Iwate Prefecture

Last month I wrote about my favourite places for craft beer. I half expected to receive death threats for failing to mention what is considered to be THE city’s craft beer: Baeren. The thing is, not mentioning it was deliberate. Some people are going to accuse me of being blasphemous, but I’m going to say it anyway: I’m not a fan. Although I know plenty of people who like it, I think it’s overpriced. Granted, it is craft beer, but I believe there is better quality out there for the same price. The headquarters and brewery are located in Kitayama, in Morioka City, about 10 minutes by taxi or car from Morioka Station or 35 minutes if you choose to walk. Tours are available and you can reserve a spot by either phoning the brewery or via their online form. Be warned though, the form is only in Japanese. Baeren also has three restaurants around the city, one in Nakanohashi, one in Saien and what is considered by the locals to be the main branch in Zaimoku-cho. One cannot mention Zaimoku-cho without talking about the weekly markets known simply as, ‘Yoichi,’ by locals. Held every Saturday between 3:10pm-6: 30 pm,…