Craftbeer Tourism in Japan - Fat Barley Brewing , Fussa, Tokyo

In the western part of Tokyo, there lies a residential area with easy access to rich natural surroundings such as mountains and rivers, and suddenly, you come across California, USA. After changing trains at Tachikawa Station on the JR Chuo Line to the Ome Line, you will reach Haijima Station. Just north of it is the expansive Yokota Air Base, which technically spans multiple cities in Tokyo, including Tachikawa, Akishima, Fussa, Hamura, Musashimurayama, and Mizuho Town. However, its address is officially recognized as California, USA.

As a result, the surroundings have taken on a distinctly American character, especially along National Route 16, which runs north and south through western Tokyo. There are many establishments that resonate with this vibe, and the foreign visitors you frequently encounter are likely military personnel from the base rather than inbound tourists. I recently visited Fat Barley Brewing, just a few minutes' walk from Fussa Station on the Ome Line, which offers access to Yokota Air Base.

Fat Barley Brewing
Address: 128-1 Honmachi, Fussa City, Tokyo

“Fat” in Japanese means “big” or “plump,” and “Barley” refers to the grain. Fat Barley Brewing can be interpreted as a craft beer made from well-matured barley. On a scorching summer day, I had high hopes for its rich barley flavor.

Exiting the west entrance of Fussa Station on the JR Ome Line, you'll find a relatively small rotary before walking down a narrow street to the left. Along the way, I passed a few foreign visitors, experiencing the unique atmosphere of the area, and soon arrived at the brewery. Having seen its exterior on Instagram beforehand, I recognized it right away, but a fleeting worry crossed my mind about the possibility of it being closed due to the quiet entrance area.

As I approached the brewery, I spotted the sign “2F TAP STAND” next to a heavy lattice door, which put my mind at ease. The structure comprises a brewing facility on the first floor and a taproom on the second.

Entering through the doorway next to the brewing equipment and climbing a somewhat steep staircase, I found a counter to my left and additional tables in the back. The industrial-style tables and chairs matched well with the calm gray-tone walls, creating a serene atmosphere.

On this day, I ordered a tasting set that came with corn chips. Normally, I enjoy savoring a single glass, but this time, intrigued by the numerous options available, I decided to indulge while planning to stay a bit longer, hence the choice came with snacks.

As I started drinking, I noticed that there were also seats on the right side at the top of the staircase (separate from where I was seated by the restroom and stairs), where you could peek at the brewing equipment through a glass wall.

Craft Beer Tourism Starting from Fat Barley Brewing in Fussa City, Tokyo

In Fussa City, there is also a sake brewery called Ishikawa Brewery that produces a brand known as "Tamajiman." Besides sake, they craft a local beer called "Tama no Megumi," which you can enjoy at their restaurant, the Fussa Beer Goya, where freshly brewed craft beer is served. This location is in Fussa City, but the closest station is Haijima Station (about a 16-minute walk).

Additionally, two stations back towards Tokyo (Tachikawa) from Fussa Station is Akishima Station, which hosts a brewery called "ISANA Brewing Brewery & Roastery," where you can enjoy craft beer and roasted coffee.