Should you visit the Sapporo Beer Museum?

If you are planning to visit Sapporo than you might ask yourself should you visit the Sapporo Beer Museum? And the answer is yes!

Hokkaido is said to be the birthplace of beer in Japan. With “Sapporo” being brewed up here since 1877 it is probably the oldest and certainly one of the most popular brands on shelves around the country.

What to expect at the Sapporo Beer Museum?

This small Beer Museum first opened in 1987 and is well worth a visit whether you are a beer lover or not.

Located about a 30 min walk from Sapporo station or about a 10min Bus ride lies this small yet brilliant museum. What is great, if you do not fancy the walk, you can take a shuttle bus that goes directly from Sapporo JR Station to the museum for just 210¥. 

At the Sapporo Beer Museum

Once you arrive you can either the free tour (meaning by yourself) or you can go premium and be guided through the museum. To be honest, I enjoyed the free visit. If you do this, just grab a leaflet at the entrance and head upstairs to start your free tour.

Take the elevator up to the 3td floor and the first thing you will get to see is a giant copper vat. As you pass around it on the way to the Exhibit room, you start to realize just how big it really is. Truly impressive.

Once at the bottom you get the chance to watch a short documentary before entering the stylish exhibition hall. Here you can learn about this local beer and its history. But will also learn a bit about the general process of beer brewing.

Once you reach the end you will find my favorite part, showcasing ad posters throughout the centuries. The older ones picturing geishas having a beer, which I found breathtaking. Then moving on picturing more recent celebrities. Interestingly enough, the ads seem to feature women in their early advertising, then changing for a more masculine approach after the 1960s.

And with this the exhibition ends, letting you nice on to the tasting room.

The Tasting

This probably the highlight for many, you get a chance to try. I recommend getting the tasting tray for 800¥. Letting you try 3 variations, one tastier than the others. You will get a small packet of nuts with it for free. Now, this is not a substantial meal and the only food available in the tasting room. But it makes a nice snack.

If you do feel like getting something to eat head to the next door Sapporo Beer Garden. Consisting of a few Restaurants including all-you-can-drink as well as all-you-can-eat BBQ. A nice place to try Sapporo’s popular Ghenghis Kahn, which is a mutton BBQ. The perfect pairing for this cold brew.

Conclusion?

This really is a small and fun place to visit and of course, try this fine beer right where it is made. I would definitely recommend to check it out while in Hokkaido. So make sure to put it on your list to do.

Or visit the Chitosetsuru Sake Museum and try some local Sake. With many varieties only available at the Museum store.

Web

https://www.sapporobeer.jp/english/

Address

Kita 7-jo, Higashi 9-chome 1-1, Higashi-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido,065-0007

Opening Hours