Shiroyama Brewery

The Shiroyama Brewery is a strange operation. I stayed at the hotel for a wedding, and you can get the hotel's beer everywhere (so don't worry about finding a specific bar), but I struggled to find their actual brewing gear. Granted, the place is a maze, and I can't read any Japanese, so that may well be the problem. Given that I can't review the actual pub, I'll say a few words about the hotel and the ambiance of the bars you can get the beer in.

The Shiroyama Castle Hotel commands the best view of the bay and delivers 5 star service at a (sadly) 5 star price. Its a gigantic property and seems to be used almost exclusively for weddings, presenting something of an all in package, where you can hire your dress, have make-up done, marry in the shrine, and have dinner in one of the function rooms. Off the top of my head I'd say that you can get the Shiroyama beer in all of their bars, which probably number around ten in total. Quite a few of the bars enjoy the spectacular view of Mount Sakurajima, one of the world's most active (though its activity seems reduced to the occasional puff of smoke and earth fart). Service is 5-star Japanese, which should tell you all you need to know. The beer comes served on a paper doiley, which is a nice touch my grandmother would approve of. Prices are steep, but about par for Japan. I believe we paid around $9 per beer.

Selection is limited to the hotel's own offerings, which aren't that numerous, although the quality of the beers and the conditions they were served in were certainly a testament to their freshness.

An all round enjoyable experience. Even if you don't stay here, its well worth heading up the mountain to check out the view. There's a small lookout point not far from the hotel, and a courtesy shuttle bus runs to a number of locations downtown on a regular and free basis.