Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

From the late Edo period to the Meiji era, various Western cultures, including beer, rapidly permeated Japan. In Hokkaido, beer brewing began to flourish around the Hokkaido Development Commission established after the Meiji Restoration. Sapporo is the birthplace of domestic beer.

The climate conditions were suitable for brewing beer, and the successful production of barley and hops by the Development Commission led to the development of beer brewing in Hokkaido. Today, from large companies to small breweries, many unique and creative beers are produced.

Beer has been loved by the people of Hokkaido since those days, and even now, Sapporo's consumption is among the highest in the country.

"Sapporo Beer," which has grown alongside the history of Hokkaido, is truly representative of the region.

If you want to enjoy Sapporo Beer, head to the "Sapporo Beer Museum & Sapporo Beer Garden." Both feature brick exteriors and are precious buildings from the Meiji era.

At the "Sapporo Beer Museum," the only beer museum in Japan, you can experience the history of Sapporo Beer from the Hokkaido pioneering era to the present day. If you have time, joining the premium tour is recommended. After watching a story about the history of beer brewing in the theater, you can tour the museum with a guide, viewing valuable exhibits. The highlight is tasting a special beer available only here, making it a truly premium experience.

Adjacent to the museum is the "Sapporo Beer Garden," a spot where you can enjoy freshly brewed draft beer along with Hokkaido specialties. The combination of Genghis Khan BBQ and draft beer, enjoyed in the charming building that was once used as a factory, is perfect.

In 1994, the revision of the Liquor Tax Law significantly lowered the minimum production quantity for beer, allowing small breweries to start brewing beer, which had previously been limited to large breweries. Following this change, "Okhotsk Beer" in Kitami City obtained a local beer brewing license in December of the same year, marking the birth of Japan's first craft beer!

Okhotsk Beer is a genuine beer made with 100% malt, with a short shelf life of 28 to 60 days from the date of production. It follows traditional German brewing methods, offering a crisp and bitter taste for adults. At the "Okhotsk Beer Factory" adjacent to the brewery, you can enjoy gourmet food and limited-edition beers that emphasize local production for local consumption.

Nearly 30 years after the law revision, dozens of breweries in Hokkaido now brew unique craft beers using local spring water and specialty products. Some breweries have attached restaurants or offer beer tasting, making it a memorable experience to enjoy craft beer along with local gourmet food during your travels.

Drinking beer with family and friends under a blue sky is exceptionally delicious. The cold beer will be poured down your throat and your fatigue of daily life will disappear. Come to an event where you can enjoy a wide variety of unique beers to your heart's content.

Hokkaido, with its excellent water quality and no risk of water shortages even in summer, is home to factories of the three major beer companies: Asahi Beer (Sapporo), Kirin Beer (Chitose), and Sapporo Beer (Eniwa).

The sight of large quantities of beer being canned one after another is impressive! You can touch malt and hops, enjoy free tastings, and experience various engaging activities that make each visit enjoyable.

*Note: The content of factory tours varies by company, so please check each company's website for details.

*Note: Asahi Beer Hokkaido Factory has ended its tour operations.