If you love a cold pint, you’ve likely heard of Sapporo Beer. It is one of the oldest and most famous beer brands in Japan. For anyone planning a trip and looking for a Singapore to Sapporo Flight, the Sapporo Sapporo Beer Museum is a place you simply cannot miss. It is actually the only Sapporo Beer Museum in the whole of Japan!

The building itself is a beautiful piece of history. It’s made of old red bricks and used to be a sugar factory and then a brewery many years ago. People come here for two main reasons: to learn about the history and culture of beer at the Sapporo Sapporo Beer Museum Hokkaido, and to eat a massive feast at the Sapporo beer garden.

In this guide, we will look at what you can see inside the Sapporo beer factory, what is on the menu at the garden, and how to get there without any trouble. Exploring this site is definitely one of the top things to do in Sapporo. Plus, if you stay at any of the nearby Sapporo Hotels, you’ll be just a short trip away from this legendary landmark.

The museum tells a great story about how beer-making started in Japan. It’s not just about drinks; it’s about how the city grew since the late 1800s. Walking through the halls, you can really feel the history of the brewery and how it helped shape Hokkaido into the place it is today. To make your trip even smoother, picking one of the nearby Sapporo Hotels is a great idea so you can reach the museum quickly in the morning.

The best part for budget travellers is that the Sapporo Sapporo Beer Museum entrance fee for a basic look around is actually zero, it's free! You can walk through the exhibition halls at your own pace and enjoy the atmosphere of the old Sapporo beer factory. The tour starts on the third floor and leads you through the evolution of the brand from its very beginnings in 1876.

Inside the Sapporo beer factory in Hokkaido, there are plenty of things to look at. You will see cool old posters and historical advertisements that show how Japanese tastes have changed over time. There are also vintage beer bottles, original labels, and massive copper brewing equipment that was used decades ago. 

A big part of the exhibit explains the "Kaitakushi" (pioneer) brewery. This was linked to the early government efforts to develop Hokkaido, making it easily the most interesting museum in Sapporo for fans of local history. You don't even need Sapporo Sapporo Beer Museum tickets to enjoy this part of the building!

If you have a bit of extra time, you should think about getting Sapporo Sapporo Beer Museum tickets for the Premium Tour. It lasts about 50 minutes and costs a small fee, but it is well worth it for a deeper look. A guide explains things in more detail, giving you stories you won't find on the signs, and you get to see exclusive areas and a special 6K theatre show about the brewery's founders.

The real highlight of this Sapporo beer factory tour, though, is the tasting session at the end which is only for premium guests. This Sapporo beer tour allows you to try two or three different beers. One of them is the exclusive "Fukkoku-ban" Kaitakushi Beer, which is made using a special recipe from the early days. It tastes exactly like the beer people drank back in the 1870s!

This Sapporo brewery tour experience is much more complete and fun than just walking through by yourself. If you stay at any of the central Sapporo Hotels, like the ANA Crowne Plaza or Hotel Sosei, getting here for your tour is a breeze.

After learning about the beer, you’ll probably be hungry. This is where the Sapporo beer garden comes in. It’s a huge, lively dining area right next to the museum building. The smell of grilled meat and the sound of people clinking glasses make it a great place to spend an evening.

The star of the show here is the Sapporo beer garden genghis khan. Locally known as Jingisukan, this is a famous Hokkaido dish named after the Mongolian ruler. It is a BBQ where you grill mutton or lamb on a distinctive metal skillet that is shaped like a dome.

There is a historical reason why this is so popular in Hokkaido. Many years ago, the island had many sheep farms for wool, and locals started cooking the meat this way. It pairs perfectly with a cold glass of beer because the savoury, rich taste of the lamb balances the crisp drink.

You can choose different cuts of meat, like loin or shoulder, and dip them into a special soy-based sauce filled with ginger and garlic. The dome-shaped skillet is clever because the juices from the meat run down the sides to flavour the vegetables cooking at the bottom. The Sapporo beer garden menu usually offers "all-you-can-eat" deals, so make sure you come with an empty stomach!

