Takachiho town’s local authority launches a craft beer to boost the region’s tourism appeal

Takachiho, a town renowned for its ties to Japan’s ancient myths and a popular tourist destination, has launched a new craft beer celebrating the town’s rich cultural heritage.

The Takachiho Gokoku Ale has been developed by the municipality’s public corporation, Takachiho Co-Creation Corp, and is brewed with five locally sourced grains and local mountain spring water, offering a unique taste that connects with the region’s storied past.

The beer is produced by Miyazaki Hideji Beer Co., a craft brewery based in nearby Nobeoka, Miyazaki Prefecture. The project, which took about a year to develop, leverages the natural resources of Takachiho.

The traditional brewing ingredients of hops, malt, and barley have been combined with locally harvested rice, azuki beans, corn, sticky barley, and adlay millet. The water used in the brewing process comes from the Tamadare no Taki waterfall, a feature of the scenic Takachiho Gorge, and a major tourist attraction.

The beer’s label features a yellow color scheme inspired by “sun” and “light,” paying tribute to Amaterasu, the Japanese sun goddess.

The limited first batch of 2,500 bottles is priced at JPY600 (US$4) per 330-millilitre bottle, inclusive of tax. Sales are being made at the Michi no Eki Takachiho roadside rest area; the Kihachi no Kura farm stand; and via the public corporation’s online store.