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- 【2025 Latest】Enjoy West Coast Brewing! A Travel Guide to Enjoying Craft Beer in Shizuoka
- 【Basic Information and Access】Overview of West Coast Brewing
- 【Taproom Experience】Facilities and How to Order
- 【2025 Latest】West Coast Brewing Tap List
- 【Tasting Report】Detailed Reviews of Beers I Drank at West Coast Brewing
- 【For Beer Geeks】West Coast Brewing Detailed Information
- 【Area Information】Shizuoka’s Craft Beer Scene
- 【Summary and Supplementary Information】
- 【Reference Information】
【2025 Latest】Enjoy West Coast Brewing! A Travel Guide to Enjoying Craft Beer in Shizuoka
I visited “West Coast Brewing,” one of Japan’s finest craft breweries, in March 2023. This article is based on my experience from March 2023 and published in April 2025. Located at Mochimune fishing port in Shizuoka City, this brewery has its roots in American craft beer culture while developing its own unique Japanese evolution. It has earned top ratings in Japan on Untappd (3.97 points) and has created over 400 unique beers to date.
ルネちゃん
Craft beer sounds complicated. Can beginners enjoy it too?
りほ
West Coast Brewing is a beginner-friendly brewery. The staff will explain everything carefully, so you can visit with confidence.
They are particularly known for the high quality of their IPAs and Imperial Stouts, characterized by well-balanced flavors. This article will introduce you to Shizuoka’s craft beer scene, focusing on the experience at their direct taproom.
History and Characteristics of West Coast Brewing
West Coast Brewing was founded in 2019 at Mochimune fishing port in Shizuoka City. As the brewery name suggests, they started with the concept of aromatic beers in the American West Coast style, and while cherishing the owner’s American roots, they have developed their own unique Japanese evolution. Particularly characteristic is their unique worldview centered around a character called “Hop Dude,” with each beer having its own storyline and distinctive label design.
Founder Derek Buston, an architect from Seattle, moved to Japan in 2003. While running his architectural design firm “West Coast Design,” he opened “12-twelve,” a beer pub specializing in IPAs, in Shizuoka City in 2017. Later, to realize his passion for craft beer brewing, he obtained a license in June 2019 and started brewing in July.
At the startup, Satoshi Niwa, considered a legend in Japan’s craft beer world, joined as head brewer. Niwa has extensive experience in setting up multiple famous breweries including Hakusekikan Brewery, Iwate Kura Beer, and Outsider Brewing. He is a pioneer who first succeeded in brewing barley wine and beer using natural yeast in Japan. Known as the “Yeast Wizard,” Niwa’s techniques and experience supported the early days of West Coast Brewing. Currently, Niwa serves as the head brewer at “Camado Brewery” in his hometown of Gifu Prefecture.
Check out the Camado Brewery visit report and the Seattle brewery visit reports too!
Currently, they have expanded with multiple taprooms across Japan beyond their Shizuoka main store and are known as an active brewery releasing new creations every week. They have direct 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】Overview of West Coast Brewing
| Item | Details |
| Name | West Coast Brewing |
| Location | 2-18-1 Mochimune, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture |
| Phone Number | +81-54-204-1747 |
| Business Hours | Please check the official website for taproom operating hours |
| Established | 2019 |
| Official Website | www.westcoastbrewing.jp |
| SNS | Instagram: @wcbshizuoka |
| Untappd Rating | 3.97 points (among the top in Japan) |
【Access Information】West Coast Brewing Location
Access to West Coast Brewing is within walking distance from the nearest station, Mochimune Station. It is also accessible by taxi from Shizuoka City center in about 20 minutes. Parking is available for those coming by car.
