Sapporo Beer Museum — Attraction in Sapporo

What a neat museum! I've been a fan of Sapporo beer for a long time over in the US and was so excited to come here! Truth be told, I didn't realize until we actually made it to Sapporo that you could reserve tickets for a guided tour. I was a bit worried about what all we'd be able to actually do in the free, public access to the museum. However, it was still absolutely worthwhile and so interesting! We went on a Tuesday so there wasn't a wait to get in at all. Thankfully at all the exhibits they had cards off to the side in English, Korean, and Chinese translating what was on them. This was the first museum in Japan that has had translator cards that I'd been to in the month of my trip. I was ecstatic to be able to actually read the exhibits completely, as my Japanese is still pretty basic. To my surprise, despite not going on a guided tour, we were still able to go to the sampling room where we were able to choose from one of three kinds of beers or a flight of the three for ¥800! What a steal (at least compared to the United States...)! We were also able to get into one of the restaurants on location without a reservation as well. There was no wait for us at the time so we got right in. We were able to get an all you can eat grilling course where you grill your own meat and it was great! You just order what meats or sides you want off a tablet and staff bring your food to you so quickly that you can really get your money's worth here. I've never had so much fun at a museum and I can confidently say that this place is absolutely 100% worth it and I've left Japan an even bigger fan of not only Sapporo beer but of the city! I can't wait to come back to...

The Sapporo Beer Museum offers an enjoyable dive into the history and craftsmanship behind one of Japan’s most iconic beers. The exhibits are well-presented, blending storytelling with a touch of nostalgia.

The museum is housed in a beautifully preserved red brick building, originally built in 1890 as a sugar factory before being repurposed as part of the Sapporo Brewery. It stands as a testament to the industrial history of Hokkaido and the pioneering spirit of the Meiji era. Walking through the exhibits, you get a sense of how beer production evolved over time and the significant role it played in Japan’s modernization.

Sapporo Beer, Japan’s oldest beer brand, carries a legacy of quality and innovation since 1876. Known for its crisp, refreshing taste and smooth finish, Sapporo has become a symbol of Japanese brewing excellence. Whether it’s the balanced bitterness of Black Label or the classic maltiness of Kaitakushi Beer, each brew reflects a dedication to craftsmanship and tradition.

I tried the beer tasting set, which featured three varieties: Black Label, Classic, and Kaitakushi Beer. Each had its own distinct character, from smooth and crisp to rich and malty. The wooden beer flight presentation added to the charm of the experience.

Pairing the beers with Kaki no Tane (spicy rice crackers with peanuts) was a nice touch—it complemented the flavors perfectly.

The ambiance was inviting, and the staff were friendly and efficient. I’d recommend to anyone visiting...

I’m not the biggest beer guy, but what was I gonna do? Not visit the Sapporo Beer Museum when in Sapporo? You crazy for suggesting that.

I stumbled in here after a long walk through the snow, and opted to just do the walk through as opposed to the guided tour, as it was only in Japanese lol… and my Chase card was EXHAUSTED from this trip.

I walked through, but soon realized all the captions were in Japanese. I mean that’s fine, I am in Japan. I just walked through slowly with my hands behind my back, carefully inspecting all the pictures and making up my own stories for what the Japanese captions said. You couldn’t last a day in my brain.

After my 10 minute walk through I was gonna do the beer tasting, but the line was INSANE. Probably a 40 minute wait. So I just went to the merch stand, bought a baseball T with the original Sapporo logo, a magnet for my fridge, and a bottled beer for the road.

Much to my chagrin, I realized I didn’t have a bottle opener. Everyone outside the museum watched me struggle for 10 minutes trying to open this beer with my teeth, but in the end we got it done. I felt my mom cringing back home as she hates when I open water bottles with my teeth, which is fair because she did pay for my braces lmao.

All in all, I had a good time in here. Incidentally, I’m single handedly bringing baseball Ts back.

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