Craft Beer Tourism in Japan- Okura Brewery, Naha City, Fukuoka Prefecture

The Nakagawa River, which flows through the city of Hakata in Fukuoka Prefecture, branches off into the Hakata River. Together, they form Nakasu, the largest entertainment district in Kyushu. Standing along the Hakata River is the long-established luxury hotel Hotel Okura Fukuoka. The nearest station is Nakasu-Kawabata Station on the Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line, just about a 3-minute walk away. Inside this hotel, you’ll also find the long-running Okura Brewery.

Okura Brewery – Hakata Draft
Address: B2, 3-2 Shimokawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

Nakasu-Kawabata Station is directly connected to the Hakata Riverain complex, which includes the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, the Hakataza Theater (where kabuki and musicals are performed), and the Hakata Riverain Mall that houses the Fukuoka Anpanman Children’s Museum. Hotel Okura Fukuoka is also a part of this large facility.

The hotel’s basement floor (B1), along with the second floor, is home to several restaurants. Tucked away in one corner is Okura Brewery. Taking the escalator down, you’ll immediately spot a cheerful sign that sets the mood.

Following the sign deeper inside, you’ll arrive at the entrance where a large brewing kettle proudly stands, welcoming guests right at the front.

I visited on a humid Friday evening in July, around 8:30 p.m. After letting the staff know I was dining alone, they seated me at the counter located directly in front of the brewing kettle. (I hadn’t expected this to be a counter seat, and since the restaurant entrance was right behind me it felt a little awkward—but it turned out to be a memorable experience.)

The brewery serves craft beers under the “Hakata Draft” brand, mainly German styles such as Weizen and Kölsch.

On that day, however, they were also offering a special IPA, which I decided to order.

Since my seat was at the entrance counter, I couldn’t get a full view of the restaurant, but from a quick glance inside I noticed several fermentation tanks lined up in the back. According to their website, they have been brewing fresh beer every day since the brewery opened in 1999. The atmosphere had the charm of a well-established brewery.

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Okura Brewery – A Starting Point for Craft Beer Tourism in Hakata, Fukuoka

From the same Nakasu-Kawabata Station, you can reach several other breweries:

• Aozora Brewery Hakata Ten’yamachi, located near Reisen Park, just about a 7-minute walk from Okura Brewery.
• From Nakasu-Kawabata Station, take the Airport Line to "Ōhori Park Station". Just a few minutes’ walk from there you’ll find B.R.E.W.
• Or, take the Hakozaki Line to "Chiyo-Kenchōguchi Station". From there, it’s only about a 1-minute walk to reach Asunaro Brewery.