When exploring Japan’s vibrant food and drink culture, many travelers naturally gravitate toward well-known dining spots and traditional experiences. However, for those looking to dive deeper into Japan’s evolving craft beer scene, there are unique destinations that offer something truly special.
Beer glasses clinking – Photo Credit: CRAFT BEER BASE
Located in Osaka, CRAFT BEER BASE MOTHER TREE stands out as a one-of-a-kind space that seamlessly integrates a brewery, pub, and bottle shop into a single location. With a strong focus on in-house brewing and a carefully curated selection of craft beers, it has become a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors seeking a more immersive beer experience.
Today, CRAFT BEER BASE MOTHER TREE continues to attract guests from around the world who are eager to explore Japan’s modern craft culture. We spoke with the team to learn more about their concept, their passion for brewing, and their vision for the future.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule. To begin, could you please introduce yourself? We would love to hear about your background, where you are from, and your current role.
Hello, my name is Ai Tani, and I am the Representative Director of CRAFT BEER BASE. I’m originally from Kagawa Prefecture, but about 20 years ago, I moved to Osaka to deepen my knowledge and experience in the world of craft beer.
In addition to serving as the company’s representative, I also work internationally as a certified beer judge. As a representative of Japan, I have been invited to judge competitions in around 10 countries worldwide.
In 2012, I founded CRAFT BEER BASE. Today, we operate four locations around the Osaka Station area while promoting craft beer culture through brewing, retail, and educational activities.
Delicious beer being made – Photo Credit: CRAFT BEER BASE
Could you tell us about the concept behind CRAFT BEER BASE MOTHER TREE and the background behind combining a brewery, pub, and bottle shop into one space?
Our flagship location, CRAFT BEER BASE MOTHER TREE, was created with the vision of being a “theme park for beer lovers.”
The space brings together a brewery, restaurant, bottle shop, and seminar room on the second floor into one integrated experience. Guests can do far more than simply enjoy freshly brewed beer. They can also learn about beer recipes, participate in brewery tours, and purchase carefully selected beers chosen by professionals from Japan and around the world.
We designed it as a one-stop destination where visitors can experience every aspect of craft beer culture in a single place.
Getting ready for the day – Photo Credit: CRAFT BEER BASE
Among the many craft beer establishments out there, what would you say are the unique features or defining qualities of CRAFT BEER BASE MOTHER TREE?
Of course, we take great pride in our own beers, but we also have deep respect for outstanding beers from around the world.
Rather than focusing only on what we create ourselves, we are committed to serving world-class beers in the best possible condition while continuing to learn as brewers. What matters most to us is being a crossroads where people can connect with beer cultures from across the globe.
Lavender Chamomile wins Gold Award at the 2025 European Beer Star – Photo Credit: CRAFT BEER BASE
Could you share more about your craft beer lineup and any particular philosophy or focus you have when it comes to your in-house brewing?
At our brewery, we serve 15 different house-made beers on draft at all times. Our brewing philosophy has also received international recognition, earning awards at major beer competitions in recent years, including:
- 2025 World Beer Cup: “Lavender Chamomile” received the Bronze Award
- 2025 European Beer Star: “Lavender Chamomile” received the Gold Award
- 2026 World Beer Cup: “German Style Pilsener” received the Silver Award
In addition to our core lineup, we also produce limited series such as “Brewing Lab,” which focuses on experimental brewing, and “Brewed for Food,” which explores beer and food pairings.
We also continue to refine our brewing techniques and share beer culture through our “Four Great Brewing Nations Series,” a seasonal project divided into four parts throughout the year that highlights the traditional brewing styles of the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, and the United States.
The interior of CRAFT BEER BASE MOTHER TREE – Photo Credit: CRAFT BEER BASE
Osaka’s craft beer scene has been growing in recent years. How do you view your role within this community, and how do you engage with the local area?
We have chosen a dominant expansion strategy around the Osaka Station area because we want beer to be something that is not special or distant, but is instead naturally woven into everyday city life.
Rather than pursuing flashy initiatives, we place the greatest value on steady, consistent efforts such as treating every guest with care and actively participating in small local events.
By staying closely connected to Osaka’s food culture and continuing to brew beers that enhance meals, we aim to make craft beer an integral part of this city and deeply rooted in its daily life.
Assorted beers – Photo Credit: CRAFT BEER BASE
For first-time visitors, are there any beers or ways of enjoying your establishment that you would especially recommend?
We recommend starting with our core identity: the four flagship (core) beers.
They are designed so you can choose according to your mood, ranging from crisp and refreshing styles to deeper, more complex profiles.
This selection serves as the first step in understanding our ideal vision of beer.
Are there any aspects that customers have particularly enjoyed or any memorable experiences that stand out to you?
When brewers from around the world visit Osaka, they often choose our locations as a place where they can experience domestic Japanese and Osaka-born beer culture firsthand.
Being recognized for our quality from a professional perspective is also a major source of motivation for us.
We understand that you may receive more international visitors as well. What aspects of your establishment do you think are especially appealing to guests from overseas?
International guests are looking for authentic, local experiences that reflect the character of the place they are visiting.
In Osaka’s unique atmosphere, they can enjoy local craft beer that blends Japanese sensibilities with world-class brewing techniques, all while experiencing the passion and energy of the brewers behind it.
We take great pride in offering this kind of special experience, which we believe is the greatest value our establishments can provide.
Making history at the World Beer Cup – Photo Credit: CRAFT BEER BASE
Looking ahead, are there any new initiatives, projects, or goals that you would like to pursue?
We are currently focusing on developing original Japanese beer styles.
We continue to explore Japan’s traditional fermentation culture, taking inspiration from ingredients such as koji and sake yeast in our brewing process. At the core of this effort is our desire to bridge Japanese sake culture with beer and to create beers that truly align with Japan’s food culture.
We refine our brewing techniques every day in pursuit of beers that are more delicious and more enjoyable.
Looking ahead, our vision is to establish craft beer as an integral part of Japanese food culture, elevating it into something that Japanese people can be proud of for the next 20 years and beyond.
Lastly, do you have a message for readers who are interested in experiencing craft beer culture in Japan?
The current craft beer scene in Japan is truly remarkable, and we are now in an era where you can find excellent beer anywhere you go across the country.
It has become possible throughout Japan to enjoy the experience of “drinking the beer of that city when you visit that city.”
We sincerely hope you will enjoy craft beer together with Japan’s beautiful scenery, delicious food, and rich culture.
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your story and insights with us. CRAFT BEER BASE MOTHER TREE offers more than just a place to enjoy a drink. It provides an opportunity to experience the depth and creativity of Japan’s craft beer culture in an intimate and engaging setting.
Whether you are a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or simply curious to explore something new, a visit to CRAFT BEER BASE MOTHER TREE promises a memorable and flavorful experience.
If you are planning a trip to Osaka and looking to discover a different side of Japan’s food and drink scene, this is one destination you won’t want to miss.
Follow CRAFT BEER BASE MOTHER TREE on:
Website: https://craftbeerbase.com/shops/mothertree:
Featured Photo Credit: CRAFT BEER BASE