There are five different dining halls to choose from, and each has its own feeling.

Because it’s so popular, a Sapporo beer garden reservation is a very smart move, especially on weekends or during the busy snow festival in February. Reading through Sapporo beer garden reviews, you’ll see that many people suggest booking at least a few days in advance.

While the lamb is the main draw, the Sapporo beer garden menu also includes fresh Hokkaido seafood, local sausages, and plenty of potato dishes. There are plenty of a la carte options if you aren't in the mood for the full BBQ buffet.

Read Also: The Ultimate 7-Day Hokkaido Itinerary for Singaporeans

Planning a visit here is quite easy, but it helps to know a few details before you set off. Since the complex is quite large, having the right information ensures you won't miss out on the best parts of the tour or your dinner.

One of the best things about this attraction is the flexibility. The basic Sapporo Sapporo Beer Museum entrance fee is actually zero, it is completely free to enter and walk through the historical exhibitions at your own pace. However, if you want the full experience with a guide and the 6K theatre show, you will need to buy Sapporo Sapporo Beer Museum tickets for the Premium Tour. These are very affordable, but they do sell out, so try to get them as soon as you arrive.

It is also important to remember that the museum and the dining halls have different times. Typical Sapporo Sapporo Beer Museum opening hours are from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry usually at 5:30 PM. The Sapporo beer garden stays open much later, often until 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM, making it a great spot for a late dinner. The museum is generally closed on Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday), so it’s a good idea to check the official website for any last-minute closure days before you head out.

Getting to the Sapporo Sapporo Beer Museum in Hokkaido is very simple from the city centre. You have two main choices for public transport:

Whether you choose the bus or the subway, it remains one of the most accessible locations for anyone looking to visit a museum in Sapporo. If the weather is nice, the walk from the subway station is a pleasant way to see a bit more of the local neighbourhood.

Read Also: Trip To Hokkaido: 11 Best Things To Do in Hokkaido, Japan

Finding the right place to stay can make your trip much smoother. When deciding where to stay Sapporo, you should think about what you want to do after your museum visit. Since the Sapporo Beer Museum is so well-connected by bus and subway, you don’t have to stay right next door. You can choose a hotel in the city centre and still reach the brewery in about 15 to 20 minutes.

Whether you want to be near the late-night bars or close to the main shopping malls, the city offers plenty of choices. For the best experience, we recommend using Traveloka hotels to browse and book. It is the easiest way to find a hotel Sapporo Beer Museum visitors will find convenient, often with special deals you won't find elsewhere.

If you want to be where the action is, looking for hotels in Susukino or hotels near Odori Park is your best bet. These areas are the heartbeat of the city and offer the easiest access to the Sapporo beer garden genghis khan feasting area via a short bus or taxi ride.

1. JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo

Located directly above Sapporo Station, JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo is perfect for those who want luxury and world-class views. It is ideal for museum visitors because you can catch the "Loop 88" bus right outside the station.

Address: 2-5 Kita 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo.

2. Mercure Hotel Sapporo

A stylish and modern choice in the heart of Susukino. It’s worth it because it places you right in the entertainment district for post-museum drinks, and Mercure Hotel Sapporo even offers parking for those renting a car.

Address: 2-2-4 Minami 4-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo.

3. ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo by IHG

ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo by IHG is highly recommended because it is situated within walking distance of the subway and underground walkways, making it very easy to stay warm while traveling to the Sapporo beer factory.

Address: 2-9 Kita 3-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo.

1. Grand Mercure Sapporo Odori Park

Grand Mercure Sapporo Odori Park is famous for its incredible breakfast buffet. It’s a great base for families who want to be near the park and the main subway lines.

Address: 11-chome, Kita 1-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo.

