Visit Japan? Why not take one more delicious step into the heart of local culture? With mouthwatering Japanese food by your side, it’s time to raise a glass to something new—Japanese beer! 🍣🍺 Let’s dive into the world of Japanese brews, where tradition meets bold innovation, and every sip tells a story. Ready to taste the adventure?
Japanese Beer Market
First, you might be surprised by the sheer variety of beers lined up in Japanese supermarkets and konbini. From classic lagers to bold craft brews, the shelves are a playground for beer lovers! 🍻
Japan’s beer scene is led by the Big Four: Kirin, Asahi, Suntory, and Sapporo. But in recent years, local breweries have been bubbling up across the country, adding exciting flavors and regional charm to the mix.
A 350ml can typically costs between 200 to 400 yen, depending on the brand and style. And here’s the fun part—each beer has its own unique taste, from crisp and dry to fruity and rich. Comparing a few side by side is like a mini beer adventure!
GOOD ALE PREMIUM BEER
Among the many exciting beers in Japan, let me introduce a brand-new brew from Kirin—Good Ale Premium Beer! 🍺
Kirin is well-known for its iconic Kirin Ichiban Shibori, a crisp lager loved across Japan. But this time, they’ve taken a bold leap into something truly different. While the Japanese beer market is dominated by lagers, GOOD ALE proudly stands out as an ale—a top-fermented beer with a richer, more complex character.
Just launched on October 7, 2025. For Good Ale Premium Beer, Kirin introduces something truly special—Cryo Hop®, used for the first time in their brewery. This unique hop produces aromatic lupulin, giving the beer a burst of tropical and fruity flavor.
In addition, Kirin blends three types of high-aroma hops, giving Good Ale a satisfying depth and a vibrant, juicy character. The result? A beer that’s fruity yet crisp, with a clean aftertaste and no bitterness at all. It’s incredibly easy to drink—light, refreshing, and full of flavor.
With this release, Kirin brings a fresh breeze to the Japanese beer market, offering a new kind of experience for both craft beer fans and casual drinkers alike. 🍺✨
For those used to crisp Japanese lagers, Good Ale’s fruity aroma is a surprising and delightful twist. Its color is a beautiful amber gold, semi-translucent and warm—just like the glow of a cozy evening.
In Japan, we often refer to “the long nights of autumn” (秋の夜長). This phrase comes from the seasonal shift after the autumn equinox, when the days grow shorter and the nights stretch longer. It’s a time when people slow down, enjoy quiet hobbies like reading or cooking, and savor the peaceful atmosphere. That’s why ale beers like Good Ale, with their rich aroma and deep flavor, are perfect for this season—they’re meant to be enjoyed slowly.
Good Ale pairs wonderfully with tempura, too! The light, crispy texture of tempura dances beautifully with the fruity depth of the ale, making each bite and sip more satisfying.
So when you visit Japan, treat yourself to a delicious evening—Japanese food, Good Ale, and the gentle rhythm of a long autumn night. 🍺🍤
キリングッドエール｜ビール・発泡酒・新ジャンル（発泡酒②）｜キリン
Want to explore more about Japanese beer? Check out my article below for another cool discovery—Asahi Super Dry Nama Jokki Can, a beer that turns your can into a foamy draft experience! 🍺✨
Summary
Actually, I’ve tried ale beers a few times before, but since most major Japanese beers are lagers, they’re not as common. Some craft breweries do offer ale beers, but they tend to be a bit expensive.
That’s why Kirin’s release of Good Ale is a big deal in Japan! It’s an affordable ale beer from a major brand, making it easier for everyone to enjoy a new style of beer. Not only locals, but tourists can also explore different types of Japanese beer—from classic lagers to fruity ales.
When I travel overseas, I’m always surprised by how different the beer tastes compared to Japanese beer. So if you visit Japan, you’ll probably be surprised too—in the best way! 🍺✨
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