Translation guide
A small brewery producing limited quantities of beer, often with an emphasis on quality, flavor, and traditional methods.
A brewery that produces beer in small batches, typically independently owned and focused on craft methods.
Literally 'local beer brewery'. This is the most common and natural term for a microbrewery in Japan, emphasizing local production.
この町には地ビール醸造所が三軒あります。
There are three microbreweries in this town.
A direct loanword from English, commonly understood among beer enthusiasts and in urban areas. Less common in everyday conversation.
東京にはマイクロブルワリーが増えています。
Microbreweries are increasing in Tokyo.
Literally 'craft beer brewery'. Emphasizes the craft aspect and is often used interchangeably with 地ビール醸造所, but may sound slightly more modern or trendy.
あのクラフトビール醸造所は人気があります。
That craft beer brewery is popular.
A more generic term meaning 'small-scale brewery'. It can be used in formal or technical contexts but lacks the craft/local nuance.
小規模醸造所の定義は国によって異なります。
The definition of a microbrewery varies by country.
地ビール (ji-bīru) originally referred to local beers after Japanese brewing laws changed in 1994. クラフトビール (craft beer) is a newer term that emphasizes quality and style. Both are widely understood, but 地ビール醸造所 is the most established term for a microbrewery.