Off the road

Japanese Beer

Welcome to J-Beer world
Have you tried Japanese beer? How did you like it? I hope you like it. There are 4 major beer companies in Japan (Kirin, Asahi, Sapporo, Suntory) Kirin has the oldest history (since 1888) and now it is going head-to-head in the market share with Asahi.

Japanese beers are allowed to use rice or other materials instead of malt for brewing. They are classified into 3 types due to the proportion of malt. Real J-Beer must use malt by as much as 2/3 or more (and it contains more beer taxes than the others : 111 yen in a 500ml can. This is much higher than that of other countries). Amazingly, the lowest grade beer don’t have to use any malt and can use anything to brew beer. Usually, rice, soybeans, barnyard grass, millet, potato or corn are used for lower grade beers. Please see the cans of cheaper beers carefully. You cannot find the word of “Beer” anywhere on the can.
Beer Now I recommend these beers;
-If you like a real malt-100% beer
　Premium Malts (Suntory)
　YEBISU (Sapporo)
　Malts (Suntory)
-If you want to try a Japanese traditional Lager taste:
　Classic Lager (Kirin) Malt and rice are used for brewing
-If you are on a budget, and enjoy No-malt “maybe” beer:
　Nodogoshi Nama (Kirin) brewed mainly from soybeans
　Shin-nama (Asahi) brewed mainly from peas

Japanese beer on Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_beer

J-Hoppers Group site

Backpackers Hostel in Kyoto

The hostel opened in Kyoto in 2002. It's an 8 minute walk from Kyoto Station. There are many important historical sites such as Toji Temple or Fushimi-Inari Shrine. The building used to be a boutique. There are individual private rooms and a cosy common room (Kitchen, Livingroom, Laundry, Shower room) in the hostel.

Japanese style Budget Hostel in Hiroshima

The hostel opened in Hiroshima in November 2006. The builing used to be a Japanese style ryokan and most guest rooms are Japanese style with tatami matts. Located near the Peace Memorial Park and A-bomb Dome. You can also go to Miyajima, which is one of the 3 most scenic spots in Japan, by tram.

Backpackers Hostel in Osaka

The hostel opened in Osaka in february 2008. It's just about 10 minutes walk to Osaka station, which has extensive travel links to everywhere. It could be a starting point for all sightseeing places not only Osaka but also Nara, Kobe, Wakayama.
 
Share house in Kyoto, Guesthouse, Monthly apartment in Kyoto Share house in Kyoto, Guesthouse, Monthly apartment in Kyoto