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.
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