For enthusiasts of Japanese brews, Sapporo is not just a city but the epicenter of beer culture on the island of Hokkaido. It's here that you'll find Japan's first-ever brewery and the only beer museum in the country, offering a comprehensive peek into the world of Japanese brewing.
While sake, the traditional Japanese rice wine, has been a staple alcoholic beverage in Japan for over 2,500 years, beer has steadily risen to prominence in the last century. Today, it's the drink of choice for many in Japan, capturing the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
Sapporo Brewery, the nation's oldest, has been crafting its celebrated beer since 1876, initially serving locals before reaching an international audience. The brewery is famous for its consistently good beer and for introducing exciting, limited-edition flavors that are exclusive to the region.
Sapporo Beer Family
These unique offerings and the rich history of Sapporo make it a must-visit for anyone keen to dive deep into Japanese beer culture.
Sapporo’s beer history began with the establishment of the Kaitakushi Beer Brewery in 1876, the forerunner to today’s Sapporo Beer.
The iconic "Red Star" logo of Sapporo Beer, which also adorns the city's famous clock tower and historical red-brick buildings, was originally the emblem of Kaitakushi and has become a symbol of Hokkaido’s growth. Sapporo, celebrated for its low humidity and excellent water quality, offers a rich backdrop to the development of beer culture.
By 1985, thanks to aggressive local promotion and positive word-of-mouth, Sapporo had climbed to the top of Japan's beer market, maintaining its lead for more than three decades.
The iconic Red Star logo of Sapporo Beer
When it comes to commercial beers in Japan, each brand has its own standout qualities. Depending on your taste, you might prefer something karakuchi (dry and zesty), well-balanced, or rich and layered.
Aside from the craft beer scene, Japan’s major breweries are some of the finest producers of commercial beer in Asia. The market is mainly controlled by the Big Four: Asahi, Kirin, Suntory, and Sapporo, holding market shares of approximately 37%, 34%, 16%, and 11%, respectively.
From the very beginning, Sapporo beer has stood out due to its commitment to using only the best ingredients. The quality of beer depends heavily on its malt and hops, and Sapporo understands the importance of selecting top-notch raw materials.
What sets Sapporo Beer apart is its collaboration with global growers to develop a proprietary source of barley and hops, making it the only brewery in the world to do so.
Yeast plays a crucial role in transforming barley and hops into the delicious beer we enjoy, and Sapporo takes great care in selecting and nurturing the right yeast strains. The brewery has a team of specialized technicians who monitor and maintain the yeast cultures to ensure consistent flavor across all their beers.
After decades of research into beer yeast, Sapporo has created an impressive collection of over 1000 yeast strains, a treasure that's admired by brewers all over the globe.
With such exceptional ingredients and a deep passion for brewing, it's clear why Sapporo Beer offers such a satisfying taste.
Sapporo Beer
Sapporo offers an exciting array of beers, from the well-loved Black Label to the timeless Classic, not to mention a selection of rare, special edition brews. There’s truly a flavor for every beer enthusiast in their lineup.
Let’s dive into some of Sapporo’s most popular beers, along with a few special ones you shouldn’t miss if you’re in Hokkaido!
This is the signature beer from Sapporo Brewery. Known for its sharp and invigorating taste, it’s a traditional lager crafted with premium barley and hops. This results in a pure, balanced flavor that makes it a favorite among beer lovers.
Sapporo Primium Beer
This dark lager is known for its rich and full-bodied taste. Sapporo Black Label offers a smooth malt flavor with a hint of roastiness and a subtle bitter edge, making it a distinct and enjoyable beer.
Sapporo Black Beer
A nod to the brewery’s long history, Sapporo Classic revives the original recipe from 1876. This beer has a malt-driven taste with a touch of sweetness, giving beer lovers a taste of Sapporo's brewing traditions.
Sapporo Classic
Available primarily in bars and restaurants, Sapporo Draft Beer is known for its freshness. This beer is served straight from the tap, offering a clean, crisp taste that makes it a favorite for a refreshing drink.
Sapporo Draft Beer
Experience the rich history of Sapporo Beer firsthand at the Sapporo Beer Museum. You can stroll through the museum at your leisure, tasting exclusive brews along the way. For those who prefer a structured visit, there’s an option to join a premium guided tour. One highlight includes tasting the Fukkoku Sapporo Bakushu, a beer made using the original recipe from 1877.
Don’t skip the displays of original posters and advertisements used by Sapporo Beer throughout the decades. These provide a fascinating glimpse into the changing trends in fashion and design in Japan over the years.
Understanding the history and methods behind brewing Sapporo Beer can greatly enhance your appreciation of each sip. Located just an 8-minute walk from JR Naebo Station, near Sapporo Station, the museum is part of the larger Sapporo Garden Park.
The park features historical exhibits that document the evolution of Japanese beer production, from the early days in Hokkaido to the present, offering a deep dive into the cultural heritage of Japan’s beloved brew.
Sapporo Beer Museum
Right beside the Sapporo Beer Museum, you’ll find the sprawling Sapporo Beer Garden. This destination features five distinct beer halls where you can enjoy fresh Sapporo Beer directly from the brewery, alongside 'jingisukan' (mutton barbecue) and other popular dishes from Hokkaido.
The standout among these is the Kessel Hall, easily recognized by its massive beer vat—a real visual treat. Another must-visit is the 'Lilac Hall,' known for its jingisukan marinated in a tantalizing secret sauce.
The Kessel Hall in Sapporo Beer Garden
At the sophisticated 'Garden Grill,' prepare to indulge in fine dining with top-notch lamb, seasonal seafood, and crisp vegetables. This area even offers private rooms with terraces for an upscale dining experience.
Across these halls, six types of beer are available, but the Garden Grill steps it up with six additional draft beers, each worth sampling. If you’re up for a challenge, try them all during your visit!
Make sure to try a glass of ‘Sapporo Five Star,’ a limited edition brew from the Sapporo Beer Garden. First brewed in 1967, this beer blends a gentle sweetness with rich bitterness and an inviting aroma, creating a loyal following over the years. It pairs exceptionally well with a hearty plate of jingisukan!
Sapporo Five Star
Just a short walk from the Subway Bus Center Station and about 1.4 kilometers from Sapporo Garden Park is the striking Sapporo Factory, home to the Sapporo Kaitakushi Beer Brewery.
Founded in 1876, this brewery was where Japan's first brewers began crafting beers using authentic German techniques, marking the start of beer production in Japan.
Today, the Sapporo Kaitakushi Beer Brewery continues to brew beers that replicate those original flavors, offering a taste of history with each sip.
Adjacent to it is the Urisabakisho building, where visitors can enjoy freshly brewed Kaitakushi Beer, both filtered and unfiltered, traditional German-style Altbier, and a variety of seasonal brews—all with an alcohol content of 5.0%.
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