We would especially like to introduce a special Kamakura collaboration featuring locally made ham and craft beer.
We would especially like to introduce one of Kamakura’s locally brewed beers.
On September 25, 2026, a joint press conference was held at the British Antique Museum BAM Kamakura to introduce the Kamakura British Heritage Set, a special collaboration between three Kamakura-based organizations: Kamakura Ham Tomioka Shokai, the British Antique Museum BAM Kamakura, and Kamakura Beer Brewing.
At first glance, ham, craft beer, Sherlock Holmes, and the historic city of Kamakura may seem like an unusual combination.
Yet behind this collaboration lies a shared connection to Britain—one that stretches from traditional ham-making and British ale culture to Victorian antiques and even the preservation of Kamakura’s historic landscape.
Three Kamakura Brands, One British Connection
The idea for the collaboration began when representatives of the three organizations had an opportunity to meet.
BAM Kamakura Director Masaomi Dobashi noticed that, although the three organizations worked in very different fields, each had its own connection to Britain.
BAM Kamakura is dedicated to British culture and antiques. Kamakura Ham’s tradition is connected to British butcher William Curtis, who introduced Western ham-making techniques to the region in the late 19th century. And Kamakura Beer uses ale yeast, a brewing tradition deeply associated with British beer culture.
Recognizing this shared British connection, Dobashi proposed bringing the three organizations together in a special collaboration.
The result was the Kamakura British Heritage Set.
Caption: Representatives of the three organizations present the Kamakura British Heritage Set at the joint press conference held at BAM Kamakura on September 25, 2026.
What Is the Kamakura British Heritage Set?
The collaboration brings two long-standing traditions together in one package: Kamakura Ham Tomioka Shokai’s cloth-wrapped aged loin ham and Kamakura Beer’s specially created Sherlock Holmes Brown Ale.
The packaging itself reflects the concept. Sherlock Holmes appears at the center, surrounded by images of ham, beer, hops, and scenery evoking the connection between Britain and Kamakura.
Rather than simply placing two local products together, the set was created around the shared British heritage found within the histories and identities of the three organizations.
Kamakura Ham: 126 Years of Ham-Making Tradition
Kamakura Ham Tomioka Shokai was founded in 1900, giving the company a history of 126 years in 2026.
The roots of Kamakura ham, however, go back even further.
British resident William Curtis began producing ham and other Western foods in the area in the 19th century. According to Kamakura Ham Tomioka Shokai, Curtis later passed his ham-making techniques on to local people, helping lay the foundations for what would eventually become known as “Kamakura Ham.”
Kamakura Ham Tomioka Shokai has carried on that tradition since its establishment in 1900.
One of the company’s signature products today is its cloth-wrapped aged loin ham. After being carefully matured, each ham is individually wrapped in cloth and tied by hand with string, helping create its moist texture and rich flavor.
Caption: Kamakura Ham Tomioka Shokai’s signature cloth-wrapped aged loin ham, made using a tradition passed down in Kamakura for generations.
Kamakura Beer: A Connection to Britain Through Ale
Founded in 1997, Kamakura Beer Brewing was the first craft brewery established in Kamakura.
Its connection to Britain lies in its brewing.
Kamakura Beer uses ale yeast, a brewing tradition deeply associated with British beer culture. Ale yeast is a top-fermenting yeast, and traditional British ales have long been brewed using this method.
For this collaboration, the brewery created a Brown Ale, a beer style with deep roots in British brewing tradition and a character centered on malt richness and aroma.
The beer features a special label inspired by Sherlock Holmes, with a Victorian-style design that connects it visually to the world presented at BAM Kamakura.
Its rich malt aroma, gentle bitterness, and depth of flavor also make it a natural partner for the aged ham included in the set.
BAM Kamakura: Bringing Victorian Britain to Kamakura
Opened in 2022, the British Antique Museum BAM Kamakura stands along the approach to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
Its collection includes authentic British antiques, including Victorian furniture, silverware, musical instruments, and other objects more than 100 years old.
One of its best-known exhibits is its recreation of Sherlock Holmes’ Room, created with genuine Victorian-era antiques including a fireplace, armchairs, a violin, and scientific equipment.
This world of late-19th-century Britain became the visual inspiration for the collaboration’s Sherlock Holmes beer label and packaging.
From Britain to Kamakura: The National Trust Connection
The British connection behind the project extends beyond food, beer, and antiques.
The National Trust was founded in Britain in 1895 to protect places of natural beauty and historic significance. Decades later, its philosophy helped inspire a preservation movement in Kamakura.
In 1964, opposition to a development plan in the wooded hills of Oyatsu, behind Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, led to the establishment of the Kamakura Landscape Preservation Society, recognized as Japan’s first National Trust organization.
In keeping with this connection, part of the proceeds from the Kamakura British Heritage Set will be donated to activities that help preserve Kamakura’s natural environment and historic townscape.
At the press conference, Dobashi described this aspect of the project as a way of giving back to Kamakura.
How to Enjoy the Kamakura British Heritage Set
At the press conference, Dobashi also shared his recommended way to enjoy the pairing.
For the Brown Ale, he suggested serving it at around 8–10°C rather than drinking it ice-cold. He also recommended pouring it gently without creating too much foam, allowing the aroma and character of the beer to come through.
For the ham, his recommendation was simple: cut it thick.
He also offered a slightly less traditional suggestion—lightly grilling a thick slice of the ham like a steak.
It may not be the most conventional way to enjoy a traditional cloth-wrapped ham, but it offers another way to appreciate its texture and richness alongside the malt-forward Brown Ale.
Caption: Guests at the press conference were able to sample the cloth-wrapped ham together with the newly created Brown Ale.
Availability and Product Information
The Kamakura British Heritage Set is being offered in a limited quantity of 500 sets.
Orders opened on September 23, 2026, and sales are scheduled to continue through November 23, 2026, while supplies last. At the September 25 press conference, attendees were told that deliveries are expected to begin from late November, in the order purchases are received.
- Product: Kamakura British Heritage Set
- Price: ¥11,000 including tax
- Quantity: Limited to 500 sets
- Contents: One 600g cloth-wrapped aged loin ham and two 330ml bottles of Sherlock Holmes Brown Ale
- Order period: September 23–November 23, 2026
- Delivery: Expected to begin sequentially from late November
- Where to order: Kamakura Ham Tomioka Shokai’s official online shop
For those interested specifically in the beer, separate sales of the Sherlock Holmes Ale are also planned through the Kamakura Beer online shop and BAM Kamakura.
At the time of writing, however, separate sales had not yet begun.
Caption: Separate sales of the Sherlock Holmes Ale are also planned through Kamakura Beer and BAM Kamakura.
Related Links
- Kamakura British Heritage Set – Official Online Shop
Official Online Shop
- Kamakura Ham Tomioka Shokai
Official Website
- British Antique Museum BAM Kamakura
Official English Website BAM鎌倉
- Kamakura Beer Brewing
Official Website
Author & Kamakura Local Guide: Takumi Ikeda
Takumi Ikeda is the Head of Kamakura Experience and a Kamakura-born private guide.
With professional hospitality experience aboard an international cruise ship and at Michelin-rated ryokans, he shares stories, insights, and practical tips shaped by his deep roots in the city.
Discover more on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamakura_experience
