About
Caption: Craft brewery taproom interior showing traditional architecture with modern brewing equipment
AIM Brew LAB is a craft brewery that opened on June 29, 2024, making it one of the newest additions to the Fujikawaguchiko craft beverage scene. Located near Lake Saiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Fujisan - Sacred Place and Source of Artistic Inspiration," the brewery was established with a three-year development process by head brewer Junichi Nishimura. 🔗
The brewery occupies a renovated old farmhouse (kominka) near the parking area for Mt. Kenashi and Junigatake climbers. Despite its modern exterior appearance, the interior preserves traditional Japanese architectural elements including impressive wooden pillars, beams, and transoms that create an antique atmosphere. Large windows in the taproom provide views of the brewing equipment lined up in the brewery area. 🔗
Cultural & Religious Significance
AIM Brew LAB represents the growing craft beer movement in rural Japan and exemplifies traditional architecture adaptive reuse. The brewery embodies the Japanese concept of preserving historical structures while adapting them for contemporary purposes. Located in a region sacred to Mt. Fuji worship, the brewery utilizes the area's pristine water sources that have been revered for centuries. The establishment is part of Yamanashi Prefecture's established brewing tradition, which produced the first local beer in eastern Japan. 🔗
Visiting Information
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Thursday-Sunday: 12:00-18:00
- Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday
- Phone: 070-8424-4587
Access:
- Address: 〒401-0332 Yamanashi, Minamitsuru District, Fujikawaguchiko, Saiko 19
- From Kawaguchiko Station: Omni Bus Green Line (Saiko Line) 30 minutes, ¥610
- Regular buses: 20-30 minutes, ¥600-700, runs every 1-2 hours
- Lake Saiko Loop Bus (Green Line): 30 minutes, ¥450
- Parking available on-site behind Mt. Kenashi and Junigatake climbing access
No entry fee required; pay per order. 🔗
The Experience
The brewery offers multiple craft beer experiences including a beer flight tasting set of 3 different varieties for ¥1,700, individual glass pours at counter seating, and bottle sales for takeaway. Current beer menu includes #4.1 Convincing (citrusy, floral), #5.2 Curiosity (first beer with additional ingredients), #2.2 Absolute Sense (tropical, citrus), and the signature #1.2 The Beginning (malty with tangerine and grapefruit notes). 🔗
Food offerings complement the beer experience with cafe latte (¥500), chewy crepes (¥800), assorted sausages (¥750), and cream cheese spring rolls (¥450). The brewery's mission is to "create beer loved by locals and visitors to the Saiko area," specifically targeting outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and hikers who frequent the Lake Saiko region. Visible brewing equipment through large windows provides educational insight into the brewing process.
Practical Visiting Tips
Optimal Experience Strategy: Visit after outdoor activities around Lake Saiko for the authentic intended experience. The beer flight (¥1,700) provides good value for sampling their range. Combine with nearby camping or hiking for the full outdoor experience the brewery was designed to serve. Take photos of the traditional interior contrasted with modern brewing equipment. 🔗
October Visit Considerations: Perfect autumn weather for outdoor brewery visits, with peak fall foliage enhancing the traditional house setting. Cool weather makes the warming atmosphere of the traditional interior appealing. The brewery represents an ideal post-hiking destination after Lake Saiko area exploration. Instagram presence at @aim_saiko for current updates.
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/fujikawaguchiko/aim-brew-lab.md