer) Manufacturer: Historical term for small-scale beer manufacturers that emerged after Japan’s 1994 Liquor Tax Law revision. “Craft beer” and “microbrewery” are now more common terms.
【Taproom Experience】Facilities and Ordering Process
The taproom atmosphere has evolved over time. Around 2021, it had a warehouse-like secret hideout feel, but currently it features modern interior design integrated with accommodation facilities. The American-style spacious taproom environment is perfect for leisurely enjoying beer.
The staff is very friendly and can handle English. Even first-time visitors can easily ask questions in a welcoming atmosphere and receive detailed information about the beers. It’s also a homey space where conversations naturally arise with regular customers, making it enjoyable even for solo visits.
Notably, there’s an onsen (hot spring) within the facility, allowing visitors to relax after enjoying beer. This wonderful Japanese combination is appreciated by many visitors.
【Beginner’s Guide】How to Order at West Coast Brewing
It’s a counter ordering system where you can order your favorite beer in pint (large) or glass (small) sizes. If you tell the staff your preferences, they’ll suggest appropriate beers. Basic English works, but there’s also a Japanese menu for peace of mind.
I’m anxious about my first brewery visit and don’t know what to order, woof…
For first-timers, asking “What do you recommend?” is the best approach! Also, telling them your preferences like “I don’t like bitter” or “I like fruity” is good. The staff will respond kindly, so feel free to ask questions. They also have tasting sets!
| Step 1: | Go to the counter and place your order |
| Step 2: | Choose beer size (glass or pint) |
| Step 3: | Receive your poured beer |
| Step 4: | Enjoy at your table |
| Step 5: | Pay all together at the end |
【2025 Latest】West Coast Brewing Tap List
The tap list during my visit featured about 12 varieties, ranging from light lagers to heavy imperial stouts. The lineup changes frequently, with new releases almost every week, making each visit a new discovery.
【Tasting Report】Detailed Review of Beers Enjoyed at West Coast Brewing
Starwatcher Cryo (American IPA・7% ABV)
This is West Coast Brewing’s signature IPA using cryo hops. The aroma is dominated by tropical fruits, especially pineapple and mango, with a beautiful golden color and fine foam. The taste perfectly balances citrus freshness with malt sweetness, finishing clean without excessive bitterness.
The cryo hop technique really brings out the hop aroma without excessive bitterness. This is a perfect beer for IPA beginners – it has all the hop character but remains very drinkable.
Freestyle Sandbox Vol.3 (Imperial IPA・8.5% ABV)
Part of the experimental “Freestyle Sandbox” series, this Imperial IPA showcases more complex hop character and higher alcohol content. The aroma features resinous pine notes alongside tropical fruits, with a robust malt backbone supporting the intense hop flavors.
The Freestyle Sandbox series represents their experimental brewing program, hop! This Imperial IPA demonstrates advanced dry-hopping techniques with multiple hop additions at different stages, hop!
【Beer Geek Section】West Coast Brewing Detailed Information
Rating Guide
How should I choose which beers to try, woof? The menu has so many options, woof!
| Beer Style | Beginner Friendliness | Characteristics | Recommended For |
| Lager/Pilsner | ★★★★★ | Light, crisp, refreshing | Beer beginners, hot weather |
| Wheat Beer | ★★★★☆ | Smooth, slightly cloudy, mild | Those who prefer mild flavors |
| Pale Ale | ★★★☆☆ | Balanced hops and malt | Stepping stone to IPAs |
| IPA | ★★☆☆☆ | Strong hop aroma, moderate bitterness | Hop lovers, experienced drinkers |
| Imperial IPA | ★☆☆☆☆ | High alcohol, intense flavors | Advanced beer enthusiasts |
| Stout | ★★★☆☆ | Dark, roasted flavors, creamy | Coffee lovers, winter drinking |
West Coast Brewing Innovation
West Coast Brewing stands out in Japan’s craft beer scene through several innovative approaches. Their use of cutting-edge hop processing techniques, particularly cryo hops and advanced dry-hopping methods, places them at the forefront of modern brewing technology.
