A note on the words: ekinaka means shops and bars inside a train station, here inside the JR Shinjuku Station ticket gates, where you can drop in for a quick drink between trains. A 0-jikai (“zero-th party”) is a casual drink before the real gathering begins, which the writer stumbles into by chance. Yuzu is a fragrant Japanese citrus; this lager is said to use domestic yuzu juice. Fukure mikan is a rare Ibaraki mandarin used in two of the bar’s citrus beers, and umeshu is Japanese plum liqueur.
Hitachino Brewing Shinjuku on Tabelog (English) — opening hours, payment details and the Japanese address are kept up to date there, not here.
To all my fellow drinkers, sorry to keep you waiting — it is time for Hangover Meshi (meshi = meal)!
How do you all spend your train transfer time?
What? You drink, right? ha
You do not have to leave the ticket gates at JR Shinjuku Station. This time, I headed to “Hitachino Brewing Shinjuku,” a beer bar run directly by Kiuchi Brewery that sits quietly in the N700 section of the station interior (ekinaka) on the second floor of NEWoMan Shinjuku. There is no wall separating the passageway from the bar, so as you watch the stream of people pass by, you get drawn straight inside.
Truth be told, I had intended to grab a coffee at the cafe next door, but it was packed, ha.
This beer bar, on the other hand, was nearly empty! There are only about 15 seats, mainly a large table and standing spots. Rather than a place to settle in, it is designed as a space for a quick stopover, which is great too! I just had to go in!
Well, having come to a beer bar, of course I drink beer, ha.
In a tall glass, a clear, pale gold. The foam is white and fine, with the owl logo peeking through just like a window. Bringing my nose close, a soft waft of yuzu. It is apparently made with domestic yuzu juice, and the aroma feels less like juice and more like that burst of fragrance the moment you peel the rind.
Taking a sip, the acidity derived from the yuzu passes straight through, and the crisp finish typical of a bottom-fermented lager pushes down the throat. The savory malt flavor stays firmly in place too, and it does not lean completely into a fruit beer, which is admirable. Checking the description on the menu, it lists ABV 5.5%, with bitterness, acidity, and body all rated three stars — a dead-center design. It is just right for a quick drink.
Inside the station, and right within the ticket gates at that. Having seven kinds of draft beer lined up in a location like this is fantastic! Regular sizes run 800 to 900 yen, and L size is 1,300 to 1,400 yen. If you cannot decide, the tasting set of three (1,500 yen) might be a great option, though that depends on how much time you have! I made good use of my spare time before the limited express train departed! Seats are mostly empty in the morning, so I recommend it, ha.
May you meet something delicious today too!
Hitachino Brewing Shinjuku Draft Beer
Hitachino Nest Draft Beer
Prices are listed as “Regular / Large.” The lineup changes seasonally.
Belgian White / ABV 5.5%. A wheat beer brewed with cilantro seed and orange peel. Soft acidity.
Lager / ABV 4.5%. Rich malt flavor and aroma hop fragrance. Crisp finish down the throat.
IPA / ABV 6.0%. Brewed with Fukure mikan (mandarin orange) from Ibaraki Prefecture and orange-flavored aroma hops.
Lager / ABV 5.5%. Made with domestic yuzu juice. Refreshing acidity and a crisp finish down the throat.
IPA / ABV 7.0%. Solid bitterness and aroma from generous hops, slightly higher in alcohol.
Flavored Ale / ABV 5.0%. A fragrant pour brewed with floral herbal tea and honey.
Session IPA / ABV 4.5%. Citrus flavor using rare Fukure mikan from Ishioka, Ibaraki Prefecture.
Choose any three beers from the tap list. Cannot be shared among multiple guests.
In addition, Hinomaru Whisky (from 1,000 yen), Hinomaru Gin Kura Fudo (850 yen), Kiuchi Umeshu (plum liqueur) (750 yen), and a 0.3% ABV Non-Ale (600 yen) are also available.
*From the storefront menu at the time of my visit in August 2026. Prices include tax; draft beer selections change seasonally. Please check the official website or at the shop for the latest information.
Hitachino Brewing Shinjuku (Beer bar / Shinjuku Station, Shinjuku-sanchome Station, Yoyogi Station)
Tabelog lunch rating ★★★☆☆ 3.3
I ate here and paid for it myself. Nothing on this site is a comped meal.
One more for the road?
