Beerstand Shigetomi

The standing bar is especially popular in Japan because of the country's need to utilize every inch of space (and also because of the Japanese people's love for drinking beer, of course). Beer Stand Shigetomi is one of the go-to spots for beer connoisseurs in Hiroshima, tucked away in a corner of the city's nightlife neighborhood, Nagarekawa. Named after the draft beer meister who runs it, this standing bar may initially come across as rather unusual and odd because of its limitation to two drinks a person and having opening hours of just two hours from five till seven in the evening. But it seems as though its quirkiness is what brings the long lines each day. Beer Stand Shigetomi serves popular beer brands, but that's not what makes this bar appealing. The secret behind it is the owner Yutaka Shigetomi’s method of pouring. He claims that up to fifteen flavor variations can be achieved just by the way the beer is poured. Every week, a different brand of beer is served and customers can look out for their favorite one on their calendar on the wall of the bar. Beer Stand Shigetomi was originally exclusively a liquor store and its standing bar feature was added recently. The maintenance of the beer taps and glass cleansing method is nothing short of impeccable. On top of it all, Shigetomi will personally greet each guest and proceed to explain exactly how to drink beer. You might well be thinking, “I know how to drink beer, thanks very much,” but give yourself over to the beermaster and you’re sure to discover a new side to your favorite drink.