Sapporo Sake & Beer 2026: Best Museums, Breweries, Izakayas & Souvenir Guide
Sapporo, known as Hokkaido's largest city, is famous as a destination where you can enjoy delicious cuisine including meat and seafood. Additionally, because the area has long been blessed with a climate suitable for sake brewing and beautiful water, sake brewing has thrived here for generations.
In and around Sapporo, there are several sake breweries that have earned high acclaim both domestically and internationally. In this article, we will introduce sake-related facilities, izakaya, and recommended sake where you can enjoy Sapporo Sake 2026.
Table of Contents
-Three Sake-Related Facilities Where You Can Enjoy Sapporo's Exquisite Sake
-3 Izakayas with Great Access Where You Can Enjoy Exquisite Sake in Sapporo's Downtown Area
-3 Recommended Sake That Make Perfect Souvenirs from Hokkaido — Guaranteed to Please!
-3 Facilities Where You Can Enjoy Exquisite Sapporo Beer and Special Brews
Sapporo Can Produce Delicious Sake Thanks to High-Quality Brewing Water
Sapporo has long been blessed with high-quality brewing water and is known as a region capable of producing delicious sake. In particular, the Toyohira River flowing through Sapporo city carries high-quality water that has been used for sake brewing since ancient times.
Furthermore, Hokkaido's distinctive cold climate is also an advantage, as it prevents the growth of unwanted bacteria and enhances the flavor of sake. Due to this environment ideally suited for sake brewing, there are numerous breweries in and around Sapporo.
What Exactly Is Sake?
Sake is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting rice, rice bran, and water as its basic ingredients. There are various brands of sake, and since the ingredients differ by region, the appeal lies in being able to enjoy a variety of flavors.
While there are many types of sake, they can be mainly divided into the following three categories:
- Junmai-shu
- Ginjo-shu
- Honjozo-shu
Junmai-shu is sake made only from rice, rice bran, and water, allowing you to enjoy the authentic umami of sake. Ginjo-shu is sake that has been slowly fermented at low temperatures, characterized by its fruity flavor. Honjozo-shu is sake made using rice with 30% of its outer layer polished away, resulting in a crisp, dry taste.
Three Sake-Related Facilities Where You Can Enjoy Sapporo's Exquisite Sake
Chitosetsuru Sake Museum
Source:Official website
Chitosetsuru Sake Museum is a directly operated shop that sells sake under the Chitosetsuru brand. Chitosetsuru is a sake brewery based in Sapporo, and at the shop, you can purchase limited-edition sake as well as raw sake that can be bottled on the spot.
The facility also houses a museum where you can learn in detail about the history of Chitosetsuru and the process by which sake is made. There is also an attached café where ice cream made with Chitosetsuru sake and amazake are popular items.
Since it's free to enjoy, I often visit whenever I'm in Sapporo.
<Information>
Address: 2 Minami 3-jo Higashi 5-chome, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Business Hours: 10:00–18:00 (Monday: 10:00–17:00)
Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
Phone: 011-221-7570
Official Website: https://nipponseishu.co.jp/chitosetsuru/museum/
Meishu no Yutaka
Source:Tabelog
Meishu no Yutaka is a family-run sake specialty shop with a long history in Sapporo. The shop offers over 500 varieties of products shipped directly from breweries across Japan, ranging from local sake to shochu and wine.
They also sell stylish glasses, snacks that pair perfectly with sake, and sake lees, so sake lovers can lose track of time enjoying themselves here. The staff are also highly knowledgeable about sake, so they can answer any questions you may have about it.
Since they'll answer any question, I always find myself staying longer than expected, enjoying lively conversations with the staff every time I visit.
<Information>
Address: 4-13 Kita 25-jo Nishi 15-chome, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Business Hours: 10:00–19:00
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 011-716-5174
Official Website: https://www.yutaka1.com/
Tanaka Sake Brewery, Kikkogura (Otaru)
Source:Official website
Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura in Otaru is known as one of Otaru's representative breweries. This historic brewery was established in 1899 and has continued to produce high-quality sake for many years using premium snowmelt water from Otaru's Tengu Mountain and Hokkaido-grown rice.
