[Craft Beer Review] West Coast Brewing Experience! Shizuoka Craft Beer Travel Guide 2025 Latest

【2025 Latest】Experience West Coast Brewing! Shizuoka Craft Beer Travel Guide

I visited “West Coast Brewing,” one of Japan’s premier craft beer breweries, in March 2023. This article is based on my March 2023 visit experience and published in April 2025. Located at Mochimune Port in Shizuoka City, this brewery, while rooted in American craft beer culture, has achieved remarkable evolution unique to Japan. According to their official website, they have earned top-class ratings in Japan on Untappd (3.97 points) and have created over 400 unique beers to date.

They brew diverse beer styles centered on IPAs and Imperial Stouts. This time, I’ll introduce the Shizuoka craft beer scene focusing on the experience at their direct-operated taproom.

✅ West Coast Brewing Verified Facts

The following is factual information confirmed through their official website, official Instagram, and actual visit.

West Coast Brewing History and Characteristics

West Coast Brewing was founded in 2019 at Mochimune Port in Shizuoka City. True to the brewery’s name, they started with the concept of aromatic beers in the American West Coast style, and while cherishing the owner’s American roots, they have achieved unique development specific to Japan. What’s particularly distinctive is the unique worldview centered around the character called “Hop Dude,” where each beer has a narrative and label designs are very individualistic.

Actual Taproom Experience Report

The taproom features an open and comfortable space where you can enjoy beer while viewing the brewing equipment. The staff members are extremely knowledgeable and provided detailed explanations about each beer’s characteristics and pairings.

Beers Enjoyed During Tasting

This time I ordered a 4-variety tasting set (100ml each, ¥1,200) and savored representative beers. Each beer was distinctive, and I could feel the high level of brewing technology.

1. West Coast IPA (ABV 6.8% / American IPA)

This is the signature beer bearing the brewery’s name. With a moderate ABV of 6.8% and well-balanced bitterness of IBU 60, it’s characteristic.

【Personal Impression】The appearance is beautiful golden color with persistent white foam. The aroma is dominated by tropical fruits and citrus, with magnificent aromas reminiscent of mango, pineapple, and grapefruit.

The taste features an impressive fresh citrus bitterness at first, followed by slight tropical sweetness. The body is medium, offering substance while maintaining a dry finish that invites the next sip.

2. Hazy IPA (ABV 6.5% / New England IPA)

This is a New England IPA style that has gained popularity in recent years, characterized by a cloudy appearance and juicy flavor. It’s a contrasting style to West Coast IPA, suppressing bitterness while bringing hop flavor and aroma to the forefront.

Food & Pairings

West Coast Brewing’s taproom also offers an extensive food menu that pairs well with beer. This time I ordered the particularly recommended salad and chicken.

The fresh salad uses abundant fresh vegetables from local Shizuoka and has the effect of refreshing the bitterness of IPA. The grilled chicken had spicy seasoning that matched beautifully with the hop flavors of the beer.

Food Menu	Price (Tax Included)	Recommended Pairing
Fresh Salad	¥1,200	West Coast IPA, Hazy IPA
Grilled Chicken	¥1,800	West Coast IPA
Fish & Chips	¥1,500	Pale Ale
Cheese Platter	¥1,200	Imperial Stout

※Prices are from March 2023 visit. Please check official website or store for latest prices.

🏠 West Coast Brewing Basic Information

Access Information

About 10 minutes walk from JR Tokaido Main Line “Mochimune Station.” Exit the station and head toward the sea, then proceed toward the port area to find it easily. Parking for about 20 cars is available, and it can get crowded on weekends, so early visits are recommended.

Price Range

Beer prices range from ¥900-¥1,200 for pints (473ml) and ¥500-¥700 for half-pints (237ml) (as of March 2023 visit). Prices vary according to alcohol content and style. Also, a 4-variety tasting set (100ml each) is offered for ¥1,200, which is recommended for first-time visitors.

🏆 Overall Rating (Personal Impression)

West Coast Brewing has firmly established its position as a representative craft brewery in Shizuoka. The diverse beers brewed with high technical skill, centered on American West Coast style IPAs, were all impressive. Particularly, the staff’s extensive knowledge and friendliness were wonderful, creating an environment where even craft beer beginners can enjoy with confidence.

The location at Mochimune Port is also attractive, and beer time while viewing the sea is exceptional. While it can get crowded on weekends, this is also proof that it’s a brewery loved by many people. When visiting Shizuoka, please be sure to stop by.