Chuo Line Beer Works, the JR East Group's first directly operated craft beer brewery, run by JR Chuo Line Community Design Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Hachioji City, Tokyo; Representative Director: Yutaka Ozawa), is marking its first anniversary on Sunday, August 30, 2026, with a season of new releases and events, offered in thanks for a year of support from the community.
A first-anniversary craft beer, "Chestnut Amber Ale," goes on sale for a limited time starting Saturday, August 29. Brewed as Koganei's first-ever brewery, the beer draws on the city's history as a chestnut-growing area for its recipe. Over the anniversary weekend of August 29 and 30, the taproom will also host a celebration featuring a lottery for original goods and coupons. From July 16 through August 30, a separate anniversary campaign will offer novelty gifts and other promotions to regular customers.
First-Anniversary Craft Beer "Chestnut Amber Ale": On Sale August 29
Chestnut Amber Ale
| ABV | 5.0% |
| IBU | 21 |
| Style | Amber Ale |
| Type | Happoshu (発泡酒) |
To mark a year since opening, the brewery created an amber ale that nods to the neighborhood's history with a touch of chestnut. Expect a mellow, layered flavor where malt's gentle sweetness and roastiness meet a soft chestnut richness.
Ingredients: Malted barley (produced in the UK and Germany), chestnut paste, flavoring, hops, carrageenan / carbon dioxide (carbonation)
Price (tax included): Regular (290ml) ¥900 / Pint (490ml) ¥1,200 / Can (350ml) ¥700, at the company-run taproom (prices may vary at events)
Where to buy: Chuo Line Beer Works taproom. From September, cans will gradually roll out to select NewDays and Kinokuniya stores along the Chuo Line.
Availability: Limited quantity (about 2,500 liters brewed), while supplies last.
The Story Behind the Chestnut Amber Ale
Koganei has long been known as a chestnut-growing area, with a history of supplying chestnuts to the shogunate in the Edo period. As Koganei's first brewery, Chuo Line Beer Works drew on that history for its anniversary beer. The label was designed to match, illustrated by Koganei-based illustrator Kaoru Yamasaki, pairing a chestnut motif with a touch of anniversary flair.
Although the beer is inspired by the region's chestnut-growing history, no Koganei-grown chestnuts are used in the ingredients.
First-Anniversary Event: August 29 (Sat) and 30 (Sun)
The taproom will host a two-day anniversary celebration.
Hours: 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM both days (last order 8:30 PM)
All In-House Taps for the First Time, With the New Pilsner Joining In
For these two days only, every tap at the taproom will pour Chuo Line Beer Works' own beers for the first time, now joined by the new Pilsner and the Chestnut Amber Ale. The taproom normally also serves craft beers from breweries in the Tama area and other partner breweries.
Availability on the day may run out depending on sales.
New Standard Beer: Pilsner Joins the Lineup
Alongside the brewery's three standard beers — Golden Ale, Weizen, and American IPA — a new Pilsner joined the regular lineup starting in July.
Pilsner
| ABV | 5.0% |
| IBU | 21 |
| Style | Pilsner |
| Type | Happoshu (発泡酒) |
An elegant aroma from Czech Saaz hops and a light, dry finish define this pilsner. With restrained bitterness, it's a refreshing lager that's easy to keep pouring.
Ingredients: Malted barley (produced in the UK and Germany), hops, carrageenan / carbon dioxide (carbonation)
No-Lose Prize Draw
Customers who spend ¥2,000 or more (tax included, receipts can be combined) at the taproom during the campaign period can take part in a no-lose lottery for original Chuo Line Beer Works goods or in-taproom coupons. Bring a receipt from within the eligible period to redeem a prize.
Redemption is limited to the first 200 guests, while supplies last.
Receipt-eligible period: Taproom business days from July 16 (Thu) to August 30 (Sun)
Redemption period: Taproom hours on August 29 (Sat) and 30 (Sun)
Snack Coupon Gift for Canned Beer Buyers
Customers who buy three or more cans of the brewery's in-house beers get a coupon good for one snack item worth up to ¥500 (tax included) at the taproom.
Eligible cans: Golden Ale / Weizen / American IPA (any combination of three)
Limited to the first 100 guests, while supplies last. Ask staff which snacks qualify when redeeming the coupon.
First-Anniversary Campaign: July 16 (Thu) to August 30 (Sun)
As a thank-you to regular customers, the taproom is running a season of special campaigns on business days.
Novelty Gift Campaign (First 300 Guests)
Customers who spend ¥2,000 or more (tax included, receipts can be combined) at the taproom during the campaign period receive an original eco bag as a novelty gift. Bring a receipt to redeem.
Limited to the first 300 guests, while supplies last.
Double Stamp Points
During the campaign, visits to Chuo Line Beer Works recorded through the "中央線と暮らす" (Living with the Chuo Line) app's stamp card will earn double points — 2 points instead of the usual 1 per visit.
Anniversary Discount Set
A limited-time anniversary set bundles three cans of in-house craft beer with an original insulated bag.
Includes: 3 cans of in-house craft beer (Golden Ale, Weizen, American IPA) and 1 original insulated bag
Price: ¥3,000 (tax included)
Limited quantity, while supplies last.
Related Event: Higashi-Koganei Station's Hops and Beer Summer Study Workshop
A parent-and-child event at Chuo Line Beer Works will build on ties with the local community through hops grown by station staff. Brewery staff and Higashi-Koganei Station staff will lead elementary-school-aged children through lessons on beer ingredients, a hands-on look at hops, a brewery tour, and an original gift-box craft activity. Applications are accepted at Higashi-Koganei Station's staffed ticket gate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Date and time: July 25 (Sat) and 26 (Sun), 10:00 to 11:30 AM each day (limited to 4 groups per session)
Fee: ¥3,000 (tax included)
The photo is from the 2025 edition of the workshop.
