Nothing to do in Hokkaido when it isn’t winter? Think again. The Sapporo Beer Museum offers an interactive experience where beer, history, and food collide.
Whether you’re ducking into the museum for a break from the snow or searching for things to do in Sapporo during spring and summer, this red-brick landmark deserves a spot on your Hokkaido itinerary. It’s not just a tribute to Japan’s beer legacy — it’s a full-bodied (pun intended) experience with culture, tastings, souvenirs, and Hokkaido-style bites.
Whether you’re just a casual traveller passing through or a beer buff, this one’s worth raising a glass to.
💜 Stay Up To Date:
– Beginner’s Guide To Dolomites, Italy (2025): Where to Go, Stay, and Explore
– Kota Kinabalu Travel Guide (2025): Top Things To Do, Hotels & More
– SGD To IDR: How To Get The Best Indonesian Rupiah Rate
Lock in the best JPY rates with zero FX fees with YouTrip! Not on YouTrip yet? Sign up for a complimentary YouTrip card with <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5! ✨
📌 Table of Contents: Sapporo Beer Museum (2025)
- What is the Sapporo Beer Museum?
- Do You Need Tickets?
- Sapporo Beer Museum Tasting 🍺
- Sapporo Beer Museum Food & Restaurant Options
- Sapporo Beer Museum Shop 🛍️
- Getting There
- Opening Hours & Time Needed
- FAQs
What is the Sapporo Beer Museum?
Image credits: Japan Guide
The Sapporo Beer Museum is Japan’s only official beer museum, tracking 150+ years of Sapporo Beer history — one of the country’s oldest and most iconic beer brands.
Set in a historic red-brick building from the 1890s (formerly a sugar factory), the museum features:
- Historic brewing tools
- Retro posters and label art
- Behind-the-scenes brewing insights
- A peek into Hokkaido’s role in Japan’s beer culture
It’s educational, atmospheric, and ends with — you guessed it — fresh beer tastings and a hearty meal. Not your average museum trip.
Sapporo Beer Museum: Worried about running out of cash in Japan? Here’s all you need to know about ATM withdrawals in Japan.
Do You Need Tickets for the Sapporo Beer Museum?
Image Credits: GaijinPot Travel
Good news: You don’t need tickets for the basic experience! But if you’re looking to level up your visit, there’s a premium guided tour for a small fee. Here’s a breakdown:
Free Self-Guided Tour:
- Explore exhibits at your own pace
- View antique equipment, old ads, and learn about Sapporo beer history
- No reservation or ticket required
- Takes around 20-30 minutes
Premium Guided Tour:
- 500 JPY (~S$4.40) per person
- Guided walk-through of heritage brewing rooms
- Dramatic 6K theatre show on Sapporo Beer history
- Ends with a special tasting of limited-edition brews
- Japanese-language tour with English/Korean audio guides
💡 Tip: Advanced reservation is recommended (via their official site)
Sapporo Beer Museum: Planning your next trip to Japan? Here are the best times to visit Japan!
Sapporo Beer Museum Tasting Experience 🍺
Image Credits: Obsessed with Japan
Let’s be real — the beer tasting is what most people come for. At Star Hall, you can enjoy freshly brewed beers straight from the source.
💴 Price:
- 300 JPY (~S$2.70) per glass
- 800 JPY (~S$7) for a 3-beer tasting flight
🍻 Beers Available for Tasting:
- Sapporo Draft Beer Black Label
- Sapporo Classic (only sold in Hokkaido)
- Kaitakushi Beer (historic 1876 recipe)
Soft drinks are available for the little ones and the non-drinkers.
🍺 No advance bookings — just queue and sip!
Sapporo Beer Museum: Here are some of the best ways to save money while visiting Japan!
Sapporo Beer Museum Food & Restaurant Options
Image Credits: Visit Sapporo
Feeling peckish after a pint or three? You don’t have to venture out for food! The Sapporo Beer Museum houses multiple restaurants with specially curated menus meant to be paired with beer. That’s what I’d call a match made in heaven!
Restaurants inside Kessel Hall:
- Kaitakushi-kan
- Garden Grill
- Lilac Hall
- Poplar Hall
All five restaurants specialise in their Jingisukan or Genghis Khan, a popular grilled dish with mutton or lamb, each with its own secret sauce, interior design, and appeal.
Image credits: Visit Sapporo
If you enjoy lamb and mutton, then the all-you-can-eat buffet priced at 7,500 JPY (~S$66.55) for adults and 3,750 JPY (~S$33.30) for students would definitely be worth it.
