JR West Japan Holonic Co., Ltd. (Kyoto City, Shimogyo Ward / Representative Director: Ichiro Nagata) will offer a new complimentary drink exclusively for hotel guests at Umekoji Fermentation Lab, operated by Umekoji Potel KYOTO (hereinafter referred to as "Potel" / General Manager: Misako Matsui), starting July 25, 2026 (Saturday). (Sales will also begin at the same establishment).

We deliver a new stay experience that makes you want to "stay at Potel just to drink this."

It quenches your thirst like beer, has a depth of flavor you can't get from juice, but it's not alcohol. A slightly mysterious, sophisticated drink is born.

Its name is "Non-Alcoji." It is a beer-taste beverage born from "Kurokoji," which has supported Japan's fermentation culture. Enjoy a new flavor with a deep, caramel-like richness, a mellow aroma derived from koji, and the refreshing acidity unique to Kurokoji, making you crave "just one more sip" with every drink.

"Free drinks" create a richer experience. A fulfilling lineup!

At Potel, we value not just staying, but creating moments that make you feel "po-tto" (relaxed/spaced out). Enjoy your favorite drink in your favorite spot, according to your mood and how you want to spend your time.

Potel's free drinks are not just a service, but a mechanism to enrich your stay itself. The newly added "Non-Alcoji" is a drink that further expands Potel's drink experience. Both those who drink alcohol and those who don't can enjoy the same time together. You can casually and enjoyably savor the depth of fermentation. We deliver Potel's unique "new relaxation."

<Potel's Drink Spaces (Free for Guests) >

2nd Floor Drink Space

[Offerings] Draft beer, highball, sour, wine (red/white), soft drinks, snacks

[Hours] 15:00 - 22:00

3rd Floor Coffee Space

[Offerings] A space where you can brew your own coffee.

You can enjoy 3 types: light, medium, and dark roast.

[Hours] 15:00 - 21:00

2nd Floor Park (From April 15th - New! "Awai" Healing Video & Music Time for Adults)

[Offerings] Draft beer, whiskey, sour, soft drinks

[Hours] 22:00 - 24:00

Umekoji Fermentation Lab (In front of Poteyu: From April 15th - New!)

[Offerings] Even newer! From July 25th (Saturday) - "Non-Alcoji"

Sake and fruit liquors recommended by the Fermentation Lab (changes daily)

[Hours] 18:00 - 22:00

*"Non-Alcoji" will be provided free of charge from the server to hotel guests.

These are the free drink lineups you can enjoy at Potel!

In addition to the evolving drink service since April, the "Non-Alcoji" offered at the Fermentation Lab has an unprecedented flavor and highlights Kurokoji, the essence of Japan's fermentation culture, as a new taste. Experience "new experiences" alongside "rich moments." Please try it during your stay at Potel.

The Power of Kurokoji

Kurokoji (Aspergillus luchuensis) is a koji mold that has been used for a long time in the brewing of Awamori in the Okinawa and Amami regions. It is one of Japan's traditional koji molds, alongside yellow koji and white koji, and has long supported the food culture of the Ryukyu Islands. Its greatest characteristic is its high production of citric acid, which creates a refreshing acidity and a deep, complex flavor. It also has a strong ability to suppress the growth of miscellaneous bacteria, allowing for stable brewing even in warm climates, and thus developed as a koji rooted in the climate of southern Japan. Kurokoji symbolizes the fermentation culture of the Ryukyu Islands, including Awamori, and is expanding new possibilities while inheriting ancient wisdom.

(1) Refreshing acidity from citric acid

Unlike rice koji, it produces a large amount of citric acid, resulting in a fruity and clean acidity similar to citrus fruits or plums.

(2) Vitamins and enzymes

Compared to general rice koji, it contains abundant enzymes (said to be about 4-5 times more) and also produces vitamins.

(3) Essential amino acids

Fermentation produces various amino acids, including the essential amino acid tryptophan, which brings out a mellow umami and a deep richness.

