What other travelers are saying about Sapporo Beer Museum
The Sapporo Beer Museum, a former brewery now operating as a museum, offers paid tours and beer tasting. The tasting set, featuring three different beers, costs ¥1,200.
Honestly, there's not much to see inside the museum itself. Most visitors just speed through the exhibits and head straight for the draft beer tasting hall to grab those essential Instagram-worthy shots. You can easily purchase your tasting tickets from a vending machine there.
If you're a draft beer enthusiast, this place is a non-negotiable must-do for your Sapporo trip. However, for non-drinkers, it's pretty much a pointless tourist spot.
The real value of visiting here is chugging that super cold draft beer.
Highly recommended for all my fellow beer lovers! 🍺💯"
Good place to visit as its beside Sapporo factory. The free tour starts at third floor, where you spiral down. Second floor had a few exhibits then you go down to the tasting room where you can sample beer. It gets a bit crowded here.
Although its free, many people will also spend at the tasting room for the beer, at the shop (both inside and out) and at the bier garten.
I loved visiting the Sapporo Beer Museum. Learned a lot about the brand’s history, and the tasting room was a highlight—the beer was perfectly chilled and tasted amazing. A must-visit for beer lovers! (The museum was under exterior restoration but the operations inside were at 100%). At the end, you should enjoy the grilled lamb Genghis Khan at the Sapporo Garden restaurant. They have All You Can Eat options at a very reasonable price.
If you are visiting Sapporo, the Sapporo Beer Museum is definitely worth a stop. It is not only a place to drink beer, but also a spot where you can experience the history, culture, and spirit of Hokkaidō.
🏛 Atmosphere & History
The museum is inside a red-brick building from 1890, originally part of a sugar factory. The design is very nostalgic, industrial, and full of Meiji-era character. Just standing outside for photos feels like stepping back in time. Inside, the displays guide you through the story of how Sapporo Beer started in 1876 with German brewing techniques, and how it became one of the most iconic Japanese beer brands.
🖼 Exhibitions
The exhibition area is well organized:
• Old brewing machines, posters, and bottles give you a sense of history.
• Models and videos explain the brewing process in a simple way.
• You can learn about the famous “Star” logo, symbolizing the pioneers of Hokkaidō.
Most panels are in Japanese, but many parts also have English explanations, which makes it friendly for international visitors.
🍺 Beer Tasting
The highlight is of course the Beer Tasting Hall. Here you can order a 3-glass tasting set for around ¥800, which includes:
• Sapporo Black Label – smooth and classic.
• Sapporo Classic – only available in Hokkaidō.
• Kaitakushi Beer – a revival of the original 19th-century recipe.
The atmosphere is casual, and even if you are not a big drinker, just trying a small glass gives you the authentic Sapporo experience.
🍴 Food & Beer Garden
Right next to the museum is the Sapporo Beer Garden, famous for Genghis Khan (ジンギスカン), the Hokkaidō-style grilled lamb. The pairing of juicy lamb and fresh draft beer is something you really shouldn’t miss.
📍 Access & Practical Info
• About 15–20 minutes walk from Sapporo Station, or 10 minutes by bus.
• The museum entrance is free, tasting is paid.
• Best to visit in the afternoon or evening, then stay for dinner at the beer garden.
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✅ Overall impression:
The Sapporo Beer Museum is more than a tourist spot – it is a mix of history, culture, architecture, and great beer. Whether you are a beer lover or just curious, it offers a very “only in Hokkaidō” experience.
Very interesting museum about brewing in Japan with exhibits dated back many years ago! And of course the tasting room is the most popular part of the museum with a lovely beer hall for people to taste different brews. Walking around the museum area is also very nice and if you feel like a bit of shopping there’s a mall right next door too.
Yes, guided tours are available and can provide a more in-depth understanding of the museum's exhibits and the history of Sapporo Brewery. It's advisable to check in advance for tour schedules and availability.
Visitors under the age of 20 are not permitted to consume alcohol in Japan, including at the museum's tasting sessions. However, they are welcome to visit the museum and learn about the history and production of beer.
The museum is accessible by public transport. The closest subway station is Higashi-Kuyakusho-mae on the Toho Line. From there, it's a short walk to the museum. Alternatively, there are buses from Sapporo Station that stop near the museum.
Yes, the museum features a shop where you can buy Sapporo beer and related merchandise. There is also a restaurant on-site that serves dishes that pair well with Sapporo beer, offering visitors a complete gastronomic experience.