Introducing Craft Beer from Kawaba Denen Plaza, a Roadside Station in Kawaba Village, Gunma Prefecture!
Kawaba Denen Plaza is a roadside destination nestled in the lush natural environment at the foot of Mount Hotaka. It’s a delightful town-like complex where you can spend an entire day enjoying delicious food, shopping, and various activities.
The plaza features a farmers’ market offering fresh local vegetables and fruits, restaurants using locally sourced ingredients, a bakery, a beer brewery, cafes, and more. It’s a place for everyone—from the elderly to children—to have a great time.
What is a Roadside Station?
“It’s like a rest stop in the countryside, but much more than just a place to take a break. You can explore local culture, taste traditional food, and shop for unique local products.”
What Makes KAWABA BEER Special?
KAWABA BEER is crafted with utmost care using the pristine water flowing from the mountains of Kawaba Village, symbolized by Mount Hotaka. This exquisite water serves as the base for brewing beer, and the results are something the Denen Plaza takes great pride in.
They produce and sell a variety of beers, including IPA, Weizen, and Ale. This time, we tried two of their special offerings: Pilsner and Stout, made with “Yuki Hotaka” rice, a locally grown premium Koshihikari rice variety.
Tasting the Craft Beers
Pilsner
This Pilsner uses locally grown Koshihikari rice, “Yuki Hotaka,” as an additional ingredient. The rice adds a refreshing and smooth texture to the beer.
- Flavor: It has a gentle sweetness and a deep richness.
- Texture: Unfiltered, resulting in a mild and smooth mouthfeel.
- Unique Traits: The sweetness likely comes from the rice, creating a different kind of Pilsner compared to mainstream Japanese beers like Super Dry or Ichiban Shibori. Unlike typical Pilsners known for their crisp bitterness and clean finish, this one is sweet, rich, and more suited to sipping and savoring like wine.
Stout
The Stout is mild yet boasts a bold roasted aroma.
- Flavor: Rich bitterness and a full-bodied profile with a touch of sweetness.
- Texture: A weighty beer with a robust, bitter taste, balanced by a gentle and flavorful aftertaste.
- Unique Traits: It stands out with its harmonious blend of bitterness, umami, and aroma, offering a luxurious drinking experience.
Getting There
By train, the nearest stations are Jomo-Kogen or Numata. From either station, it’s about a 30-minute ride by taxi or bus. Since Kawaba Denen Plaza is designed with car access in mind, it’s a bit far from the station. A bus tour or rental car is recommended for a convenient visit.
Gunma Prefecture also boasts other amazing attractions, such as Kusatsu Onsen and Haruna Shrine, so it’s worth exploring the area while you’re here!
