Indulge in Fresh Craft Beer at TAKAOBEER KO52 BREWERY & TAPROOM at the Foot of Mt. Takao

Located just steps away from Takao Station, TAKAOBEER KO52 BREWERY & TAPROOM is the go-to spot for a taste of fresh craft beer brewed right on-site. Previously located near the station’s north exit, the taproom moved in 2024 to the second floor of the new, stylish retail complex KO52 TAKAO, to join the ranks of unique and eclectic shops. Exit the station via the south exit and spot the chic white building to make your way there.

The name KO52 TAKAO, where TAKAOBEER is now located, comes from the station number "KO52" of Keio Takao Line's Takao Station. The five-story building is home to 16 diverse shops and offices, while the building’s “kanri-nin”, or “head of management” is none other than Mr. Ikeda, the head and owner of TAKAOBEER. They say his title, “kanri-nin” is stylized in hiragana to show his role extends beyond basic manager and into a more accessible liaison role between people, places and community.

Step up to the second floor and enter the taproom. Inside, you'll find a warm, wood-accented space with a clean, white design. At the front is a coffee shop, and as you move further in, you’ll discover the TAKAO BEER counter. Right next to it is the brewery itself, visible through glass walls. The craft beer is brewed right on-site, just steps away. It’s often said that the key to great draft beer is freshness, and you can’t get much fresher than this!

TAKAO BEER is a relatively new beer company, having started production in 2017. The founder, Mr. Ikeda, originally worked at a design company and had a passion for mountain climbing. "I lived in Tokyo, but as I spent more time hiking around Takao, Yamanashi, and Nagano, I realized I wanted to live closer to the mountains," says Ikeda. After moving to Takao, he noticed that while many people gathered at Mt. Takao, the nearby station area lacked a place for people to linger. Recognizing that there was no place to enjoy a good beer after a hike, he decided to leave his job and start his own brewery. Driven by this vision, Ikeda created TAKAO BEER, a spot where hikers and locals alike could gather and relax after a day on the mountain.

Ikeda honed his brewing skills in the U.S., studying craft beer through the curriculum at Portland State University and completing a brewing program at Hoi Polloi Brewery in Berkeley, California. After obtaining a liquor manufacturing license in Japan, he began brewing beer in 2017. TAKAO BEER has gained popularity for its craft beers made with local fruits from areas such as Takao, Hachioji, and Yamanashi.

Find anywhere from 5 to 8 different draft beers to try each day at TAKAO BEER. The two signature brews are "Mori wa Ikiteiru”, an ale brewed with ale yeast, and "oh! Mountain”, a strong IPA with a bold hop flavor and bitter kick. As the beers are freshly made on-site, you can enjoy them at their absolute peak of freshness.

The primary ingredients in beer are typically malt, hops, and yeast, but adjuncts play a key role in defining the flavor. Adding fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients allows for a wide range of flavors, which is one of the great appeals of craft beer. At TAKAO BEER, they incorporate seasonal fruits from the Takao area and nearby regions, such as pears, grapes, blueberries, and peaches, into their brews. The brand produces and sells 40 to 50 different craft beers throughout the year, offering a new and unique flavor with each visit.

On the day of our visit there were five different beers to try. We kicked off with "Mori wa Ikiteiru”, a 7% beer with slightly higher alcohol content than usual. While most Japanese beers typically have an alcohol content of 4.5% to 5%, TAKAO BEER offers a variety, ranging from 4.5% to 7%, depending on the beer. That's part of the fun of craft beer—every brew is unique!

Along with the beer, I ordered a sandwich made with homemade focaccia. It's a hearty menu item featuring Bierschinken, a German-style ham that literally means "ham for beer," making it the perfect pairing for a refreshing brew.

Other unique menu items include the smoky and spicy "Coyote Nuts," fermented salami made with TAKAO BEER yeast, and homemade raisin butter made with raisins from Hyakkaen in Katsunuma, Yamanashi. These offerings are exclusive to TAKAO BEER, making the experience even more special.

One of the secrets behind TAKAO BEER's popularity is its stylish packaging. The beers are available in cans, bottles, and champagne-style bottles, with each label designed by local artists and former colleagues from Ikeda’s design background. Every beer has its own unique design, making them not only delicious but also perfect as gifts. They’re so charming, you’ll want to take them home!

Inside the taproom, there's also the coffee shop Boredom, designed so that even those who don’t drink beer can enjoy their time. The shop offers carefully crafted hand-drip coffee, espresso, and cakes from the popular Yamanashi pastry shop Mochikana Kashi. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy a treat, even if you're not in the mood for beer.

At TAKAO BEER KO52 BREWERY & TAPROOM, you'll find authentic ales, IPAs, and beers made with local fruits from the surrounding areas, offering new flavors with each visit. It's the perfect spot to drop by and enjoy a variety of craft beers. Every trip promises a fresh and exciting tasting experience, so be sure to explore all the flavors!