
Hitachino Brewing Lab Akihabara
A cozy craft beer and whisky bar tucked beneath Akihabara's train tracks, offering unique brews and spirits with a rustic charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

Hitachino Brewing Lab Akihabara
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy craft beer and whisky bar tucked beneath Akihabara's train tracks, offering unique brews and spirits with a rustic charm.
"Really cozy little bar right underneath the busy station, but it is not a brewery."

🎯 Finding the Entrance
Look for signs under the train tracks near Akihabara Station. Google Maps can be misleading!
💧 Ask for Water
The soft water used here is noted for enhancing the beer's flavor.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Craft Beer Selection
Savor unique Hitachino brews, including seasonal and barrel-aged options. Flights are available for whisky, offering a taste of their spirits.

Whisky Tastings
Explore a curated selection of Japanese whiskies. Perfect for spirits enthusiasts looking for a refined tasting experience.

Cozy Ambiance
Enjoy the rustic, intimate setting beneath the train tracks, offering a unique atmosphere with the rumble of passing trains.

Flavorful Food Pairings
Complement your drinks with interesting small plates, like the highly-rated rosemary chicken.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Finding Your Way
Beyond the Beer
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Finding the Entrance
Look for signs under the train tracks near Akihabara Station. Google Maps can be misleading!
💧 Ask for Water
The soft water used here is noted for enhancing the beer's flavor.
✈️ Takeaway Options
Grab some of their unique canned whisky highballs or bottled beers to enjoy later.
🎶 Train Ambiance
Embrace the unique atmosphere of trains rumbling overhead; it adds to the charm!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Finding the Entrance
Look for signs under the train tracks near Akihabara Station. Google Maps can be misleading!
💧 Ask for Water
The soft water used here is noted for enhancing the beer's flavor.
✈️ Takeaway Options
Grab some of their unique canned whisky highballs or bottled beers to enjoy later.
🎶 Train Ambiance
Embrace the unique atmosphere of trains rumbling overhead; it adds to the charm!
🍽️ Foodie Delights
Don't miss the flavorful food options, especially the rosemary chicken.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hitachino Brewing Lab is praised for its delicious craft beers and unique whisky selection, served in a cozy, rustic atmosphere beneath the train tracks. Visitors enjoy the flavorful food pairings and the distinct ambiance, though some find it a bit hard to locate. It's a highly recommended spot for a relaxed drink in the heart of Akihabara.
"Great little beer bar.
The people working the taps were very nice and friendly. Also the distillery has flights.
Beer was delicious. Ask for a glass of water. The water they use is very soft.
Hard to find from Akihabara station. On google it shows location on the tracks. It’s under the tracks and not connected by tunnels."
Glenn Bothen
"Really cozy little bar right underneath the busy station, but it is not a brewery.
They had a nice flight of whiskys for tasting, but no flights for beers. There were maybe six total beers available while we were there and we tried two of them they were both great.
They do have a small selection of food options. We had a small ham plate which was nice, but nothing else tickled our fancy."
C R
"Tried the fresh hop beer - really nice! The cider was crisp and refreshing too. Really like their packaging and took some drinks to go. The canned whisky highball was the booziest and most flavourful one I had in Japan. You can feel the train running while you’re here which adds to the ambiance!"
Kelsey McInnes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hitachino Brewing Lab is located beneath the train tracks near Akihabara Station. It can be tricky to find; look for signs under the arches rather than relying solely on GPS, as it's not directly connected to the station platforms.
Yes, it's very close to Akihabara Electric Town, offering a great spot to unwind after exploring the area's anime, manga, and electronics shops.
Akihabara Station is a major hub served by JR lines (Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, Sobu) and Tokyo Metro lines (Hibiya). It's easily accessible from most parts of Tokyo.
While not a short walk, it's possible to walk from Tokyo Station to Akihabara, taking approximately 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, the JR Yamanote Line connects them in just a few minutes.
Parking in Akihabara can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation to reach the brewery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, advance tickets are not typically required. It's a bar and restaurant, so you can usually walk in, but arriving early is advised due to its small size.
Opening hours can vary, but it generally operates in the afternoon and evening. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
There is no specific entrance fee. You pay for the drinks and food you consume.
Reservations might be possible for larger groups, but for smaller parties, it's often first-come, first-served. Given its intimate size, it's a good idea to check their policy if you have a specific time in mind.
Typically, there is no cover charge at Hitachino Brewing Lab. You'll be charged for your orders.
🍽️ 🍺 Drinks & Dining
They offer a range of Hitachino Nest beers, including their popular Red Rice Ale, White Ale, and seasonal brews. They also have vintage-aged and barrel-aged bottles.
Yes, they have a selection of whiskies for tasting, including canned whisky highballs that are noted for their flavor and potency.
The food menu is small but interesting, featuring items like rosemary chicken, ham plates, and other small bites designed to pair well with drinks.
While whisky flights are available, beer flights are not typically offered. You can order individual beers or bottles.
Many visitors find the cozy, rustic ambiance perfect for an intimate date night, especially with the unique setting under the train tracks.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique rustic interior, the beer and whisky selections, and the interesting food presentations. The setting under the train tracks also offers a distinctive backdrop.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside. Be mindful of other patrons and avoid intrusive flash photography.
The brewery is located under the tracks, so direct views of the bustling Akihabara streetscape are limited. However, you can capture the unique perspective of the railway infrastructure above.
The unique 'under the tracks' ambiance and the beautifully presented drinks and food are highly Instagrammable. The branded packaging of their takeaway drinks is also popular.
Weekday evenings offer a more relaxed atmosphere for taking photos without disturbing other guests. Natural light might be limited due to the underground location.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🍻 Beer Enthusiasts
🥃 Whisky Aficionados
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hitachino Brewing Experience
Beyond the beer, the whisky selection is also a significant draw. Hitachino offers flights of their own distilled whiskies, providing a chance to explore the nuances of Japanese spirits. This dual focus on beer and whisky makes the Brewing Lab a versatile destination for various tastes. The intimate setting beneath the train tracks adds a unique layer to the experience, creating a cozy and somewhat industrial-chic vibe that contrasts with the bright lights of Akihabara just steps away.
For those looking to take a piece of Hitachino home, the takeaway options are excellent. Canned whisky highballs are particularly praised for their flavor and strength, and various bottled beers are available. This allows visitors to continue enjoying the Hitachino experience long after they've left the bar. The brewery's commitment to quality extends to its packaging, making these takeaway items both a treat and a souvenir.
Navigating Akihabara's Electric Town
While exploring Akihabara, it's easy to get lost in the sheer volume of shops and attractions. Key areas include Chuo Dori, the main street that becomes a pedestrian paradise on weekend afternoons, lined with major retailers. Side streets offer more niche stores, often specializing in vintage electronics, collectibles, or specific fandoms. Navigating this area is best done on foot, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems.
Hitachino Brewing Lab offers a perfect respite from the energetic pace of Akihabara. Its location beneath the train tracks provides a distinct contrast to the bright, bustling streets above. After a day of shopping for electronics or diving deep into anime culture, the brewery provides a relaxed environment to enjoy a craft beer or a whisky, reflecting on the unique experiences Akihabara has to offer.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit