Home to one of Japan’s flagship beers, the capital of Hokkaido has also become a craft brewing centre. Follow this trail to find microbreweries and hidden taprooms.
Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.Japan has always seen the northernmost of its main islands as a frontier — a place known best to international visitors for its skiing, but also home to the country’s wildest national parks and to the Indigenous culture of the Ainu people. In one respect, though, Hokkaido is at the heart of a Japanese passion, with its brewing heritage dating back almost 150 years, and centred on the fun-loving city of Sapporo.
on-site museum is free to enter and gives an interesting overview of how the city became one of Asia’s beer capitals after the founding of Sapporo brewery in 1876. The indoor ‘beer garden’ sells a tasting set of three different eras of Sapporo’s light lager. A 10-minute bus ride from the museum, this brewpub and diner is easy to spot from the queue that’s usually outside. Servers can suggest beer pairings to go with the lunch menu of local meat platters.
It may be synonymous with vineyards and bold Cabernet Sauvignon, but dig deeper and you'll find experimental menus rich in local produce and a gutsy craft beer movement that prove there's more to the region than grapes. Bask in the glory of autumn by rail, eat local on a scenic island, and get your groove on at a historic Latin American celebration.
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