The brewery offers free tours, and after the tour, you can taste freshly made sake. The shop selling sake is housed in a historic building constructed in 1927, which has been designated as one of Otaru's historic structures.
The shop staff are highly knowledgeable about sake, so feel free to ask them any questions you may have.
<Information>
Address: 2-2 Nobukamachi, Otaru, Hokkaido
Business Hours: 9:05–17:55
Closed: None
Phone: 0134-21-2390
Official Website: https://tanakashuzo.com/
3 Izakayas with Great Access Where You Can Enjoy Exquisite Sake in Sapporo's Downtown Area
Kissho
Source:Official website
Kissho in Sapporo is an izakaya directly operated by Chitosetsuru brewery. As a brewery-owned establishment, they always have over 30 types of seasonal sake available, allowing you to enjoy delicious cuisine paired with sake.
The variety of dishes is extensive, featuring fresh seafood, yakitori skewers, smoked dishes, and hot pot—all perfectly complementing sake. They also serve lunch on weekdays, making it easy to enjoy dishes prepared with fresh ingredients.
The restaurant has counter seating as well, making solo dining possible. Whenever I visit Sapporo, I always stop by this restaurant to enjoy sake alongside fresh fish.
<Information>
Address: B1F Sapporo North Plaza, 4-4-2 Kita 1-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Hours: Lunch Mon-Fri 11:00-14:00 / Dinner Mon-Sat 17:00-23:00 / Holidays 17:00-22:00
Closed: Sundays (If Monday is a holiday, open for dinner only on Sunday and closed Monday), Year-end and New Year holidays
Phone: 011-242-2205
Official Website: https://www.kissyo-sapporo.jp/
Hokkaido Local Sake Specialty Shop andsake
Source:Official website
andsake is a sake bar located in Susukino, known as one of Sapporo's most prominent entertainment districts. This establishment offers approximately 70 types of carefully selected sake chosen by the owner, which you can enjoy alongside appetizers such as oden.
If you want something other than sake, you can order various alcoholic beverages including beer, sour cocktails, and whisky. The interior features not only counter seating but also table seating, accommodating everyone from solo visitors to large groups.
The shop is conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from Susukino Station on the subway, making it a recommended spot for those who want to fully enjoy delicious sake in Susukino. If you're exploring Sapporo sake in 2026, this is definitely a must-visit destination.
<Information>
Address: 6F F-45 Building, 8-1 Minami 4-jo Nishi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Hours: 16:00-24:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 011-205-0162
Official Website: https://andsake-susukino.com/
Hokkaido Local Sake BAR Kamata
Source:Official website
Bar Kamata is an atmospheric sake bar located in Susukino. Known for stocking nearly 300 types of Hokkaido-produced sake, if you visit here, there's no Hokkaido sake you won't be able to try.
Not only the sake, but all food ingredients used are also sourced from Hokkaido. Besides sake, they offer an extensive drink selection including whisky, wine, and beer, making this a recommended spot for those who want to savor sake to their heart's content.
Weekends and Fridays tend to be crowded, so be sure to make a reservation at least two weeks in advance.
<Information>
Address: 14-2 Minami 4-jo Nishi 4-chome, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Hours: 17:00-24:00
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 011-233-2331
Official Website: http://dosankosyocyu.com/
Enjoy Sapporo's Exquisite Sake with Delicious Cuisine at Izakayas Loved by Locals!
If you're looking to enjoy bar hopping in Susukino, known as Sapporo's premier entertainment district, this tour is highly recommended. During this 3-hour tour, you'll visit three izakayas that are beloved locally like hidden gems.
After thoroughly enjoying delicious sake, finish your evening with ramen or a parfait made with ice cream as your closing meal. The guide is well-versed in Susukino's best dining spots and will introduce you to various recommended places.
I participated in this tour myself and was able to discover unique izakayas I had never known before. For anyone wanting to experience authentic Sapporo sake in 2026, this tour offers an unforgettable way to explore the local drinking culture.
<Information>
Meeting Point: Susukino Station (Subway)
Tour Area: Susukino and surrounding area
Start Time: 18:00
3 Recommended Sake That Make Perfect Souvenirs from Hokkaido — Guaranteed to Please!
Chitosetsuru
Source:Official website
Chitosetsuru is known as the first sake ever produced in Hokkaido, with a history spanning over 150 years. Made using the pristine water from the Toyohira River and high-quality Hokkaido rice, its exceptional quality has earned numerous awards over the years.
