About Sapporo Beer Museum

The Sapporo Beer Museum is a museum that can be found in Sapporo, Japan, and it is devoted to the history of the Sapporo Brewery, which is one of the most well-known and oldest beer firms in all of Japan. The museum is located in a structure that was formerly used as a brewery and dates back to the 19th century. It contains displays that discuss the process of producing beer, the history of beer in Japan, and the history of Sapporo Brewery. In addition, visitors get the opportunity to sample a selection of Sapporo beers at the museum’s tasting area, which features both year-round and limited-time brews. Everyone from beer lovers to history fans flocks to the Sapporo Beer Museum, and it is an absolute must-see location for anyone who is interested in learning more about the brewing traditions of Japan.

History timeline of Sapporo Beer Museum

Here is a brief history timeline of the Sapporo Beer Museum:

  • 1876: Sapporo Brewery is founded in Sapporo, Japan, by German brewer Seibei Nakagawa.
  • 1880: The brewery’s first beer, Sapporo Lager, is produced.
  • 1891: A new brewery is built in Sapporo, which becomes the main production facility for Sapporo Brewery.
  • 1903: Sapporo Brewery begins exporting beer to the United States and other countries.
  • 1955: Sapporo Brewery becomes a publicly traded company.
  • 1987: The old Sapporo Brewery building, which dates back to 1890, is converted into the Sapporo Beer Museum.
  • 1988: The Sapporo Beer Museum officially opens to the public, showcasing the history of Sapporo Brewery and the brewing process.
  • 2004: The museum undergoes a major renovation, expanding its exhibit space and adding new interactive exhibits.
  • 2014: The Sapporo Beer Museum celebrates its 25th anniversary, welcoming over 15 million visitors since its opening.
  • 2016: The museum introduces new tasting rooms, allowing visitors to sample a wider variety of Sapporo beers.
  • 2020: The Sapporo Beer Museum temporarily closes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but reopens in June with new safety measures in place.

How to reach Sapporo Beer Museum

The Sapporo Beer Museum is located in the Higashi Ward of Sapporo, Japan, and can be reached by public transportation. Here are some options for getting there:

  1. Subway: Take the Toho Subway Line to Higashi-Kuyakusho-Mae Station and exit through Exit 3. From there, it is about a 10-15 minute walk to the museum.
  2. Bus: Take the Chuo Bus from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal to Museum Mae Bus Stop, which is located directly in front of the museum.
  3. Taxi or car: The museum has a parking lot available for those driving or taking a taxi. It is about a 15-20 minute drive from central Sapporo.

Keep in mind that transportation options may vary depending on your location and time of day, so it’s best to check the most up-to-date schedules and routes before heading out.

Best time to visit Sapporo Beer Museum

The Sapporo Beer Museum is open year-round, but the best time to visit may depend on your preferences and interests.

If you are interested in learning about the history and brewing process of Sapporo Brewery and trying different types of beer, the museum is open from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM (with last admission at 5:30 PM) throughout the year except for certain holidays. The museum can be especially popular during the summer months, as it is located near other popular attractions such as the Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill and the Sapporo Summer Festival.

If you are interested in seeing the museum’s Christmas Illumination, you may want to plan your visit for late November through early January, when the museum is decorated with thousands of twinkling lights and Christmas trees.

Overall, the best time to visit the Sapporo Beer Museum may depend on your schedule, interests, and other factors such as weather, crowd levels, and special events.

Highlights of Sapporo Beer Museum

The Sapporo Beer Museum is a popular tourist attraction in Sapporo, Japan. Some of the highlights of the museum include:

  1. History and brewing process: The museum provides a detailed history of Sapporo Brewery and the brewing process of Sapporo beer. Visitors can learn about the different ingredients used in beer making, see old brewing equipment, and watch videos about the brewing process.
  2. Beer tasting: Visitors can taste different types of Sapporo beer at the end of the museum tour. The beer tasting is included in the admission fee, and visitors can try up to three different beers.
  3. Gift shop: The museum has a gift shop where visitors can purchase Sapporo beer and related souvenirs.
  4. Architecture and design: The museum is housed in a beautiful red brick building that was originally used as a brewery in the late 19th century. The building is a designated cultural property of Japan and is worth seeing for its architecture and design.
  5. Special events: The museum sometimes hosts special events, such as beer festivals and Christmas Illuminations, which can add to the overall experience.

