Taste Hokkaido’s brewing heritage on a 3.5-hour guided tour through a sake museum, the birthplace of Sapporo Beer, and a beloved local liquor shop. Expect curated tastings, historical context, and practical tips on enjoying sake and beer the Japanese way.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the JR train and the city exhales—crisp air, a hint of barley and steamed rice drifting from alleyway doors. This three-and-a-half-hour guided loop threads through Sapporo’s brewing landmarks: a sake museum run by the region’s only local brewer, the birthplace of Sapporo Beer, and a small, family-owned liquor shop where generations have debated the right temperature for sake.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Light urban walking ability—suitable for most fitness levels; able to stand for short tastings.
Wildlife
History
Sapporo Beer began as a government-supported brewery in the late 19th century as Hokkaido industrialized; local sake traditions evolved alongside agricultural settlement and cold-climate brewing techniques.
Conservation
Support small producers by buying locally bottled products and avoid single-use plastics; respect shop operations and minimize noise in residential areas.
Reserve your spot on the A Taste of Sapporo Sake and Beer Immersion Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring ID for tastings
You must present valid photo ID for alcohol tastings; keep it accessible to speed check-in.
Hydrate and pace yourself
Sip water between tastings—flights include multiple pours and palate fatigue sneaks up fast.
Use public transit
Meeting point is near JR Sapporo Station and the tour ends at Naebo Station; a rechargeable IC card (Suica/Pasmo) makes transfers seamless.
Respect the shop owner’s space
The final stop is a working neighborhood store—photograph with permission and keep voices moderate.
Photo ID (passport or driver's license)
Required for age verification before alcohol tastings.
Comfortable walking shoes
Short walks between venues include pavement and station platforms.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated helps when sampling multiple drinks.
Light jacket or layers
Hokkaido evenings can be cool year-round—layers make tastings more comfortable.
winter