Brewery Basic Information
| Brewery Name | West Coast Brewing |
| Location | 2-18-1 Mochimune, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture |
| Founding Year | 2019 |
| Founder | Derek Buston / Architect from Seattle |
| Annual Production | About 500kL (microbrewery scale) |
| Flagship Beers | “Hop Alchemist,” “Starwatcher” series, and other IPAs |
| Characteristics | Unique Japanese evolution based on American West Coast style |
| Sales Channels | Direct taprooms, online sales (nationwide shipping), partner restaurants |
【Beginner’s Guide: Brewery Types】
Microbrewery: A small-scale brewery with limited annual production. In Japan, it often refers to production scales of less than 1,000kL per year. Despite small-scale production, they are characterized by brewing diverse styles and experimental beers.
Craft Brewery: A term contrasted with industrial, mass-produced beer, referring to breweries that focus on traditional methods and quality. It’s a designation that emphasizes methodology and philosophy rather than size.
Farm Brewery: A brewery attached to a farm, characterized by using self-grown grains and hops. It embodies the “farm-to-glass” value concept.
Brewpub: A facility that combines a brewery and restaurant. This format serves the beer brewed on-site, emphasizing freshness and experiential value.
Contract Brewing: A style where brewers without their own facilities rent equipment from other breweries. This allows them to focus on recipe development while keeping initial investment low.
Ji-beer Maker: A historical term referring to small-scale beer makers that emerged in Japan after the 1994 revision of the Liquor Tax Law. Currently, terms like “craft beer” and “microbrewery” are more common.
【Taproom Experience】Facilities and How to Order
The atmosphere of the taproom has evolved over time. Around 2021, it had a warehouse-like secret base feel, but now it has a modern interior integrated with accommodation facilities. The spacious American-style taproom space is the perfect environment for leisurely enjoying beer.
The staff are very friendly and can accommodate English speakers. There’s an atmosphere where even first-timers can easily ask questions and learn more about the beer. It’s also a homey space where conversations naturally arise with regular customers, so you can enjoy visiting alone as well.
Notably, there is a hot spring on the premises where you can relax after enjoying beer. This is a wonderful combination unique to Japan that many visitors appreciate.
【For Beginners】How to Order at West Coast Brewing
They have a counter ordering system where you can order your preferred beer in pint (large) or glass (small) sizes. If you tell the staff your preferences, they will suggest an appropriate beer. Basic English works, but there are also Japanese menus available, so you can order with confidence.
ルネちゃん
I’m nervous about what to order on my first brewery visit…
りほ
If it’s your first time, asking “What do you recommend?” is best! Also, communicating your preferences like “I don’t like bitter” or “I prefer fruity” is helpful. The staff will respond kindly, so feel free to ask questions. There are also tasting sets available!
| Step 1: | Go to the counter and place your order |
| Step 2: | Choose your 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 was truly diverse. It was composed to allow enjoyment of various styles from stouts to IPAs. Here are the main beers that were being served during my visit:
| Beer Name | Style | ABV |
| The Trial: DDH Double Nelson | IPA – New England | 7.5% |
| Starwacher Cryo | IPA – American | 7% |
| Joyride 301 | IPA – Imperial | 8.5% |
| Thermal Void | IPA – Triple | 10% |
| Freestyle Sandbox Vol.3 | IPA – Imperial | 8.5% |
| Full Hop Alchemist Ver.28 | IPA – Imperial | 8.5% |
| The Gateway | Stout – Imperial | 13% |
| GMT+9 / Curious Conundrum | Stout – Imperial | 11% |
ルネちゃん
There are so many IPAs, but what are the differences?
りほ
There are various types of IPAs. For example, “New England IPA” has a hazy, juicy taste, while “American IPA” features a clear, dry finish. The aroma and taste also vary completely depending on the alcohol content and the hops used.
Particularly noteworthy are the renowned IPA series like “Hop Alchemist” and “Starwacher.” The characteristic of West Coast Brewing’s beers is their good balance, respecting the tradition of American craft beer while incorporating Japan’s delicate flavors.
【Tasting Report】Detailed Reviews of Beers I Drank at West Coast Brewing
Starwacher Cryo (American IPA・7% ABV)
The first beer I tried was Starwacher Cryo. It had an impressively dry and beautiful taste. The vibrant citrus aroma first rises to the nose, and when sipped, you can appreciate the good balance of the malt. The wonderfully dry finish tightens the whole experience, with all elements in perfect harmony.
