Koganeyu, an East Tokyo bathhouse acclaimed for its 21st-century reimagining of the traditional sento, has diversified into liquid-based reinvigoration of another kind with the opening of Bathe Yotsume Brewery. This craft beer bar, complete with in-house microbrewery, is located on Kinshicho’s Yotsume-dori avenue a stone’s throw from Koganeyu. The street is a mini-mecca for sento lovers: besides Koganeyu itself, Yotsume-dori is also home to Daikokuyu and Sakurayu.
Riffing on the well-established practice of sipping a cool beer after soaking in the hot tub, at Bathe the beers are served from behind a sento bathhouse-inspired bar counter. Attention to crafting just the right vibe encompasses interior design by Yosuke Hayashi (also responsible for Koffee Mameya), music spun on vinyl inside a dedicated DJ booth, and even the chemistry set-style drinking glasses sourced from a maker in India.
Several imposingly large brewing tanks, visible behind glass, are used to produce Bathe Yotsume Brewery’s three house beers. Forest is a mellow Weizen recipe that evokes forest bathing, while the softly fragrant Sunrise pale ale possesses a restrained sweetness. Rounding out this in-house lineup is Shower, an IPA in which the vivid scent of citrus hops combines with a deep bitterness.
Non-alcoholic drinks are offered too, making Bathe Yotsume Brewery a destination for families and non-drinkers as well as craft beer devotees.
Text by Darren Gore