Hokkaido Must-Visit! Sapporo Beer Museum Unveils a Major Makeover and a Journey Guided by the Star
- Written by: LIVE JAPAN Editor
When visiting Sapporo, Hokkaido, beautiful snowy scenery and incredible seafood are only part of the experience. You also cannot leave without enjoying a glass of authentic Japanese beer.
Ahead of Sapporo Beer’s 150th anniversary, the Sapporo Beer Museum reopened on July 1, 2026, following a major renovation. As Japan’s only museum dedicated entirely to beer, it offers plenty to enjoy for both devoted beer fans and travelers who love historic architecture, combining fascinating sights, immersive sounds, and, of course, delicious flavors.
The revamped museum now offers two new ways to explore, making it easier than ever for international visitors to dive into Japan’s beer culture.
Main image source: Sapporo Breweries Ltd.
This article contains affiliate or coupon links. All featured facilities and experiences meet our editorial standards.
Self-Guided Visit: Explore with a New Multilingual Audio Experience
Travelers who prefer exploring at their own pace should choose the museum’s self-guided option.

The renovation introduces a new audio guide using Sony’s Locatone spatial sound technology. Titled The Story of SAPPORO BEER: Following the Compass to the Star, the guide is available in five languages, including English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.
Listen as you move between 15 points throughout the museum and travel through the pioneering history of Sapporo Beer. The multilingual guide makes the story easy to follow, while visitors who complete the full audio experience will receive an exclusive commemorative sticker.
- Price:
- Adults 1,000 yen | Junior high school students and visitors under 20: 500 yen | Elementary school students and younger: Free
- Highlights:
- High-tech multilingual audio guide and an exclusive souvenir
Official Guided Tour: Behind-the-Scenes Stories and Exclusive Beer Tastings
Travelers looking for a deeper introduction to Japanese beer culture should not miss the official Sapporo Beer Museum Guided Tour.

A dedicated brand guide leads visitors through the museum, sharing the stories and craftsmanship behind more than a century of beer brewing.

The tour’s biggest highlight awaits inside the newly opened Premium Lounge, where participants can sample two beers. One is the exclusive Recreated Sapporo Beer, available only on this guided tour and inspired by the rich flavors enjoyed during Hokkaido’s pioneering era.
- Price:
- Adults 2,000 yen | Junior high school students and visitors under 20: 1,000 yen | Elementary school students: Free | Hokkaido residents receive a 300-yen discount on each ticket type
- Highlights:
- Professional guided commentary and two beer tastings, with soft drinks available for non-drinkers
Visiting the Sapporo Beer Museum
Opened in 1987 as Japan’s first museum dedicated to beer, the Sapporo Beer Museum occupies an impressive red-brick building completed in 1890. This valuable piece of industrial heritage has witnessed the birth and development of Japan’s beer industry, making the building itself one of the museum’s greatest attractions.

Important: Japan’s legal drinking age is 20. Alcohol cannot be served to drivers, visitors under 20, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Soft drinks are available instead.
Tickets: Purchase tickets in advance through the online booking link or from the museum’s ticket machines on the day of your visit.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Popular Tours & Activities
Recommended places for you
-
Niseko Village Ski Resort
Skiing & Snowboarding
Niseko / Rusutsu
-
Appealing
Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike)
Rivers, Lakes & Canyons
Furano / Biei / Sounkyo
-
Appealing
Mt. Hakodate Observatory
Forests & Mountains
Hakodate
-
Farm Tomita
Other Nature
Furano / Biei / Sounkyo
-
Appealing
Rukku and Uohei
Izakaya
Sapporo / Chitose
-
Appealing
Odori Park
Parks
Sapporo / Chitose
-
10 Recommended Apartment Hotels in Hakodate for Families & Groups
by: Sae Haneda
-
Hokkaido's Best 10 Budget Onsen Stays (Ryokan & Hotels From 20,000 Yen a Night)
-
Experience 'Ghost of Yotei' IRL! See Why Niseko is The Ultimate Summer Escape
-
Hokkaido for Travelers from India: A Complete First-Trip Guide
by: Himanshi Shah
-
Just 2 Minutes from JR Sapporo Station! Sapporo’s Must-Visit Soup Curry Gem: Hirihiri No. 2, a Longtime Local Favorite
by: Guest Contributor
-
Feel the Power of Giant Draft Horses Racing with Iron Sleds at Banei Tokachi (Obihiro Racecourse)
by: Guest Contributor
-
Brewing Tradition Since 1944: Visiting Kikko Nihon - One of Asahikawa's Longest-Running Soy Sauce Companies
-
7 Iconic Hokkaido locations that will make your Instagram shine
by: Himanshi Shah
-
Tokyo Train & Subway Guide: Navigate the City Like a Pro (JR, Subways, IC Cards & Passes)
-
Healthcare in Japan for Tourists: What to Do When You Get Sick or Injured in Japan
-
Noboribetsu Onsen: 5 Best Things to Do in Japan's Famous Hot Springs Town!
-
The Sushi Enthusiast's Guide to Otaru: 5 Curated Restaurants for Uni, Seafood & More
- #best sushi hokkaido
- #things to do hokkaido
- #best ramen sapporo
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sweets otaru
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best nature furano
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best japanese soft drinks