【Beer Geek Information: Latest Craft Beer Trends】
🍺 2025 Craft Beer Technology Trends
Cryo Hops Technology: Concentrated hop pellets created through cryogenic processing, providing intense aroma and flavor while reducing plant matter. Used extensively by West Coast Brewing.
Advanced Dry-Hopping: Multiple hop additions during fermentation and conditioning phases, creating layered aroma profiles without excessive bitterness.
Biotransformation: Enzymatic interactions between hops and active yeast, creating unique flavor compounds not present in the original hops.
Hop Rotation Programs: Regular rotation of hop varieties to showcase seasonal availability and emerging cultivars.
Sustainability Focus: Emphasis on local sourcing, water conservation, and environmentally responsible brewing practices.
Japan’s Craft Beer Competition Scene
West Coast Brewing actively participates in Japan’s growing craft beer competition circuit. Their beers have received recognition at events like the Japan Great Beer Awards and International Beer Competition, helping establish Shizuoka as a serious craft beer destination.
【Local Information】Shizuoka’s Craft Beer Scene
【Local Gourmet Information】Characteristics of the Area Around West Coast Brewing and Nearby Restaurants
The Mochimune area is known for its fishing port, famous for shirasu (baby sardines) and fresh seafood. The combination of craft beer and local seafood creates perfect pairings, making this location ideal for West Coast Brewing.
Fresh seafood and craft beer sound like a perfect combination, woof! What are the best pairings, woof?
【Must-See for Beer Lovers】Recommended Breweries & Restaurants Around West Coast Brewing
| Establishment | Distance | Specialty | Notes |
| Local Shirasu Restaurants | 5-10 min walk | Fresh baby sardines | Perfect with light lagers and wheat beers |
| Mochimune Fish Market | 10 min walk | Fresh seafood | Early morning visits recommended |
| Traditional Sushi Shops | Walking distance | Local fish preparations | Great with crisp pilsners |
| Coastal Cafes | 5-15 min walk | Ocean views, light meals | Relaxing post-brewery visits |
Other Related Craft Beer Information!
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【Summary and Additional Information】
【Summary】West Coast Brewing Provides Japan’s Top-Level Craft Beer Paradise
West Coast Brewing successfully combines American craft beer traditions with Japanese precision and hospitality. Their commitment to quality, innovation in brewing techniques, and welcoming atmosphere make them a must-visit destination for both beginners and serious beer enthusiasts.
The combination of world-class beer, beautiful location, friendly staff, and unique features like the on-site onsen creates an experience that goes beyond just drinking great beer. It’s a complete cultural exchange between American craft beer tradition and Japanese hospitality.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Brewery
| Question | Answer |
| Do they accept English-speaking visitors? | Yes, staff can handle basic English and are very welcoming to international visitors |
| Can I buy beer to take home? | Yes, cans and bottles are available for purchase, plus nationwide shipping |
| Do I need reservations? | Not required for taproom visits, but check their website for current hours |
| Is the onsen included? | Check with staff about current onsen access and any additional fees |
| Can beginners enjoy the beer? | Absolutely! Staff will help you find beers matching your taste preferences |
【Reference Information】
This article is based on a visit in March 2023 and was updated with current information as of April 2025. Information such as business hours, menu, and prices may change. Please check the official website for the latest information before visiting.
Data Sources:
- Official West Coast Brewing website (www.westcoastbrewing.jp)
- Untappd beer rating platform
- Personal visit and tasting notes (March 2023)
- Industry publications and craft beer community sources
🍺 Fact-Checked Content
This article contains verified information based on official sources and personal experience. All beer details, brewery information, and visit recommendations have been fact-checked for accuracy.
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