ルネちゃん
What is “Cryo”? Is it a special brewing method?
りほ
It’s characterized by using specially processed “Cryo hops”. Through low-temperature processing, you can enjoy stronger, clearer aromas. It’s the ideal form of American IPA, with a dry mouthfeel yet complex hop character!
| Flavor Element | Intensity (1-5) | Characteristics |
| Bitterness | 4/5 | Refreshing bitterness reminiscent of pineapple skin |
| Sweetness | 2/5 | Restrained, but you can sense the gentle sweetness of malt |
| Acidity | 1/5 | Almost unnoticeable |
| Body | 3/5 | Medium and easy to drink |
| Aroma Intensity | 5/5 | Strong aromas of grapefruit, pine, and mango |
Freestyle Sandbox Vol.3 (Imperial IPA・8.5% ABV)
Next, I tried Freestyle Sandbox Vol.3. This was a visually beautiful beer with haziness. The fruity aroma was impressive, and when sipped, juicy fruit flavors spread across the palate. Despite a higher alcohol content, it has a modern taste with moderate sweetness, truly capturing the current trend – an excellent hazy IPA.
ルネちゃん
How is Imperial IPA different from regular IPA? Is it just higher alcohol content?
りほ
Imperial IPA has a higher alcohol content than regular IPA (generally above 7.5%) and uses more hops. As a result, the flavor is more intense, and the balance between bitterness and sweetness is different. This Freestyle Sandbox is an excellent pint that combines the increasingly popular hazy style in Japan with Imperial IPA!
| Flavor Element | Intensity (1-5) | Characteristics |
| Bitterness | 3/5 | Modern balanced bitterness |
| Sweetness | 4/5 | Natural sweetness reminiscent of tropical fruits |
| Acidity | 2/5 | Slight citrus acidity like orange |
| Body | 4/5 | Solid, thick body |
| Aroma Intensity | 5/5 | Intense aromas of mango, papaya, and passion fruit |
【For Beer Geeks】West Coast Brewing Detailed Information
Rating Guide
ルネちゃん
What is Untappd? How is it different from other beer rating sites?
りほ
Untappd is a beer rating service centered around a smartphone app, where users worldwide record their daily beer experiences. It’s easier to use than RateBeer or BeerAdvocate and is popular in Japan too. Its “check-in” feature, which records where you drank the beer, is particularly characteristic.
| Platform | Rating/Features | Popular Beers |
| Untappd | Overall Rating: 3.97/5 (Top-tier in Japan) Check-ins: 83,000+ Registered Beers: 400+ Feature: Releases new creations weekly with high ratings across a wide range of styles | ・Full Hop Alchemist series ・Starwacher Cryo ・Never Been Single |
| BeerAdvocate | Registered Brewery Limited reviews, but noted in Japan’s craft beer scene | ・The Prodigy ・Starwacher Cryo |
| RateBeer | Listed in Japan’s brewery list Introduced as a notable brewery in the Shizuoka area | Limited information |
Looking at the high ratings on Untappd, it’s clear that they are particularly known for IPA variations. The “Full Hop Alchemist” series has new versions released regularly and receives high ratings from many fans. Additionally, “Starwacher Cryo” is also listed on BeerAdvocate, indicating growing international recognition.
Looking at ratings by beer style, they receive particularly high evaluations in the categories of New England IPA, West Coast IPA, and Imperial Stout. From 2024 to 2025, West Coast Brewing has released numerous limited beers, which are primarily rated on Untappd. They have also been featured as “Japan’s third highest-rated brewery” by international craft beer specialty shops like Carwyn Cellars, showing their growing international recognition.
West Coast Brewing’s Innovation
West Coast Brewing is leading the beer industry with a consistently innovative approach. Their pace of releasing new beers every week is a characteristic rarely seen in other breweries. They also continue to pursue new flavors through the latest hopping techniques and creative combinations of ingredients.
