MUGEN Brewing is introducing its first two craft beers, Pale Ale and IPA, in Nara, Japan, with service beginning October 3, 2026. The brewery operates inside Nara Royal Hotel and uses groundwater drawn from approximately 200 meters below the Yamato Basin.
The beers will debut at the Nara Craft Beer Festival at Ukimido Garden in Nara Park on October 3 and 4. From October 5, they will be introduced in stages at five World Heritage group facilities, including hotel restaurants in Nara.
Pale Ale is made with American hops, offering pine-like aromas, mild sweetness, and a light, refreshing finish suited to food. IPA uses a generous amount of hops for a pronounced aroma and firm bitterness. The release locations include Nara Royal Hotel, Hotel Asyl Nara, Hotel Asyl Nara Annex, Ubusuna no Sato TOMIMOTO, and Nara Nagomikan.
About MUGEN Brewing
MUGEN Brewing at Nara Royal Hotel
Nara Royal Hotel General Manager Sakamoto and brewer Shuhei Ito are pictured together as the hotel-based MUGEN Brewing project begins. The release does not specify prices for the Pale Ale or IPA.
A Nara-Based Brewing Project
World Heritage operates hotels and tourism facilities in Nara and Osaka. MUGEN Brewing builds on that local base by turning Nara groundwater and the area’s brewing history into Pale Ale and IPA. Prices were not specified in the release.
MUGEN Brewing places water at the center of its brewing approach. Water accounts for about 90 percent of beer and provides the foundation for its flavor, so the brewery uses Yamato Basin groundwater associated with Nara’s long history of sake production. The brewery is located near the Heijo Palace site, where an ancient government office once oversaw palace sake brewing.
Highlights
- Pale Ale has pine-like hop aromas, mild sweetness, and a clean, light body.
- IPA features a fuller hop aroma and noticeable bitterness.
- The beers use groundwater drawn from approximately 200 meters below the Yamato Basin.
- The first public pour is scheduled for the Nara Craft Beer Festival in Nara Park.
- Service will expand to five World Heritage group facilities, with beer served at their on-site restaurants.
- Bottled beer for souvenirs is planned for a future release.
Menu & Availability Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | MUGEN Brewing |
| Menu / items | Pale Ale; IPA |
| Release date | October 3, 2026 |
| Period | October 3–4, 2026 at the Nara Craft Beer Festival; from October 5, 2026, staged service at group facilities |
| Location | Nara Royal Hotel and participating World Heritage group facilities in Nara |
| Stores | Nara Royal Hotel; Hotel Asyl Nara; Hotel Asyl Nara Annex; Ubusuna no Sato TOMIMOTO; Nara Nagomikan |
| Price | Not specified in the release |
| Official website | Official website; Official Instagram |
Before you buy
- When can I buy MUGEN Brewing Pale Ale and IPA?
- The beers begin service on October 3, 2026, at the Nara Craft Beer Festival. Service at the listed group facilities is scheduled to begin in stages from October 5.
- Where can I get MUGEN Brewing beers?
- They will be available at the festival first, followed by restaurants at Nara Royal Hotel, Hotel Asyl Nara, Hotel Asyl Nara Annex, Ubusuna no Sato TOMIMOTO, and Nara Nagomikan.
- How much are the Pale Ale and IPA?
- The release does not specify prices.
MUGEN Brewing is designed to give travelers a casual way to connect with Nara’s history and local resources. The brewery describes its goal as creating beer that people will want to drink repeatedly, whether with a meal during a hotel stay or as a relaxed drink after exploring the city.
Brewer Shuhei Ito began brewing training in Hamamatsu in 2022, gained further experience in Ichinomiya and Osaka, and opened the brewery inside Nara Royal Hotel in 2026. Seasonal beers are planned for future releases, while bottled products for souvenirs may follow later.
Alcohol is restricted to people aged 20 and over in Japan. Drink responsibly, and never drink and drive.
