Ginza's Only Craft Beer Brewery

Published 9 hours ago• 3 minute read

Ginza is a world-famous shopping district, a neighborhood where flagship boutiques line the streets and a single square meter can cost over ¥40 million. In fact, during the height of Japan’s economic bubble in the 1980s, the district was home to the most expensive land in the world. So it’s surprising to find a craft beer brewery in Ginza, one quietly crafting some of Tokyo’s freshest and most original craft beers just meters from your seat.

Tucked down a side street and nestled below ground, Orca Ginza Brewery is the only brewery actually brewing craft beer in Ginza. All of their beers are made in-house in small batches, with each batch being just 80 liters per tank. They brew two to three times a week to serve beer at peak freshness: unfiltered, unpasteurized and alive with yeast.

Orca typically offers around ten varieties on tap, ranging from non-carbonated real ales and fruity weizens to hop-forward IPAs, smoky rauchbiers, Irish-style stouts and easy-drinking lagers. If you’re indecisive, try their flight set.

*Menus are subject to change on a regular basis

The tap list evolves constantly, and their small scale gives them the freedom to experiment. Seasonal offerings have included floral sakura brews in spring and warming spiced blends during the holidays.

Each pint reflects Orca’s motto of “local production for local consumption.” You won’t find their beers sold elsewhere. It is brewed in Ginza, for you to drink in Ginza.

Orca Brewery's Fish and chips made with freshwater eel from Toyosu Market — Fish and chips made with saltwater eel from Toyosu Market

Orca Brewery's Seasonal appetizer platter — Fish and chips made with saltwater eel from Toyosu Market

Orca isn’t just a brewery, it’s a full-on brewery restaurant, and they take their food just as seriously as their beer. The menu features creative dishes like fish and chips made with seasonal Japanese fish such as saltwater eel or red seabream, rotating quiches and a platter of appetizers built for pairing.

Not a beer drinker? Orca also offers an excellent selection of natural wines. Whether you’re looking for dinner, aperitivo, a casual drink before heading back to your hotel or a spot to fill up after a not-so-satisfying omakase, this is one place you’ll want to save to your map.

Orca Brewery launched a limited-edition bottled series called Kumadori, inspired by the bold makeup used in kabuki. — Kabukiza Theater

Tokyo Ginza's Kabuki Theater — Kabukiza Theater

Orca’s love for the neighborhood shines through in their recent collaboration with Ginza’s landmark Kabukiza Theater. The brewery launched a limited-edition bottled series called Kumadori, inspired by the bold makeup used in kabuki. Designed to be a Ginza souvenir, the Kumadori IPA balances citrusy hops with a bold bitter finish, while the Kumadori Lager is crisp, clean and dangerously drinkable.