Craft drinks are beverages handcrafted by artisans using carefully selected ingredients and meticulous production methods. In recent years, this movement has sparked a social boom, with not only small-scale businesses but also major manufacturers entering the market. The greatest appeal lies in their complex aromas not found in mass-produced products, flavors that reflect the character of the land, and above all, the "spirit of the artisan" that shines through the glass. Minato City is a cutting-edge area for such craft drinks, home to an astonishing variety of handcrafted beverages. In this feature, we will introduce craft drinks you can enjoy in Minato City and unravel the essence of craft culture.

Located just a 1-2 minute walk from JR Hamamatsucho Station or Daimon Station on the Toei Oedo Line, there is a place that feels like a different world amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. The defining feature of "Ottotto BREWERY Hamamatsucho," where you can enjoy homemade craft beer, is its on-site brewery. Upon entering, the first thing that catches your eye is the row of large silver tanks lined up behind the glass. The sight of a "beer factory" suddenly appearing in a spacious underground space, which is unimaginable from the entrance, never fails to surprise visitors.

The cheerful-sounding name "Ottotto" reflects the desire to share happy and fun times with visitors through their painstakingly crafted original beers. The interior, designed with a "factory" concept, has the atmosphere of an overseas brewpub.

Boasting one of the largest floor spaces in Tokyo, the restaurant is equipped with a party room, allowing groups to enjoy their special original beers together.

The brewery's commitment lies in the careful beer-making process that is only possible with small-batch brewing. They not only ensure the freshness of ingredients but also refuse to compromise on water quality—the lifeblood of beer—and strictly manage fermentation to maximize the individuality of each brew.

The shop always has more than five types of original beers available. However, the flavors change subtly day by day depending on when the barrel was opened and how the aging process is progressing—a true pleasure unique to craft beer. You can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime cup that can only be encountered at that specific moment.

Among the extensive lineup, the one you should try first is the "Pale Ale." With a refreshing citrus aroma, deep richness, and umami resonating in perfect balance, it is designed for drinkability, making it easy to enjoy even for those unfamiliar with craft beer.

Weizen, which has little bitterness, and limited-edition beers using seasonal fruits are also popular. These have gained strong support from women who don't usually drink beer and international tourists seeking uniquely Japanese ingredients.

The brewer's desire for people to "enjoy craft beer more casually and freely" is also reflected in the food. The menu is full of dishes that pair perfectly with beer, including the famous "Louisiana Cajun." Whether you drop by alone for a quick drink or toast cheerfully with friends, you can spend a special time with craft beer and exquisite cuisine.

《Ottotto BREWERY Hamamatsucho》
B1F Kuretoishi Bldg., 2-1-5 Hamamatsucho, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: [Mon-Thu] Lunch 11:30-14:30 / Dinner 17:00-23:00, [Fri & Day before Holidays] Lunch 11:30-14:30 / Dinner 17:00-23:30, [Sat] Dinner 16:30-22:30
Closed: Sundays and National Holidays
*For more details, please visit the official website below
https://ottotto-hamamatsucho.owst.jp/

In the Toranomon area, which is filled with new energy due to ongoing redevelopment, there is an Izakaya where you can enjoy gin spirits. Located in a corner of "Toranomon Yokocho" inside the Toranomon Hills Business Tower, "Sakeshokudo Toranomon Distillery" is a unique place that can be described as an "urban distillery," equipped with a gin still right inside the shop. Since opening in 2020, under the concept of "Tokyo Local Spirits," they have been transforming the charm of Tokyo into gin and sharing it with the world.

The greatest feature of the gin made here lies in the selection of ingredients. For the base alcohol, they use authentic "Island Shochu" made in the Izu Islands of Tokyo, such as Hachijojima and Niijima. Furthermore, for the water used in distillation and finishing, they use spring water from Ome Sawai, the source of the Okutama River. The power of shochu nurtured on Tokyo's islands and the pure water nurtured in Tokyo's mountains—the combination of these two elements creates a unique "Tokyo-made Spirit" unlike any other.

We recommend the regular brand "COMMON," which is produced year-round. First, try it simply mixed with soda to accompany your meal. The soft flavor of the base Island Shochu and the aroma of juniper berries harmonize perfectly, complementing any dish.