[Regarding the release of BEER TASTE beverage Non-Alcoji BEER TASTE KUROKOJI]

[Name] BEER TASTE beverage Non-Alcoji BEER TASTE KUROKOJI

[Release Date] July 25, 2026 (Saturday)

[Sales Price] 200ml ¥820 (tax included)

[Sales Location] Umekoji Fermentation Lab *Online sales are also planned.

About Umekoji Fermentation Lab

△Relax on aブランコ chair. Umekoji Fermentation Lab

Koji and fermentation have long supported Japan's food culture. This wisdom is an irreplaceable culture inherited from our predecessors. Umekoji Fermentation Lab's mission is not just to "preserve" this fermentation culture, but to "re-communicate" it with modern sensibilities and language. Through our products, we create opportunities for new encounters with koji, making koji, which can seem difficult, casual and enjoyable. We deliver its infinite possibilities to more people. Our goal is to carefully brew the possibilities inherited from our ancestors, like fermentation, and connect them from the present to the future. Traditional Japanese culture, made new. The present and past of fermentation culture connected by "koji." A new tradition begins here.

*All photos are for illustrative purposes.

*Prices include consumption tax.

*Ingredients and dishes may change depending on availability.

About the Membership Programs of JR West Japan Hotels

JR West Japan Hotels participates in two membership programs: "JR Hotel Members," which allows for more convenient and advantageous use of eligible hotels and restaurants, including discounts on accommodation fees at JR Hotel Group hotels nationwide, and "WESTER Points," which offers various services and benefits for JR West Japan Group railways and shopping. Both programs are free to join and have no annual fees, and accumulated points can be used at eligible facilities. For details, please see the URL below.

Two Membership Programs

About JR West Japan Hotels

JR West Japan Hotels, as part of the JR West Japan Group, is a hotel group currently operating 13 hotels (4,422 rooms) across 5 brands. As a base for quality travel, we offer "Hotel Granvia," which fascinates customers together with the region, based on the security of direct access to Shinkansen and terminal stations in Kyoto, Okayama, Hiroshima, etc.; "Hotel Vischio," a base for smart travel, offering excellent access to Kyoto, Osaka, Amagasaki, and Toyama stations and advanced services; "THE OSAKA STATION HOTEL, Autograph Collection," built on the site of the first Osaka Station, offering a journey through the unique memories of the station and railways; "Nara Hotel," established in 1909, offering a nostalgic world that weaves through time; and "Umekoji Potel KYOTO," which connects regions and travelers, offering spaces where you can forget time and get lost in them.

We will develop the trust we have sincerely built starting from "stations" and, together with the regions, expand the rich lives of each customer, and continue to create the appeal of travel and food, and human connections, aiming for world-class service standards.

*The URL for the homepage has changed. https://jrwest-hotels.jp/

About Umekoji Potel KYOTO

Potel is a coined word combining "Port" and "Hotel." It is a hotel with the intention of connecting "en" (connections/relationships) born from places where valuable encounters gather like a port, and inviting guests to an unseen Kyoto. It is located about a 5-minute walk from JR "Umekoji Kyoto Nishiguchi Station," one stop from Kyoto Station. It is conveniently located for sightseeing and business, with the lush Umekoji Park, Kyoto Railway Museum, and Kyoto Aquarium nearby.

The hotel offers various exclusive facilities for guests, providing a fulfilling experience with all-inclusive services where you can enjoy alcohol and light meals. It also features "Umekoji Sento Poteyu," which is unusual for a hotel, where you can heal your travel fatigue and relax. In addition, it is equipped with banquet halls and event spaces, which can be used for meetings, seminars, and various parties. We welcome you with comprehensive facilities and hospitality that meet a wide range of needs, from sightseeing to business.

[Inquiries regarding this matter]

JR West Japan Holonic Co., Ltd. Sales Planning Department: Matsui / Kishida E-mail: t-kishida@potel.jp Umekoji Potel KYOTO TEL: 075-284-1146 Official Website: https://www.potel.jp/kyoto/ Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/umekoji_potel_kyoto/ Potemagazine (Kyoto Tourism Media starting with rumors): https://www.potel.jp/kyoto/cityguide/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: サービス開始