Leaving Ueno Station and walking through the lush Ueno Park, you'll find yourself in a quiet alleyway away from the hustle and bustle, a place where old houses are clustered together, known as "Ueno Sakuragi Atari." Quietly waiting for customers at its entrance is "Yanaka Beer Hall."

The building, now used as a shop, is a historic private house originally built in 1938. It remained vacant for a long time, and there were even talks of demolishing it, but a revitalization project was launched by people who wanted to preserve the old house, and the shop opened in 2015.

The nostalgic interior, which retains the feel of life in the Showa era, is filled with a unique atmosphere and a relaxed pace of time that has been nurtured over more than 80 years.

Transforming a historic house into a shop: A journey of revitalization that overcame difficulties.

The amber-colored pillars and fixtures tell the story of the many years that have passed. This vacant house revitalization project began with the voices of volunteers who wanted to preserve the old downtown buildings. Then, a brewer brought up the idea of a beer hall, and Kozo Shinbo, who has been running a food and beverage business for many years, took on the task of creating the establishment.

However, the process of converting an early Showa-era house into a shop was not easy. "The power would go out the moment we put in a commercial refrigerator. It wasn't as simple as it looked," says Shinbo, explaining that they had to start with major renovations to unseen parts such as the electrical system and plumbing.

Nevertheless, every effort was made to preserve the building's original character as much as possible. Old newspapers found during the renovation are pasted on part of the wall, creating an atmosphere as if time has stood still.

An original beer inspired by the sunset in Yanaka.

The shop's signature product is "Yanaka Beer," which can only be enjoyed in this space. Characterized by its deep color that represents the twilight sky viewed from the town, the rich flavor brought about by roasted malt holds a profound depth of body and aroma.

The six types of beer bearing the "Yanaka" name, including "Yanaka Bitter" and "Yanaka Black," are special brands delivered exclusively to this shop from a brewery near the Yamba Dam in Gunma Prefecture. There are also seasonal limited-edition products that appear depending on the time of year.

Enjoying a carefully crafted cup of coffee in this historic setting allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, soothe your mind, and quench your thirst.

A tasting set of four different types to enjoy the differences.

The "Tasting Set," popular with first-time visitors, is a luxurious treat that allows you to sample four different beers in quarter-pint (approximately 120ml) portions. Four glasses, each with a different color, are arranged in indentations on a specially made wooden tray.

From left to right: "Yanaka Dry," "Yanaka Weizen," "Yanaka Golden," and "Yanaka Beer." The order in which they are arranged is carefully calculated so that the flavors gradually become deeper as you drink from left to right.

The food menu is intentionally limited to light snacks such as frankfurters, edamame, and pickles. The reason for not offering full meals is that the bar wants customers to fully enjoy the delicate flavors of the craft beer itself, which is the main attraction.

A simple and welcoming place of relaxation loved across borders.

Climbing the stairs to the second floor, you'll find a tatami-matted room furnished with well-worn low tables and cushions. The light streaming in through the windows highlights the warmth of the old wood, creating a comforting and nostalgic atmosphere.

What this shop values most in customer service is maintaining an appropriate distance, never interrupting the customer's time, but rather quietly observing them. They are committed to providing unpretentious hospitality so that customers can freely enjoy the atmosphere the building exudes.

Visitors are diverse, ranging from Japanese people seeking nostalgia to international travelers drawn to the charm of Japan. Under one roof, people of all nationalities gather, drinks in hand, and spend their time as they please, creating a warm, vibrant, and relaxing space.

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Yanaka Beer Hall

電話：03-5834-2381 
住所：東京都台東区上野桜木2丁目15-6 
アクセス：上野駅から徒歩20分/ 日暮里駅から徒歩9分 
HP： https://www.uenosakuragiatari.jp/shop/#a02
SNS：https://www.instagram.com/yanakabeerhall/
            https://www.facebook.com/yanakabeerhall/?locale=ja_JP

*For details on opening hours and closing days, please check the link above.