COMMON, made with local Tokyo ingredients, is also great with water or on the rocks. In the cold season, mixing it with hot water to enjoy the rising aroma is a sophisticated way to drink it.

Seasonal Gin uses botanicals for flavoring such as plants, flowers, and fruits harvested at the moment their scent is most prominent in the changing seasons. Mixing it with tonic water adds sweetness and acidity, highlighting its gorgeous personality. If you are unsure how to drink it, please consult the knowledgeable staff.

The food menu offers a wide variety of friendly Izakaya dishes, carefully thought out to pair well with gin. Winter menus such as cold yellowtail sashimi and milt & tofu gratin are available until early March.

The pairing experience of food and gin proposed by the restaurant is sure to pleasantly overturn your previous concepts of gin. A diverse range of people, from business people working in Toranomon to international tourists and gin lovers visiting from afar, spend their time here centered around gin.

Distilling Tokyo ingredients right in the heart of Tokyo, this shop is becoming a sanctuary for gin lovers. Please experience a cup where urban sophistication and local warmth melt together. You can also purchase bottles at the store, making them perfect for travel souvenirs or gifts for loved ones.

《Sakeshokudo Toranomon Distillery》
Toranomon Business Tower 3F, 1-17-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: [Weekdays] 11:30-15:00 (L.O. 14:30), 17:00-23:00 (L.O. 22:00), [Sat] 12:00-22:30 (L.O. 21:30), [Sun & Holidays] 12:00-21:30 (L.O. 21:00)
Closed: None (Based on Toranomon Hills schedule)
*For more details, please visit the official website below
https://toranomonjyouryou.owst.jp/

UMAMI COLA, born from Japan's fermentation culture, is a healthy energy drink made with domestic ingredients and spices, without relying on artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or coloring agents. It has garnered significant attention, including a pre-release test sale at select convenience stores in June 2025.

Headquartered in Minami-Aoyama, Minato City, and having established its own new factory, this brand has been developing revolutionary products since its founding in 2020, turning the traditional image of cola 180 degrees. While cola is generally associated with high sugar and additives, "UMAMI COLA" aimed to create a body-friendly "Natural Craft Cola" packed with Japan's proud traditional culture.

The company believes that the uniquely Japanese concept of "UMAMI" implies not just a sense of taste but also "comfort felt by the body," and named the product "UMAMI COLA" as a symbol of this idea.

Born from the founder's strong desire to "create a beverage that is not just delicious but also makes the mind and body positive," the base of this drink is Koji Amazake (non-alcoholic) from the sake brand "Hakkaisan." Spices and herbs are added to this base to create the cola. One sip of "UMAMI COLA" reveals a deep flavor that permeates the body, combining the gentle sweetness derived from Amazake with the refreshing kick of spices.

More than 10 types of spices and herbs are added to the nutrient-rich Koji Amazake, often called a "drinkable IV drip." These include Tulsi, known as the "elixir of immortality," Elderflower, known as a "universal medicine chest," Hibiscus, and Shikuwasa. These are blended in perfect balance to create a unique flavor.

They are particularly committed to a production method that maximizes the power of the ingredients. Prioritizing the inherent function of the materials over just aroma or visual appeal, they design and manage all processes in-house. By strictly controlling the temperature when simmering Koji Amazake and spices, they ensure that active ingredients are extracted most stably. Surprisingly, it is calculated to provide a sense of "recovery" after drinking, going beyond a mere luxury item. The best way to enjoy "UMAMI COLA," packed with such dedication, is to chill it well and savor the taste as is. Chilled "UMAMI COLA" matches any scene, whether during meals, when you want to refresh at work, or for hydration after exercise. It also pairs excellently with alcohol; we recommend mixing it with rum or whisky to make your own cocktails. Pouring it into a glass and slowly enjoying its complex aroma will surely make you forget the busyness of daily life. Currently, "UMAMI COLA" is available in 250ml cans and syrup bottles (L and M sizes). You can purchase it at affiliated shops, cafes, and online sites, so be sure to check it out.

《UMAMI COLA》
*For more details, please visit the official website below
https://umamicola.com/