Written by James
Craft Beer Toca is a new bar in Kichijoji. It’s only 30 seconds from Inokashira Koen Station but it’s also very walkable from Kichijoji station, especially if you are going to Inokashira Koen.
There are two floors. The first floor was stylish with an L-shaped counter but was standing only. The second floor had homemade looking tables but didn’t seem to be in operation yet and I think they would need more staff if there were some groups upstairs. Basically, I got the impression that the owner was starting small and will employ staff once business picks up. Anyway, I stayed downstairs and really enjoyed the cool vibe and chatting with other customers.
There were 12 taps and 6 were Japanese craft beers. One tap seems to be reserved for Nihonshu. There were 4 sizes but the smallest (150ml) was only for the Nihonshu and an Imperial stout. The other sizes were 250ml, 350ml and a pint. Prices ranged from ¥700 to ¥1,100 for the 250ml size, ¥950 to ¥1,200 for the 350ml size and ¥1,200 to ¥1,700 for the pint. As you would expect, the more expensive beers were the imports and strong beers. Not cheap but there was no charge or tax so these are pretty standard prices nowadays. There was an unusual but good food menu and this is definitely a bar that gourmet drinkers would appreciate.
Overall, I think Toca is still experimenting with the layout and finding what works best but it’s a very cool spot with a good taplist and food. It’s only 30 seconds from Sidewalk Stand and right next to the park so it’s certainly got a good location. I’ll definitely go back.
Japanese breweries on tap when I first visited:
AJB
Craftrock
Repubrew
Shiga Kogen
Hop Kotan
Be Easy
Opening Hours:
Daily, 16:30-23:00
Location/map
井の頭 3-12-13, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo
Telephone:
None