Libushi - Nagano

A cosy little tap room with a good selection of craft beer and friendly staff... although we got the impression that the staff weren't as familiar with different styles of beer as someone working in this industry should probably be. I say that because they had the kegs for their NEIPA and English Bitter the wrong way around. After ordering the English Bitter I could tell just by looking that I'd instead got what looked like tropical juice (classic NEIPA). And was a little disappointed as the two styles really couldn't be more different, and I'm really not a fan of NEIPAs. When I asked to try a sample of the NEIPA what I got was the distinct delicious flavour of an English Bitter. So the staff either don't know enough about beer to know that an English Bitter neither looks nor tastes like tropical juice, or didn't care and didn't think anyone else would know enough about beer to notice. Either way, they lost a star from me. But aside from that little hiccup I really enjoyed it here.

This little brewery was just okay. Maybe the hype of having a brewery on a ski hill has its ratings so high but I found most of the beer to be disappointing. The Nozawa Onsen White beer is one of the best locally, others on the list could be improved. Really liked the decor. Standing room only.

Fun, interesting microbrewery in Nozawa Onsen. I found they had a good selection of designs (12 when I was there) and they actually make a good IPA that is not common in Japan. You also have a selection of local juices on offer. I recommend the Nozawa IPA or the Rhubarb season when they have it. Both were quite delicious and from the usual for Japanese craft beer options. Take advantage of the visit if you are here skiing or sightseeing.

I tried with Rin (type of an IPA) and Respite (light wheat beer) a tasting of 4 brews! the taproom is very cozy with good music.

Amazing cozy bar where the owner is the original brewery of local beers. Fair prices, good music and friendly atmosphere, especially during the pandemic, if you want to stay with a group of close friends that you trust, this is the place to go