Particularly noteworthy is their approach that fuses American craft beer culture with Japanese brewing techniques. For example, they have achieved their own evolution by combining traditional West Coast IPA recipes with Japanese citrus fruits and spices. They also realize complex aroma profiles by using various hop products such as the latest Cryo (ultra-low temperature processed) hops and T-90 pellets.
Their brewing equipment is also regularly updated, and they continue to pursue consistent quality and new possibilities through precise control of temperature management and fermentation processes. This attitude has likely led to their high rating (3.97 points) on Untappd.
【Information for Beer Geeks: Latest Craft Beer Trends】
Thiolized Yeast: The latest brewing technology that has been gaining attention in Japan since 2024. Through special genetic editing technology, this yeast activates thiol precursors contained in malt and hops to bring out tropical aromas. Revolutionary flavors can be achieved by combining with conventional hopping techniques.
Revival of West Coast IPA: While Hazy/NEIPA has been popular for a long time, traditional West Coast IPA style has made a comeback from 2023-2024. Its clear appearance and balanced distinct bitterness are being reevaluated. As the name suggests, West Coast Brewing is a pioneer in introducing this style to Japan.
Hybrid Fermentation: A new fermentation method that blurs the boundary between ales and lagers. By combining multiple yeast strains or using special temperature profiles, they achieve complex flavors that don’t fit into conventional categories.
International Evaluation of Japanese Craft Beer: At the 2024 World Beer Cup, Japanese breweries won 8 medals (including 3 gold medals), indicating the growing international evaluation of Japanese craft beer. DevilCraft, Bighand Bros. Beer, and Yokohama Bay Brewing were among those that won gold medals.
ルネちゃん
What is “Thiolized Yeast”? It sounds complicated…
りほ
Simply put, it’s a special yeast that can bring out strong “mango” or “passion fruit” aromas without using a lot of hops. It unlocks aromatic compounds that were inaccessible with conventional techniques. It’s an innovative yeast utilizing the latest genetic editing technology that can achieve rich aromas with fewer hops.
Japanese Craft Beer Competition Scene
Japan’s craft beer scene is gaining international attention. At the 2024 World Beer Cup, Japanese breweries achieved the feat of winning 8 medals. DevilCraft, Bighand Bros. Beer, and Yokohama Bay Brewing won gold medals, proving that Japanese craft beer quality is world-class.
Additionally, the International Beer Cup hosted by the Craft Beer Association of Japan is attracting attention from around the world as Japan’s largest beer competition. In the 2024 competition, 370 breweries from 20 countries participated with 1,423 entries. Participation in such international competitions greatly contributes to the technical improvement of Japanese breweries.
ルネちゃん
Japanese breweries are being evaluated worldwide! What characteristics are being evaluated?
りほ
Japanese breweries are highly evaluated for their “precision,” “clean manufacturing environment,” and “fusion with local ingredients.” In particular, fruit beers using citrus fruits like yuzu and kabosu are internationally popular as uniquely Japanese flavors. The attention to detail of Japanese brewers is also highly regarded.
【Area Information】Shizuoka’s Craft Beer Scene
【Local Cuisine Information】Characteristics of the Town Around West Coast Brewing and Nearby Restaurants
The Mochimune area is known as a traditional fishing port, and it’s a spot where you can enjoy fresh seafood. While light meals are available at West Coast Brewing’s taproom, you can also enjoy takeout from surrounding restaurants. Local specialties like whitebait rice bowls and sakura shrimp dishes pair exceptionally well with beer.
Shizuoka is also famous as a green tea producing region, and there are establishments that suggest pairings of beer and Japanese tea. Experience Shizuoka’s food culture where tradition and innovation intersect, along with craft beer.
ルネちゃん
What local foods go well with beer?
りほ
In Shizuoka, whitebait and sakura shrimp are the must-tries! Mochimune in particular is known for fresh whitebait, and its slight saltiness and sweetness pair perfectly with IPA. Shizuoka oden is also a local dish that goes well with beer.
