Beer

Held aloft amid calls of “Kanpai!,” beer is the classic way to start off any Japanese drinking session. Taken under the nation’s wing in the 19th century, Japan’s breweries now line shelves worldwide with famed brands of beer, from IPAs to stouts to lagers. Absorbing knowledge from European brewers, Yokohama, Osaka and Hokkaido became early flagship areas of production. In Hokkaido, beer production was especially promoted as a key industry in the region’s development, leveraging the high-quality water and efforts to cultivate grains suited to the unique climate.

Sapporo Beer Museum (Sapporo Breweries Limited)(Google Maps)

Sapporo is the oldest beer company in Hokkaido and the oldest national brewery established by Japanese people. Originally called the Kaitakushi Beer Brewery, it was opened in 1876 and was producing its original cold-brewed beer for sale just a year later. Initially a government initiative and renamed following its dissolution, the newly minted Sapporo Beer Company grew and transformed over the century, creating famous brands like Yebisu Beer and the more recent Sapporo Draft Beer Black Label. Keen to showcase their years of work and development, the popular Sapporo Beer Museum opened in 1987 and remains one of the top attractions of the island, especially following the heavy renovations of 2016. Visitors can explore the history of beer in the red-brick warehouses and enjoy the variety of beers available in the Sapporo Beer Garden. There is a free tour option, however on the paid tour, visitors have a special opportunity to try the Fukkoku Sapporo Beer—a beer brewed using methods from 1881.

While Sapporo’s beer museum and tasting options are vast, Otaru Beer also has a tour to show their craft and is only half an hour from Sapporo. The Zenibako Brewery follows traditional German methods closer to craft beer brewing, and has attracted many expert fans because of the dedication to ingredient quality. Perfect for an afternoon trip from Sapporo, Otaru has dreamy canals and red-brick warehouses to explore and admire, alongside its beer-making facilities.

Mt. Asahidake, Sapporo(Google Maps)

Hokkaido is known worldwide for its impressive ski scene, with multiple resorts to enjoy, some unusual snow-based activities and of course the famous annual snow festival. Hokkaido has more to it than winter scenery, however, with plenty to attract visitors in the warmer months, from alpine flowers to hiking routes. Visitors arriving in the capital are encouraged to take in the city skyline from the popular Sapporo TV Tower before venturing out into the compact but thriving city. During winter, ski resorts such as Niseko and Furano draw in the crowds, with hot spring towns such as Yunokawa and Jozankei offering some relief to the slope-weary muscles. During spring and summer, popular hiking routes include exploring Mt. Asahidake and Lake Onneto, with the truly adventurous heading out to Rebun and Rishiri islands for some more remote explorations.

Sapporo Miso Ramen , Sapporo Ramen Alley

While in Hokkaido, it will come as no surprise that seafood is a local specialty, with horsehair crab and sea urchin taking center stage at many restaurant tables. No trip to Sapporo is complete without a warming bowl of Sapporo Ramen though, adapted to local tastes with the addition of a rich miso paste, corn and butter. Venture down Sapporo Ramen Alley to find a local variety that suits your taste, and don’t forget to order a pint or two of the local beers to wash it down.

For more details, contact DMC Japan to discuss ideas, locations and rates.
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