Meticulously preserved in the interiors of a red brick building, the Sapporo Beer Museum and Garden is an outstanding homage to Japan's beer heritage and more prestige to the already glamorous Hokkaido Island. As the birthplace of beer in Japan, Sapporo is both a capital and custodian of rich history, with the beer museum and garden the only historical landmark dedicated to beer in Japan. Deservedly designated a Hokkaido Heritage Site, this museum and garden are culinary icons and more reasons Hokkaido is a big deal.
Sapporo Beer: An Illustrious History Wrapped in a Beer Manufacturing Factory
The history of the Sapporo Beer is quite dated, with roots going back as far as the Meiji Period when Japan sought to develop its rural regions. To achieve this goal, the government decided to expand and develop the vast Hokkaido Island by setting up industries, including breweries. Construction began in June 1876 for the Kaitaku-shi Brewery, which would be later known as Sapporo Brewery, and by September of the same year, it was completed, setting the stage for Japan's first beer.
The German Influence and the Beer's Emergence
As with most histories with beer, there is always a German undertone somewhere, and the Sapporo Beer is not unique from this dash of German influence. However, unlike other beer history, where the German influence came directly from the Germans, Sapporo's beer and its brew craftsmanship came from an illustrious Japanese son, Sebei Nagakawa, who left Japan at the age of 17 to travel the world. He found himself in Germany at one point and learned the fine art of brewing beer. When the Kaitaku-shi Brewery was established, he came back home to become Japan's first brewmaster and practised what he had learned. Subsequently, the first Sapporo Beer was brewed in September 1877 using German brewing techniques and was marketed in Tokyo.
A Seamless and Amazing Fusion of Dual Techniques
Learning from the Germans and applying his Japanese innate artistry, Nagakawa created Japan's first beer - a lager rich in taste with a smooth finish. The beer symbolises the power of harmonised craftsmanship between two nations "Germany and Japan," making it exceptionally good, with an exotic malt accent that reveals itself in a slightly sour taste but tongue-smacking flavour. The beer also symbolises Japan's strong ethic of excellence in whatever it does, creating a beer culture that would endure for 148 years and still go stronger.
The Beer Museum Today
The Sapporo Beer Museum and Garden operates on a free-entry policy and offers free guided tours of the historic property across its 3 floors. Visitors will see an array of exhibits and panels mirroring the evolution of Sapporo Brewing from its roots in the Meiji Era to the present day. Exhibits range from beer bottles and posters to brewing equipment, some even used before World War II.
There's a museum shop where you can purchase souvenirs from the Sapporo Beer Merchandise, as well as beer and snacks. A tasting hall is available to taste different brews, including the Hokkaido signature Sapporo Beer and the Sapporo Draft Beer Kuro Label.
The Garden and Genghis Khan: A Culinary Sensation and Journey
The garden is an integral part of the beer museum and its history but focuses more on the culinary side of the experience. Here, freshly brewed draft beer directly from the factory is relished alongside the palatable Genghis Khan dish—a byproduct of tender lamb meat and fresh vegetables. The Genghis Khan dish is Hokkaido's signature and special meal, implying that you not only taste the cuisine culture but also its masterpiece creation found nowhere else.
There are a couple of restaurants in the garden to patronise and make the most of the experience. These include the Garden Grill, Kaitakushi-Kan, Poplar-Kan, and Lilac, all serving various exotic and tongue-stunning dishes, such as the Genghis Khan dish with a secret sauce and other fare such as grilled seafood and vegetables.
Sapporo Beer: Japan's First and Finest
Enrich your taste buds with the creamy and exquisite taste of Sapporo Beer, Japan's first beer—each sip pays homage to Nagakawa, its first brewmaster. Explore the museum, the first of its kind and the only type dedicated to beer in Japan, to immerse yourself in the interpretations of exhibits as the history of this iconic beer comes alive in different ways.
