When we booked our trip to Shikoku we were really hoping the new 2nd Story Aleworks taproom would be open. Sadly it wasn’t, but we still had a really nice time in Tokushima city, mainly due to 2nd Story recommending Sakaneko, which was a truly amazing place. Much like other recent round up posts, this one is still young and incomplete, but will be added to as I get the chance to visit other places. I will definitely be back when the 2nd Story taproom is open, but also to go to Sakaneko again.
The Awa Beer standing bar in the station building has now closed, but Yoidori, their bar in the basement, is still there. Haven’t actually been there though, but it’s on the map,
Tokushima-shi
Sakaneko
I absolutely loved this place. Izakaya in Tokushima city. Plenty of seating at a long counter and other tables. Two taps of local beer and lots of other bottles and cans of local stuff too. Some amazing 2nd Story beers available. And plenty of other booze of various types. The food was great too, with some vegetarian options. The atmosphere of this place was really nice and as Tokushima is only an hour and a half or so by bus from Kobe I’m already thinking about coming back next time I’m in Kansai
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JouZo Beer Base
Quite a journey out of Tokushima city, 40 minutes on the train to Nishibara and then a 20 minute walk along country roads through rice fields. Don’t be put off by that though as I quite enjoyed the walk as the scenery was nice and the sun was setting. Probably wouldn’t fancy it in the dark though. Small taproom attached to their brewery. Once again I have been let down by my bad note taking and hasty photo deletion, but I seem to remember they had maybe five of six taps, (pictures show eight but I don’t think they were all on), and a few more beers available in cans. Small counter for maybe five and one other table. Welcoming and friendly staff and a fun place!
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2nd Story Ale Works
The new brewery and taproom for one of my favourite Japanese breweries. I’d been looking forward to coming here since it opened so was delighted to finally be able to make it. It’s not easy to get to though. It takes about forty minutes by local bus from Tokushima station and the buses aren’t that regular so I’d definitely recommend checking the schedule and planning carefully in advance. But it’s well worth it. Eleven of their beers on tap when we went there and the prices were really good too. Some bottles and cans too. Wide range of styles. And some nice food options. The building is a refurbished kindergarten so looks quite distinctive. There’s a little patio where they have corn hole, (which I’m not really aware of but looked quite fun) and a barbecue too. Will be going back as soon as I can as I loved the place and the beers.
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