Our Story

The birth of Yona Yona Ale traces back to the encounter of the founder of YO-HO Brewing with ale beer during his studies in the United States. "Is beer really this flavorful?" His perspective was completely overturned by a single glass he drank at a local beer pub in New York.

During that time in Japan, the prevailing beer on the market was the clean and refreshing lager produced by major breweries. In contrast, American ale beer boasted a rich aroma of malt and hops, offering a depth of flavor that captivated the founder's palate. This experience sparked a sense of mission within the founder to spread the culture of ale beer throughout Japan.

In 1997, YO-HO Brewing embraced the mission of "Adding Flavor to Beer! Bringing Happiness to Life!" and introduced "Yona Yona Ale" as an ale beer meant to be enjoyed easily every evening. Its delectable taste resonated with many, leading to the brand's growth with passionate fans. Alongside Yona Yona Ale, YO-HO Brewing has consistently unveiled a diverse range of unique beers, solidifying its position as a premier craft beer maker in Japan.

YO-HO Brewing saw the need to spread the craft beer culture in Japan by creating establishments where people could experience its vibrant atmosphere firsthand. However, while they were experts in brewing delicious beer, they lacked experience in running restaurants.

While searching for a partner to run a restaurant, YO-HO Brewing met Wonder Table, which now operates "YONA YONA BEER WORKS. At the time, Wonder Table was exploring the introduction of their signature "Roast Chicken." Recognizing the potential in pairing roast chicken with craft beer, the collaboration became a reality.

To bring craft beer to a wider audience, we've made the decision to open 'YONA YONA BEER KITCHEN' in partnership with Wondertable. Our mission is to offer more YOHO Brewing beers on tap than any other establishment, and sharing the world of YONA YONA ALE.

Our vision is to 'energize everyone's tomorrow through exciting beer experiences. The name 'YONA YONA ALE,' proudly displayed in our establishment's name, traces back to 1997, symbolizing our desire for people to relish ale beer throughout the night. We are committed to promoting the enjoyment of ale beer across Japan. As more individuals find joy in beer, we envision a world of greater harmony. With unwavering dedication, we work alongside our patrons to transform these aspirations into reality.

While traditional craft beer spots often serve straightforward dishes, 'YONA YONA BEER KITCHEN' sets itself apart by prioritizing cuisine, as implied by our name. Our menu revolves around roast chicken, serving as the cornerstone of our offerings.

Despite confirming our mission to provide customers with a space where they can unwind and enjoy exceptional food and beer, allowing them to alleviate stress from work, it took us over a year and a half to find the perfect location.

During this time, we were offered the chance to host a pop-up beer garden, which we saw as a promotional opportunity and began operations. Finally, in October 2013, the first 'YONA YONA BEER KITCHEN' opened in Akasaka after much anticipation. While we anticipated weekday crowds of business professionals due to its location, we were prepared for the challenge of attracting weekend customers.

However, passionate fans of YOHO Brewing traveled from all over Japan, from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south, to visit this restaurant. Some even made the journey five days a week, transferring trains just to be here. We were warmly welcomed as a community hub for fans to gather.

After opening our second store in Kanda and our third store in Aoyama, we decided to rename the restaurant to 'YONA YONA BEER WORKS' to better resonate with foreign visitors. We also focused on elevating the craft experience in our beer, food, and service. Today, we have expanded to seven locations across Tokyo.