Hokkaido has two things that make great beer: clean water and a climate that encouraged brewing from the moment Japanese settlers arrived. Sapporo Beer, founded here in 1876, is the oldest beer brand in Japan. The modern craft scene has moved well beyond mainstream lagers, with over a dozen independent breweries producing beers that rival anything in Tokyo.
In This Article
The Breweries Worth Visiting
Sapporo Beer Museum and Beer Garden
The Sapporo Beer Museum occupies the 1890 red-brick brewery building in the factory district. The museum is free (guided tours with tasting around 500 yen). The beer garden next door serves different styles alongside Hokkaido lamb jingisukan grilled on a dome-shaped grill at your table. All-you-can-eat jingisukan and all-you-can-drink draft for around 4,000 yen is one of the better value meals in Sapporo.
Book a tour: Klook
Otaru Beer (Warehouse No.1)
A German-style brewery in a converted stone warehouse on the Otaru Canal. The brewmaster trained in Germany and it shows. The pilsner and dunkel are textbook examples of their styles. The canal-side terrace on summer evenings is one of the best spots for a beer in Hokkaido. Easy stop on an Otaru day trip.
North Island Beer (Sapporo)
Small brewery in central Sapporo producing American-style craft beers with Hokkaido ingredients. Their IPA uses locally grown hops with a clean bitterness. The Hokkaido melon ale (summer only) sounds gimmicky but is surprisingly well-balanced. Walking distance from Susukino.
Tokachi Beer (Obihiro)
Brewed on a working farm in the Tokachi agricultural region using locally grown wheat and hops. The wheat beer is the standout. The brewery and farm are open for visits. Obihiro is on the route between Kushiro and Sapporo — works as a stop on our 10-day itinerary.
Hokkaido Beers You Must Try
- Sapporo Classic — only available in Hokkaido. A better version of regular Sapporo. Every convenience store has it.
- Hokkaido wheat beer — several breweries make wheat beers with local grain. Soft, good with seafood.
- Melon beer — Yubari melon-infused. Better than it sounds.
Beer and Food Pairings
- Jingisukan + Sapporo Classic — the classic combo. Crisp lager cuts through lamb fat.
- Seafood + wheat beer — soft carbonation complements sashimi and scallops
- Soup curry + IPA — hop bitterness works with the spice
For more food, see our food guide, ramen guide, and soup curry guide. For trip planning, check first time guide.
