“If it doesn’t exist, create it. If it can’t be done yet, find a way to make it possible.”
It is easy to come up with reasons not to try something.
“No time.”
“No money.”
“The timing isn’t right.”
“People normally wouldn’t do that.”
But what if you set those excuses aside?
This experience is an opportunity to meet someone who has built a career doing exactly that. If you are looking for inspiration to change something in your life or take on a new challenge, this journey may provide the spark.
“I want to turn ideas into reality. Things people have already given up on, or things people wish existed but don’t.”
By spending time at the brewery, hearing the stories behind the creations, and sharing a drink together, you will discover how imagination and persistence can turn unlikely ideas into real projects.
Sit down with Shimane’s own “Edison,” raise a glass, and you may just leave with a few new ideas for your future. — Karasawa, Owner, Autabi
For Those Interested in Starting a Craft Beer Business
If you are considering starting a craft brewery or pursuing brewing professionally, more specialized discussions can be arranged.
Please mention this when submitting your application.
Meet Your Host
Iwao Yamaguchi, Brewery Manager, Iwami Bakushu Co., Ltd.
Iwao Yamaguchi is the creator of the Iwami-style brewing method, known for its unconventional use of a chest freezer and plastic bags during the brewing process. Using this inventive approach, he founded the craft brewery Iwami Bakushu.
The brewery began full-scale operations in 2016 and produces distinctive craft beers made with seasonal local ingredients from the surrounding region.
In September 2024, the brewery opened a new brewing facility and taproom inside Hashi Station, an unmanned station on the JR San’in Main Line operated by JR West.
In addition to brewing beer, Yamaguchi works on a wide range of projects including event planning, consulting, and brewery plant design. Future plans include the release of non-alcoholic beer and craft cola, as the brewery continues to develop new ideas while growing together with the local community.
Craft Beer Brewing Experience
Step inside the brewery and you will quickly notice that this is no ordinary beer company.
The space is filled with machines invented by Yamaguchi and tools he has modified himself. The atmosphere feels more like a creative workshop than a traditional brewery, an inspiring playground for curious adults.
The program is flexible and can be adapted to your interests. Depending on what you would like to experience, you may:
- Hear Yamaguchi’s stories about product development and innovation
- Take a relaxed tour of the facility
- Experience real brewing work and help with the process
You will also see the chest-freezer brewing system, the most distinctive feature of the Iwami-style method.
Try Filling Your Own Craft Beer Can
Yamaguchi also developed the brewery’s can-filling machine. Participants can try filling cans one at a time by hand.
You can even try operating Mr. Yamaguchi’s can-filling machine and experience the filling process (normally done by hand, one can at a time).
Take Home Beer with Your Own Original Label
If you submit your design data in advance, you can take home beer with your own custom label.
Label specifications:
- Maximum size: 75 mm × 75 mm
- Printing: black and white
If no design is submitted, the brewery’s standard labels will be used.
Schedule
Day 1
| Time | Activity | Meals |
|---|---|---|
| 16:00 | Meet at Iwami Bakushu Hashi Station Brewery, located inside Hashi Station on the JR San’in Main Line. Note: If arriving by train on the JR San’in Main Line, the start time can be adjusted to match the train’s arrival time. | |
| 16:10 | Introduction and Brewery Tour • Participant introductions • Discussion of your interests and what you hope to learn during the trip • Guided tour of the brewery • Introduction to brewing equipment and facilities • Craft beer tasting from Iwami Bakushu, including rare samples such as beer still in the fermentation process | |
| 17:00 | Travel to the guesthouse for your overnight stay | |
| 18:00 | Raise a Glass with Yamaguchi “You came all this way, so let’s start with a drink!” Once the drinks begin, the conversation flows easily. Feel free to ask questions and enjoy the exchange of ideas. | |
| 20:00 | End of Day 1 |
Day 2
| Time | Activity | Meals |
|---|---|---|
| 08:30 | Check out of the guesthouse and return to the brewery. | |
| 09:00 | Brewing Experience Begins • Explanation of the day’s brewing plan • Crushing the malt • Mashing process (adding crushed malt to the mash tun filled with hot water) Participants will observe and take part in the brewing process. Specific tasks may vary depending on the brewing schedule that day. | |
| 11:30 | Lunch break | |
| 12:30 | Afternoon Brewing Work Tasks may include filling cans of your original craft beer. Note: Please prepare your label design in advance (black-and-white data within 75 mm × 75 mm). | |
| 14:00 | End of the brewing experience. Thank you for participating. |
The schedule is subject to change.
Travel Details (Terms & Conditions)
| Availability | Tuesdays and Wednesdays (1 night / 2 days) Program begins at 16:00 |
|---|---|
| Price (per person) | 55,000 yen (tax included) |
| Included | ・Craft beer brewing experience ・Facility usage fee ・Six cans (330 ml) of beer with your original label ・One-night accommodation (no meals included) ・Craft beer tasting session ・A copy of Iwami-style Small Business Theory (book written in Japanese written by Yamaguchi) |
| Location | Iwami Bakushu — Hashi Station Brewery 844-6, Hashicho-i, Gotsu City, Shimane 699-3161, Japan (Google Maps) If using the JR San’in Main Line, the start time can be adjusted to match your train arrival. |
| Access | From JR Matsue Station → JR Hashi Station: 2 hr 23 min From JR Masuda Station → JR Hashi Station: 1 hr 24 min |
| Minimum Participants | 1 person (Other participants may join the experience) |
| Accommodation | Guesthouse in the Hashi area * Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Please bring your own towel, pajamas, and toiletries (toothbrush, etc.). |
| Clothing | The brewing facility can become hot. Please wear clothing that allows you to adjust to changing temperatures. Rubber boots are recommended. Rental boots are available. |
| What to Bring | No special items required |
| Cancellation Policy | ・20 days before the experience: 20% of the total fee ・10 days before the experience: 50% of the total fee ・Same-day cancellation or no-show: 100% of the total fee |
| Booking Deadline | Applications must be submitted at least 10 days before your desired participation date. |
| Payment Method | Credit card payment (VISA / MasterCard) is accepted. Details will be provided via email after your reservation is confirmed. |
| Additional Notes | Meals during the experience are not included. Dinner will be eaten together with Yamaguchi. However, the meal is not included in the program fee, and participants pay for their own food. Breakfast is not provided. Please purchase food for breakfast at a convenience store. |
