The Best Sapporo Beer Guide
Alcoholic beverages are present in Japan’s daily life. The Japanese of all generations enjoy them when socializing. The country’s traditional drink, sake, is part of local traditions and rituals.
One of the most popular alcoholic beverages in Japan is beer, featuring several brands across Japan and available for export in other countries.
One of the top beer brands is Sapporo beer. The brewery is in the northern city of Sapporo, established by the government in 1876, partly, as an effort to open the island of Hokkaido.
Tourists in Japan can visit the Sapporo Brewery Museum and learn the history, experience the production of Sapporo Beer, and taste various kinds of beers.
The beer first appeared in Japan in the 17th century when Holland merchants started selling beer to sailors who worked on the ships that crossed the waters between Japan and the Holland Empire.
When Japan became open to international trade, beer exports were small initially. Consequently, the country started to open local breweries that later transformed into big factories. Over time, the government granted permission for beer production only to big breweries, while small ones ceased.
In the 90s, the Japanese government eased the law, and breweries started to prosper. Today, Japan features hundreds of small breweries that sell their beverages in bars, restaurants, and even vending machines in Japan.
Beer consumption in Japan accelerated in the second half of the 20th century, and today, it is more in demand than traditional sake. And there’s more and more need for Japanese beers globally considered high-quality and tasty beers.
WHERE TO GET THE BEST SAPPORO BEER?
Kalahana
From its location in the central part of Sapporo to its warm and friendly environment, Kalahana beer bar is where you might find diverse kinds of Japanese beer and not only. It also has quite a menu that goes well with the beer, making it an ideal spot. Their taps feature traditional beers alongside American and European brews, including a selection of craft bottles. As a result, the bar appeals to the local crowd as it does to the beer drinkers exploring Sapporo for the flavor of hops.
Address and contact: 7-4 Minami 2 Jo Nishi, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo 060-0062, Hokkaido.
Telephone: +81 11-251-1087.
Beer Bar Bazil-Bazil in Sapporo
If you travel to Japan and have a walk near Nakajima Park in Sapporo, this is a highly recommended bar. It looks like an ordinary restaurant, but many Google reviews praise the staff, beer, and delicious food particularly. Their impressive menu covers dark and light beer and seasonal and bolted beer, including famous Yebisu beer. Salads, pizzas, nachos, chicken wings, and soups are among the wonderful foodies in the Beer Bar Bazil-Bazil in Sapporo.
Address and contact: 5 Chome-289-138 Minami 8 Jonishi, Sapporo, Hokkaido. Telephone: 8111-561-3533.
Cool Beer Craft
One of three shops run by the parent company Boo Craft, this civilized spot near the Tanukikoji stop on the Sapporo streetcar route is always filled with locals chatting with each other. Yet, a quick look at the menu will tell you that Cool Beer Craft is serious about its beers. The bar has a decent selection of Asahi’s Sumidagawa craft and domestic beer on tap. Drinking cans are also available. Cool Beer Craft has happy hours for discounted beverages and appetizers.
Address and contact: 1-3-3 Minami 3 Jo Nishi, Chuoku 1F Maru Bldg., Sapporo. Telephone: 8111-596-0774.
Hininituka
If you are serious about Hokkaido beers, this is your first port in Sapporo. Located not far from the north exit of Sapporo Station, the bar attracts with its stylish exterior and interior décor. There are 10 taps of Hokkaido craft beer and a good choice of delicious snacks.
Address and contact: Kita Ward, Kita 7 Jonishi, Sapporo, Hokkaido. Telephone: 8111-700-0012.
Moon Sun Brewing
Although far from busy Susukino, this small brewing spot in Nijo market makes much of cool vibes for the 10 types of craft beer brewed in Shiroshi Ward, Sapporo.
Moon Sun Brewing is an attraction for visitors looking for a variety. There are about 8 kinds of beer, from Pale Ale, Pilsner, IPA, Amber Ale, Stout, and XPA. In addition, the bar has tasty food on its menu.
Address and contact: Chuo Ward, Minami 3 Johigashi, 1 Chome−３, Hokkaido, Sapporo.
Telephone: 81 503085 2989.