Discover Craft Beer on the B.B.BASE: A Special Journey to Gunma Prefecture

Japan's renowned B.B.BASE, known for its bike-friendly travel options, is venturing beyond its usual routes in Boso to present an unforgettable journey through Gunma Prefecture. In collaboration with JR East View Tourism & Sales, this special trip features an array of local culinary delights and craft beers, promising an immersive travel experience for food and beer enthusiasts alike.

A Unique Beer-Themed Train Trip

The BREW JOURNEY train has been specifically designed to showcase four unique craft beers from the Gunma region on this exclusive tour. This limited-time train service will run along the Takasaki and Shin'etsu lines, providing travelers with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to indulge in regional flavors.

From the moment you step aboard, the B.B.BASE transforms into a mobile tasting room where you can savor distinctive flavors from local breweries as you traverse stunning landscapes. The experience combines the allure of rail travel with the vibrancy of local food culture, offering much more than just a route from point A to B.

Featured Craft Beers

Travelers can anticipate sampling the following craft beers that reflect Gunma's rich brewing heritage:

- 3on3 Brewing (Fukaya Station) presents YEN TOWN, an IPA that captures the essence of hop aromas with refreshing bitterness.
- Honjo Ginza Brewery introduces DOLCE, a unique dark ale infused with cacao—earning a gold medal at the Japan Great Beer Awards 2024. This beer highlights sustainable brewing practices by upcycling cacao husks from local chocolate makers.
- COTAMA Brewery offers UME GORYO, a pale ale utilizing locally grown ume fruit, ensuring a delightful balance of tartness and a light, crisp finish.
- Kiritzumi Brewery features Kiritzumi Helles, a Munich-style beer brewed with pure water sourced from the Usui Pass, enhancing its smooth, hoppy taste without overwhelming bitterness.

Perfect Pairings

Enhancing the onboard experience, guests will enjoy specially prepared snacks curated by Ogino-ya, the iconic dining option along the Shin’etsu line. This exclusive tasting platter includes elements of the famous Toge no Kamameshi and luxurious cuts of local beef, ensuring perfect harmony with the selected craft beers. The carefully designed two-tiered tray showcases the rich flavors of Gunma, served with beautiful Mashiko ware.

Special Access and Learning Experience

Unique to this journey is a rare glimpse into the Takasaki Station's platform, usually off-limits to the public. Guests will have an opportunity to explore historical aspects of the station, including a once-active signal control panel used until 2021, contributing to an educational yet enjoyable experience.

Additionally, a range of interactive activities awaits onboard. A free space on Car 4 will host exhibitions showcasing raw materials like malt and hops used in crafting beers, along with informative displays about the brewing process.

Ending with a Beer Festival

The adventure culminates with a festival in front of Yokokawa Station, where participating breweries will offer additional selections and local delicacies not available on the train. This event, scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., invites everyone to celebrate the local craft beer culture and strengthen community ties.

Booking Details

For those interested in embarking on this exciting journey, reservations are available online exclusively through the Japan Travel and Railway website, opening on August 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. As tickets are limited, early booking is strongly encouraged.

Crafting Memories

The B.B.BASE journey promotes sustainable tourism while enriching the experiences of travelers and enhancing community connections through meaningful interactions. This endeavor reflects a commitment to create unforgettable memories while advocating for responsible travel practices.

Join us as we explore the essence of Gunma’s magnificent craft beer scene aboard the B.B.BASE – a ride you'll cherish!

Please note that all content is subject to change based on operational needs or matters beyond our control.