- Genghis Khan – Hokkaido’s signature grilled lamb dish
- Hokkaido cheese platters
- Beer-marinated sausages
Sapporo Beer Museum: We’ve found 10 must-buy items at Don Quijote in Japan.
Sapporo Beer Museum Shop
Image credits: Plan My Japan
Before you leave, be sure to stop by the Sapporo Beer Museum shop for some must-have beer swag:
- Limited edition beer & craft cans
- Sapporo-branded pint glasses, mugs & retro coasters
- Posters, T-shirts, gift boxes
- Hokkaido-exclusive snacks like beer crackers & cheese spreads
Perfect for gifts or just treating yourself. You earned it.
T-Money Card Guide: Stay up-to-date with this Seoul Climate Card Guide: New Transit Pass For Tourists
Getting to the Sapporo Beer Museum
📍Address:
- Sapporo Beer Museum 9-chōme-1-1 Kita 7 Jōhigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 065-8633, Japan
🚶 By Foot:
- ~25-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station
🚌 By Bus:
- Take the Loop 88 Factory line (aka ‘Factory Line Bus’)
- Alight at the ‘Sapporo Beer Garden’ stop
🚕 By Taxi:
- ~10 minutes from Sapporo Station
- Approximately 1,200 JPY–1,500 JPY (~S$10.70-13.30)
Sapporo Beer Museum: Travelling between cities? Here’s the ultimate guide to Shinkansen Travel.
Opening Hours & Recommended Time
Image credits: Travelling Minions
| Section | Hours |
|---|---|
| Museum Exhibition Area | 11 AM – 6 PM |
| Star Hall (Tasting Area) | 11 AM – 6 PM (Last order 5:30 PM) |
| Sapporo Beer Museum Shop | 11 AM – 6 PM |
| Sapporo Beer Museum Restaurant | 11:30 AM – 9 PM (Last order 8:40 PM) |
🛑 Closed on Mondays, New Year holidays, and occasional maintenance days
Suggested Visit Time
Half a day is just about the right amount of time for a relaxed yet fulfilling experience. Here’s a suggested breakdown:
- Self-guided or premium tour: 30-45 mins
- Beer tasting at Star Hall: 30 mins
- Lunch or dinner at Sapporo Beer Museum Restaurant: 60-90 mins
- Souvenir shopping at the Sapporo Beer Museum shop: 15-30 mins
🕒 Total recommended time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Sapporo Beer Museum: Here’s everything you need to know about skiing in Hokkaido.
Sapporo Beer Museum FAQs
Q: Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
A: Only for the Premium Tour. General admission is free and doesn’t require tickets.
Q: Is the museum family-friendly?
A: Yes! Kids are welcome, and there are exhibits, soft drinks, and food suitable for all ages.
Q: Can I just visit the museum shop or restaurant?
A: Absolutely. You can drop by for a quick souvenir run or just for a bite without having to go through the museum
Q: Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users and strollers?
A: Yes! There’s elevator access and barrier-free paths in most areas.
Q: Can you tour the Sapporo beer factory?
A: Not at this museum. The actual factory is in Eniwa City, and tours are held there separately.
Q: How much does it cost to go to the Sapporo Beer Museum?
A: Free for the self-guided tour. Premium Tour is 500 JPY, and beer tastings cost 300 JPY–800 JPY.
Q: How long should I spend at the Sapporo Beer Museum?
A: Around 2.5 to 3 hours for a complete experience with tour, tasting, dining, and shopping.
It’s Hops, History and Happy Hour All Day!
The Sapporo Beer Museum hits the sweet spot between cultural immersion and leisure. With free entry, delicious food and a chance to indulge in unique Sapporo Beer tastings, it’s easily one of the top things to do in the city.
Save more as you spend! Don’t forget to bring your YouTrip card along for the best JPY exchange rates!
Not a YouTrooper yet? Singapore’s go-to multi-currency wallet helps you save with great FX rates and zero fees. Skip the money changer and get a free YouTrip card + S$5 YouTrip credits with code <YTBLOG5>.
Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. Join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and Community Group (@YouTripSquad) for travel tips, event invites, and more!
Happy travels!
Related Articles
Where’s My Korean Won and Chinese Yuan? (and 140+ Currencies)
2025 Cherry Blossom Korea Guide: Forecasts, Festivals & Best Spots
The Ultimate 10-Day Korea Itinerary 2024
