When we find ourselves thirsty in Yokohama, we know exactly where to head. Our latest favorite watering hole in the city is Pivoya, a small pub that specializes exclusively in beer from the Czech Republic. It's in a quiet, out-of-the-way locale but definitely worth tracking down.

The master of the house, Ryosuke Yonehara, first discovered central Europe, its drinking culture and outstanding lagers in the early 1990s. It was love at first sip. A few years ago he finally cut loose from his company job and set up shop in this simple, intimate pub in the Tennocho district.

This is one of the few places in Japan serving Pilsner Urquell on draft, which is quantitatively better even than the bottled version. Yonehara pours some other uncommon brews too. At present they include Bernard Celebration (both regular and dark lager) and another premium beer from Urquell, a rich, dark extra pils simply called Master, which easily lives up to its name. Each is kept at its own optimum temperature, ensuring that it stays perfectly fresh and is just right for drinking.