The pleasure of traveling in Japan is discovering local exclusive products.
In Hokkaido, you must try the locally exclusive SAPPORO CLASSIC draft beer, as well as the beloved SAPPORO Black Label draft beer.
In addition to beer, the sake brewed during the cold season is also a must-try.
Hokkaido’s unique climate slows down the maturation process of sake, resulting in a more delicate and refined flavor.
Come to Asahikawa and discover hidden gem stores where you can taste a variety of exquisite Hokkaido-produced sake!
Japanese Sake Bar（Uedaya）
The first station is the Japanese Sake Bar (Uedaya).
You can not only purchase a variety of sake but also experience the unique tradition of “kaku-da at here,” the art of sake tasting and serving.
“Kaku-da” refers to a corner or designated area in liquor stores where customers can sample a variety of drinks.
You can stand, drink, converse, and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle.
Walk through the corridor and enter the kaku-da area.
The fridge is stocked with a variety of authentic Japanese sake, and the color of the strings on the bottles represents different price ranges.
You can choose a drink you like, or ask the staff for recommendations based on your taste, and easily enjoy the fun of wine tasting.
!When checking out, show your【Have Fun in Hokkaido Pass】to receive a 1,000 yen discount coupon!
Japanese Sake Bar (Uedaya)
Address：北海道旭川市4条通4丁目1703-91 Googlemaps
Sapporo Beer Museum
The next station, we do to the Sapporo Beer Museum.
This is one of the birthplace locations of Sapporo Beer, home to the century-old Hokkaido Brewery, which has witnessed the evolution and development of beer from its founding to the present day.
It is the only museum in Japan dedicated to beer and also the oldest beer museum in the country.
Next to it, there’s a whole wall of beer barrels, creating a striking and impressive atmosphere!
The massive boiling kettle is truly impressive.
Using high-quality beer ingredients, “malt” and “hops,” they craft delicious beer.
This place showcases the various logos of Sapporo Beer from different eras.
At the end of the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to sample Hokkaido-exclusive beers, SAPPORO CLASSIC and SAPPORO Black Label draft beer.
Perhaps it’s because I learned about the history and brewing process of beer during the tour, but the beer seemed even more delicious!
However, please note that during the tour, you are allowed to take photos but not record videos.
After enjoying the refreshing beer, be sure to check out the gift shop at the beer museum. It offers a wide range of beer-related merchandise.
For beer lovers, you can purchase this shirt featuring the classic SAPPORO Black Label draft beer logo.
They also sell beer directly shipped from the Hokkaido brewery.
There are so many different types of beer glasses available here. If you like, you can buy one as a souvenir!
Sapporo Beer Museum
Address：札幌市東區北7條東9丁目2-10 Googlemaps
Unboxing Three Hokkaido-Exclusive Beers
Finally, let’s unbox three Hokkaido-exclusive beers.
The first one: SAPPORO CLASSIC (the left one)
This beer is brewed with 100% malt and high-quality water, without any added adjuncts.
Its refreshing and unique flavor has been loved for over 40 years.
The second one: SAPPORO CLASSIC Seasonal Limited-Edition Beer (the middle one)
This seasonal limited-edition beer changes with the seasons, offering a unique flavor for each one. It’s definitely worth a try.
The seasonal limited-edition series includes Spring’s “Haruno Kaori,” Summer’s “Natsu no Sōkai,” and Autumn’s “Furano VINTAGE.”
Each one is crafted with Hokkaido’s local ingredients, allowing you to experience the changing flavors of beer throughout the seasons.
The third one：SAPPORO Black Label Draft Beer (the right one)
Made with high-quality malted barley, hops, and water, and brewed using traditional techniques to ensure consistency in flavor and taste.
From the first sip, you can experience its unique flavor, with subtle notes of roasted malt and hops in the foam that are truly enchanting.
Whether you’re a beer or sake enthusiast, a visit to Hokkaido is a must to enjoy fine drinks and delicious cuisine.
We look forward to you experiencing it in person. Cheers!
※Reminder: Excessive drinking is harmful to health. Minors are prohibited from drinking.
※Please refer to the official website for business hours.
※Attractions in the Pass will be updated from time to time, please refer to the official website for the latest information.
