Orion Breweries, Nago Okinawa

Orion Breweries, produces Orion beer (pronounced or-ee-on) the 5th most popular selling beer in Japan. In Okinawa Orion beer is almost as big of a symbol as the shisha dog or Shuri Castel even though the brewing company has only been in existence since 1957. The words Orion can be seen on billboards, t-shirts and advertisements all over Okinawa and buying a souvenir to take home that says Orion is a popular choice for many tourists.

The beer its self is specifically designed to suit Okinawa’s hot and humid climate. It’s made from malt and hops imported from Germany and the Czech Republic and then ripened under a strictly controlled process Orion beer is a pilsner-style lager, which is distinct because of its use of Saaz, variety of hop found in the Czech Republic and the Hallertau region of Bavaria, Germany. Orion beers use of Saaz gives the beer a stronger hop flavor than most lagers.

All of this information and more can be found out at one of the Northern Okinawa breweries popular tours where a guide escorts groups on a 30-minute tour allowing them to view the entire brewing process. The best part is at the end of the tour everyone gets to take part in a free beer tasting!

Directions: From Naha Airport take the Okinawa Expressway, exit at Kyoda the last exit. Continue north toward Nago. Once in Nago, turn right onto Route 84 under the walkway. On your right you will see Orion Brewery

From Naha Airport: Approx. 90 min. by car (via highway)
Okinawa Expressway: Kyoda I.C: Approx. 20 min. by car (via highway)

Open hours: 9:00-11:00 and 1:00-3:30
Address: 2-2-1 Agarie Nago-shi 905-0021
Phone: 098-052-2136/2137 (Japanese only)