2. Hotel Resol Trinity Sapporo

Offering a superb location right next to Odori Park, Hotel Resol Trinity Sapporo is praised for its hygiene and comfortable beds, providing a peaceful retreat after a long Sapporo brewery tour.

Address: 5-3 Kita 1-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo.

Sapporo has a huge range of places to sleep, from traditional Japanese inns to sleek, modern skyscrapers. If you want to save your money for more beer and lamb, look for "business hotels.". The most popular hotels booked by tourists include:

1. Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo

Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo is famous for its spacious rooms (which are larger than most Japanese hotels) and excellent breakfast buffet. It is a very comfortable choice for families.

Address: 7-2-1 Kita 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo.

2. SAPPORO HOTEL by GRANBELL

A very new and stylish hotel with a modern design. SAPPORO HOTEL by GRANBELL features a beautiful rooftop public bath (onsen) where you can relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Address: 5-chome-26-3 Minami 3-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo.

3. Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Sapporo

A modern 4-star gem near the station with chic interiors and excellent service, Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Sapporo is one of the top-rated hotels in Sapporo for international travelers.

Address: 4-1-2 Kita 4-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo.

1. APA Hotel Sapporo Susukino Ekimae

This is a top choice for Sapporo hotels budget travellers. APA Hotel Sapporo Susukino Ekimae is located right at the subway entrance, making it incredibly easy to get around the city.

Address: 2-chome-2-5 Minami 4-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo.

2. ANA Holiday Inn SAPPORO SUSUKINO

ANA Holiday Inn SAPPORO SUSUKINO offers great value for a global brand name. The rooms are reliable and it is located right in the heart of the dining district, perfect for foodies.

Address: 3-7 Minami 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo.

3. Tokyu Stay Sapporo Odori

Many rooms here come with a small kitchenette and a private washing machine. Tokyu Stay Sapporo Odori is perfect if you are staying in Sapporo for a few extra days.

Address: 1-9-2 Minami 2-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo.

4. Hotel MyStays Sapporo Station

A very practical hotel located just a short walk from the main train station. Hotel MyStays Sapporo Station provides everything a traveller needs for a low price.

Address: 4-2-2 Kita 8-jo Nishi, Kita-ku, Sapporo.

For those who want to splash out on something special, you can find premium luxury at places like the JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo, which sits right above the main station and offers views of the whole city.

The best trick is to go onto Traveloka and use the filters. You can sort by price, star rating, or even look for hotels that offer free parking. Because Sapporo Beer Museum Hokkaido is such a popular destination, Traveloka hotels often have exclusive New User Promo or seasonal Hotels Promo that can save you a lot of money. Whether you want a simple bed or a fancy suite, you can get it all sorted with just a few taps.

Yes, you can look at the exhibits for free, but a Sapporo beer factory tour with a guide and beer tasting costs extra.

It is highly recommended! You can try walking in, but a Sapporo beer garden reservation saves you from waiting in a long queue.

Yes, the museum is fine for kids. They can have soft drinks or apple juice while the adults enjoy a Sapporo beer tour.

Definitely the Sapporo beer garden genghis khan (lamb BBQ). It's the classic Hokkaido experience.

Read Also: Sapporo Guide: Things to Do in Sapporo for All Seasons

A visit to the Sapporo beer factory is a great highlight, but there is so much more to see in this beautiful part of Japan. If you are starting your journey from abroad, the first thing to do is look for a cheap flight to Sapporo (New Chitose Airport) on the Traveloka app. Booking your flights early is the best way to save money for your holiday treats!

Once you land, you can find and book the best accommodation in Sapporo through the app, ensuring you have a comfy place to rest after a day of exploring. You can also use Traveloka to plan your daily schedule and book various activities in Sapporo, such as your sapporo brewery tour, visits to local chocolate factories, or even a day trip to the nearby port town of Otaru.

Whether you are coming for the world-famous beer, the winter skiing, or the incredible fresh seafood, Traveloka helps you get every part of your trip sorted in one place. Have a fantastic trip and enjoy your beer!