【Beer Lovers Must-See】Recommended Breweries & Restaurants Around West Coast Brewing
Shizuoka Prefecture is actually one of Japan’s leading craft beer battlegrounds. If you visit West Coast Brewing, try visiting other breweries in the area as well.
- Repubrew: A popular brewery near Numazu Station that offers creative beers.
- Baird Brewery Gardens Shuzenji: A pioneering presence in Japanese craft beer. Their garden taproom in Izu Shuzenji is a must-see.
- 12 – twelve (West Coast Brewing): A restaurant in Shizuoka City affiliated with West Coast Brewing where you can enjoy beer with meals.
- Aoi Brewing: A notable brewery in Shizuoka City. It has connections with Kuchitachi Brewery and features beers that make use of local Shizuoka ingredients.
By visiting these breweries, you can experience the diversity of Shizuoka’s craft beer scene. There are also many restaurants around Mochimune that serve fresh seafood, which pairs excellently with beer.
Check out these other related craft beer information!
Camado Brewery is a brewery that Satoshi Niwa, who was involved in the founding of West Coast Brewing, established in his hometown of Gifu Prefecture. Known as a “legend in the beer world,” Niwa is known as the developer of Japan’s first high-alcohol beer and beer using natural yeast. It is one of the important breweries in the Japanese craft beer world, where you can enjoy the pinnacle of his 27 years of brewing experience and techniques. The naming that incorporates the dialect of the Tono region and the attention to detail felt in the name “Kamado (kiln)” characteristic of Mino pottery production area are notable.
Check out the Visit reports of American breweries and Visit reports of breweries throughout Japan too!
【Summary and Supplementary Information】
【Summary】West Coast Brewing is a Craft Beer Paradise Offering Japan’s Top-Level Flavors
West Coast Brewing is an innovative brewery that has evolved American-style craft beer in Japan. As indicated by its high rating on Untappd (3.97 points), its quality is top-class in Japan. Especially, the variations of IPAs and stouts are unrivaled.
The taproom atmosphere, staff response, and above all, the array of wonderful beers are sure to satisfy visitors. Additionally, there is a hot spring facility on site, allowing you to enjoy the luxurious Japanese combination of beer and hot springs.
When visiting Shizuoka, please visit West Coast Brewing to experience the forefront of Japan’s craft beer revolution. It’s a brewery not to be missed, with expectations for new beer styles and collaborations in 2025 as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Brewery
| Q: Can I tour the West Coast Brewing facility? |
| A: While brewery tours are not generally conducted, special viewing tours may be held during events. Please check the official site (www.westcoastbrewing.jp) or official SNS (Instagram: @wcbshizuoka) for the latest information. |
| Q: Can I take out beer (to go)? |
| A: Yes, canned beers are available for purchase. They also sell cooler bags, so travelers can safely take them home. Refrigeration is recommended. |
| Q: Do I need a reservation? |
| A: For small groups, no reservation is needed, but it can get crowded on weekends. For groups of 6 or more, a prior reservation is recommended. |
| Q: Can craft beer beginners enjoy it too? |
| A: Absolutely! The staff will carefully listen to your preferences and suggest beers, so beginners can enjoy with confidence. It’s recommended to start with relatively easy-to-drink styles like Golden Ale or Weizen. |
| Q: Do they serve food? |
| A: Light food menus are available. They mainly offer snack-type items like chicken, salads, and cheese plates. You can also bring in food from surrounding restaurants, so please feel free to ask the staff. |
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【Reference Information】
The following sources were referenced in creating this article. (As of April 2025)
※This article is based on information as of April 2025. Business hours, tap lists, and available beers may have changed, so please be sure to check the latest information on the official website (www.westcoastbrewing.jp) or official SNS (Instagram: @wcbshizuoka) before visiting. Information about beer trends and brewing techniques may also change according to the latest industry trends.
※Information from beer rating sites (Untappd, BeerAdvocate, RateBeer, etc.) is based on subjective evaluations by general users, and taste perceptions vary by individual. Please consider this as reference information only.
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