Beer Cafe Vertere

Step out of Okutama Station and you'll soon come across this traditional Japanese house with a pretty garden. There's a river running down in the valley just in front of the building, completing the beatific scene. It's home to a beer hall that serves five kinds of homebrewed beers, including a fruity session IPA and a light golden ale. They've got their own hop field a 20-minute drive away too, so it's all very local. Having a glass in the garden while listening to the sound of the river and admiring the trees around you will make your clock tick slower. Those visiting Okutama for rafting or hiking will want to keep Vertere in mind – even if it's only for a quick break while waiting for the train home.