Overall, the Sapporo Beer Museum is a great place to learn about the history and brewing process of Sapporo beer and to try different types of beer. The museum’s architecture and design also add to its charm, making it a must-visit attraction in Sapporo.

Do's and Dont's at Sapporo Beer Museum

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting the Sapporo Beer Museum:

Do’s:

  • Do take a guided tour to learn more about the history of Sapporo Brewery and the brewing process.
  • Do sample some of the different beers offered in the tasting room, including seasonal and limited edition brews.
  • Do explore the interactive exhibits to learn more about the science and art of brewing beer.
  • Do take photos of the historic building and exhibits, but be mindful of other visitors and follow any photography rules posted in the museum.
  • Do buy some souvenirs, such as Sapporo beer glasses or t-shirts, to remember your visit.

Don’ts:

  • Don’t bring outside food or drinks into the museum, as these are not allowed in the exhibit areas.
  • Don’t touch any of the exhibits unless it is specifically allowed, as some items may be delicate or valuable.
  • Don’t consume alcohol in excess, as the museum encourages responsible drinking.
  • Don’t smoke inside the museum, as it is a non-smoking facility.
  • Don’t bring large bags or luggage into the museum, as these may not be allowed or may need to be checked at the entrance.

Tourist reviews of Sapporo Beer Museum

The Sapporo Beer Museum is a popular tourist attraction, and many visitors have left positive reviews. Here are some examples of reviews from different sources:

  • “A great place to learn about the history of Sapporo Brewery and the beer-making process. The museum is very informative and the displays are interesting. The best part is the beer tasting at the end!” (TripAdvisor)
  • “I really enjoyed my visit to the Museum. The building is beautiful and the exhibits are well-done. The beer tasting is a lot of fun, and the staff are friendly and helpful.” (Google Reviews)
  • “The Sapporo Beer Museum is a must-visit for beer lovers. You can learn about the history of the brewery, see the old brewing equipment, and of course, try some of the delicious beer. The atmosphere is great and the building is beautiful.” (Yelp)
  • “The Sapporo Beer Museum is an interesting and fun experience. It’s a great way to spend a few hours and learn about the history of beer in Japan. I highly recommend visiting.” (Expedia)

Overall, visitors seem to enjoy learning about the history of Sapporo Brewery and trying different types of beer at the museum. The building and exhibits are often described as well-done, and the staff are praised for being friendly and helpful.

Location of Sapporo Beer Museum

The Museum is located in the Higashi-ku district of Sapporo city, in the northern island of Hokkaido, Japan. The museum is located within the Sapporo Brewery complex, which is about a 10-minute walk from the Higashi-Kuyakusho-Mae subway station on the Toho subway line. The address of the museum is 9-1-1 Kita 7 Johigashi, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 065-0007, Japan.

 

Frequently asked question about about Sapporo Beer Museum ?

What is the admission fee for the Sapporo Beer Museum?
The admission fee for adults is 700 yen, and for high school and college students it is 500 yen. Children in junior high school and below can enter for free.
Is there an age limit for beer tasting at the Sapporo Beer Museum?
Yes, visitors must be 20 years or older to participate in the beer tasting.
How long does the tour of the Sapporo Beer Museum take?
The tour takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on how much time you spend on each exhibit.
Can I take photos inside the Sapporo Beer Museum?
Yes, photography is allowed inside the museum, but the use of tripods and flash is prohibited.
Is the Sapporo Beer Museum open every day?
The museum is open every day of the week, except for January 1 and during maintenance periods in February and September. It is advisable to check the official website for the latest opening hours and any changes to the schedule.
Is there a restaurant or cafe in the Sapporo Beer Museum?
Yes, there is a restaurant on the second floor of the museum where visitors can enjoy food and beer.