fbpx
    • Spring
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.

        Solace and Giant Salamanders in Akiota

        Just beyond Hiroshima City is a tranquil outdoor destination home to some of Japan's last remaining oosanshouo, the elusive giant salamander.
        Kyoto Oni Trail Outdoor Japanvideo

        The Oni Trail: Hiking Coastal Kyoto

        The mystical oni is prevalent in Japanese children’s stories, usually as a way to scare kids straight. Adventure Travel Kyoto is shedding a new light on this folklore and developing a new hiking route in the countryside of Kyoto.

        Spring Skiing in Japan 2022

        It may be spring in Japan but you can still ski in select ski resorts open all the way to Golden Week.
    • Summer
    • Autumn
      • Pow Bar Founder Megumi Scott

        Beyond the Brand: Pow Bar

        An interview with Megumi Scott, the founder of Niseko brand Pow Bar.
        Churamura Okinawa Sea Turtle Marine Conservation

        Churamura: Footprints in the Sand

        Churamura, an NPO in Okinawa, work to conserve marine life and protect endangered sea turtles in Japan's southernmost prefecture.
        Kawazu

        Fall in Love with Kawazu

        Enjoy waterfall hikes and hot springs, beautiful beaches and delicious seafood in Kawazu on the western coast of Izu Peninsula.
    • Winter
    • Near Tokyo
    • Near Kyoto
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.
    • All Regions
    • Article Map
    • Ocean and Beach
    • River and Lake
    • Mountain and Land
    • Sky
    • Snow and Ice
    • Travel
    • Food and Drinks
    • Races and Events

Be Easy in Tohoku

When Gareth Burns, a 32-year-old from Philadelphia, decided to start a brewery up in Tohoku, the most northern region of Honshu, he didn’t take it easy. He jumped right in and bought a building for the brewery with the taproom upstairs. He then purchased a nearby farm to grow fresh vegetables for the taproom’s restaurant and hops for brewing.

It seems like a monumental effort, but Gareth seems to be taking it in stride, having curiously named his new enterprise “Be Easy Brewing.” Yet, for Gareth and local craft beer enthusiasts in Hirosaki, the hard work is paying off.

While a relative newcomer to the craft beer scene, only recently opening in early 2017, the brewery isn’t taking it easy. Customers from nearly half of Japan are already buying beer from Be Easy. So far, Gareth’s brewing successes include two Pale Ales, two Wheat Ales and an Oatmeal Stout, along with a Wheat IPA, a cloudy New England-style Double IPA and a lighter Session IPA. 

Be Easy beers have already gained a great reputation. Phred Kaufman, beer importer and operator of the famed Mugishu-tei beer bar in Sapporo, has strong praise for Be Easy. The beers have been served regularly at Beer Club Popeye in Ryogoku, which has particularly high standards set by pioneering owner Aoki-san, who is also a brewer in his own right and operates Strange Brewing in Niigata. 

At the Be Easy farms, Gareth is currently growing hops, with plans to use them in wet hop and fresh hop beers when they mature. Also growing are edamame, asparagus, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions and more for use in the taproom, which, according to Gareth, is the only craft beer pub in Aomori Prefecture. It is just a few minutes by taxi from Hirosaki Station in the direction of the Matsugae post office and there are a few parking spots available. Call or visit their website to find out what’s on tap at Be Easy

Be Easy Brewing Company
5-7-9 Matsugae, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori-ken
5–11 p.m. daily
(0172) 78-1222

[novo-map id=2 individual=”yes”]

Outdoor Japan logo tree

Related

Leave a reply

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest posts

Categories