Best Japanese Beer in Japan

In Japan, we are always wondering what the best Japanese beer is. Is it Sapporo, Asahi, Kirin or some other brand that we haven't heard of or tried? When it comes to the Japanese alcohol culture, it is usually not the beer that comes to mind but it is the sake. Nevertheless, Japanese beer is my go to and I enjoy at least a bottle or can every day when I'm in Japan.

I find Japanese beer to be dry, crisp and refreshing. It has a clean taste and it doesn't leave a bitter tone in your mouth like some beers can. Which one is my favorite? I like them all but I'm open to trying anything in Japan and that doesn't have to include any alcohol in them.

One thing I wanted to do in Yokohama, was to visit the Kirin brewery. From Google map, It looked easy to get to but I noticed there are set hours for a tour. It's probably worth checking the tour hours before heading over there.

In Tokyo, it's hard to not notice the interesting building along the Sumida River that seems to have a yellow mustache on it. This 360 tonne sculpture is the Asahi golden flame meant to depict its frothy head. The building is shaped like a beer glass and it houses the group headquarters in there. The golden flame is made by shipbuilders with submarine construction techniques. 

Asahi Beer is brewed and packaged all over the world. In Canada, it is brewed by Molson Coors brewery in Vancouver. There is also a production facility in Wisconsin that serves the US and Canada market.

If you're keen on going on an Asahi brewery tour, head out to Osaka where Asahi's first brewery was built in 1891. The Suita Factory offers a 70-minute tour followed by a 20-minute tasting session of up to 3 glasses per person. Be sure to have some snacks that are provided, with your beer so that you don't get drunk. Note that most tours are in Japanese but there are English speaking tours on select days. Cost of the tour is 1000 yen and starts at 10 am and goes to 3 pm. 

Sapporo is the oldest brand of beer in Japan, first brewed in Sapporo, Hokkaido in 1876. Now it is headquartered in Ebisu, Shibuya near Tokyo. The beer itself is produced all over Japan including Chiba, Kyushu and more. You may have seen the silver can with a yellow star on it. Another incredible fact to know is what the Sapporo can is made of. Not aluminum but steel. 

If you are in Hokkaido, be sure to pick up a can of Sapporo Classic which is only available in Hokkaido and nowhere else. It is exclusive in this area of Japan and meant to be paired with the rich cuisine of Hokkaido.

According to Japan travel guide, be sure to visit the Sapporo Beer Museum and the Sapporo Beer Garden in Sapporo, Hokkaido but they recommend you to make advance reservations with them before going there. To make an application, click here. We came close to going when we were in Muroran, Hokkaido but we were an hour and half away by train and the line was too long to wait in. 

Sapporo beer selling on shelf

Our research shows that Sapporo is not the only place to visit its brewery if it is Sapporo beer that you are interested in. There is a brewery tour in Chiba that offers a free shuttle from several train stations and a guided tour for 500 yen. It goes through the history then shows you the brewing process to production followed by a tasting of their black label. They serve the non-alcoholic versions to the kids and drivers so they get the taste of beer too.

Yebisu is another brand but owned by Sapporo Beer. They have a brewery tour in Shibuya that costs 1800 yen for adults and is open after 1pm on weekdays and 12 noon on weekends. Don't expect to taste Sapporo beer even though this brand is owned by them. Yebisu is touted as the luxury beer and has several varieties to try.

One last note about Sapporo Beer, if you are in Canada, Sapporo beer that is sold there is made by Sleeman Breweries under licence of Sapporo Beer. 

One of the most satisfying and educational things to do in Japan is to seek out a beer brewery and go on a brewery tour. You can google 'brewery tours Tokyo' if you're looking for an up close look at how your favorite beer is made but I recommend you try a few bottles or cans of it first. Before you look up anything, know that a brewery tour is not the same as a beer tour. A brewery tour will show you how beer is made whereas a beer tour will let you sample a variety of beers.

When we were in Miyajima, we noticed stores were selling a local craft beer by the Miyajima Brewery. We bought a can and tried it. It was closer to an amber ale and was quite malty. Most Japanese beers are light and refreshing so the one from Miyajima surprised me.

We found another local premium craft beer when we visited Enoshima. Kamakura Beer Brew Co. produces it and it is a kölsch style pale ale. Unfortunately, it is only available in the Enoshima area (50 mins south of Tokyo).

Here's Yebisu, a brand that Sapporo owns.

Kirin Ichiban. One of my favorite beers. I wanted to tour its brewery in Yokohama but haven't done so even though we have been to Yokohama twice already. Third time is a charm so we will visit the brewery on our next visit.

One of the best beer moments we've had was at the Asahi Skyroom in Tokyo. The Skyroom is the top floor of the building on the left. The iconic yellow chili pepper is Asahi's foam.

The star of the show is the Asahi beer. On the menu, there are light and dark beers. There is even a blend of both light and dark beer, which is pretty good. They said there are snacks but we just had dinner and didn't need any snacks to accompany the 'Super Dry' beer.

Here is a note for myself: Drink any of the three popular beers that are made in Canada but try to taste the difference of a Japanese brewed beer. Perhaps, visit the Yebisu factory and go on a brewery tour to see how their beer is made.