Characterized by its soft and refreshing taste, this sake is best enjoyed paired with food.
Recommended Shop:
Chitosetsuru Sake Museum
<Information>
Address: 5-2 Minami 3-jo Higashi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
Hours: 10:00–18:00
Phone: 011-221-7570
Official Website: https://nipponseishu.co.jp/chitosetsuru/museum/
KAMIKAWA TAISETSU
Source:Official website
KAMIKAWA TAISETSU is a sake brewery based in Kamikawa Town, located northeast of Sapporo. The brewery takes pride in using locally sourced ingredients, including natural water from Daisetsuzan and rice produced in Kamikawa Town.
Committed to crafting sake carefully using traditional methods, their sake is characterized by a clean, refreshing taste that even first-time sake drinkers can enjoy.
Recommended Shops:
Ryokkyu-gura Gift Shop
<Information>
Address: 25-1 Asahimachi, Kamikawa Town, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido
Closed: Irregular holidays
Hours: 10:00–16:00 (Summer) / 10:00–15:00 (Winter)
Phone: 01658-7-7380
Official Website: https://kamikawa-taisetsu.co.jp/ryokkyu/
KAMIKAWA TAISETSU Sapporo
<Information>
Address: Showa Building B1F, 5-8 Odori Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Closed: Sundays and public holidays
Hours: 11:00–19:00
Phone: 011-206-8268
Official Website: https://kamikawa-taisetsu.co.jp/shopandrestaurant/
Otokoyama
Source:Official website
Otokoyama, with its brewery in Asahikawa, has received high acclaim at numerous competitions since winning the Monde Selection award in 1977. Using generous amounts of carefully selected sake rice called Yamadanishiki, this sake is characterized by its gentle aroma and elegant taste that spreads across the palate.
With a dry flavor that highlights the umami of rice, it tastes even better when enjoyed with meals.
Recommended Shop:
OTOKOYAMA SAKE PARK
<Information>
Address: 1-33 Nagayama 2-jo 7-chome, Asahikawa, Hokkaido
Closed: December 31, January 1–3
Hours: 9:00–17:00
Phone: 0166-76-5548
Official Website: https://sake-park.otokoyama.com/
Sapporo Is Also the Birthplace of Sapporo Beer, Where Beer Culture Runs Deep
Sapporo is also known as the birthplace of the Sapporo Beer brand, and beer has been deeply rooted in the local culture since long ago. Sapporo is famous for having many facilities where visitors can enjoy delicious beer.
From here, we will introduce the appeal of Sapporo Beer in detail, along with facilities where you can taste delicious Sapporo Beer. If you're visiting Sapporo in 2026 to explore the local sake and beer scene, these spots are must-visits.
What Is Sapporo Beer?
Sapporo Beer is Japan's oldest beer brand, established in Sapporo in 1876. The brand takes pride in producing all of its own hops and barley, the raw ingredients for beer, and has produced various beers over the years.
Within Sapporo city, there is a tourist facility called Sapporo Beer Garden, where visitors can enjoy delicious beer and Genghis Khan (lamb barbecue).
There is also a museum where you can learn about the history of Sapporo Beer and discover the beer-making process from the ground up.
3 Facilities Where You Can Enjoy Exquisite Sapporo Beer and Special Brews
Sapporo Beer Garden
Source:Official website
Sapporo Beer Garden is a beer theme park created on the former grounds of a beer factory. Within the park, there are restaurants where you can enjoy beer and Genghis Khan together, dining while admiring the beautiful forest and red brick buildings.
There are five restaurants in total, each featuring charming retro interiors with red brick. Additionally, the Sapporo Beer Museum, where you can learn about the history of Sapporo Beer, and a gift shop selling exclusive limited-edition products available only here are also popular.
<Information>
Address: 2-10 Kita 7-jo Higashi 9-chome, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Hours: 11:30–21:00
Closed: December 31
Phone: 0570-098-346
Official Website: https://sapporo-bier-garten.jp/
BREWERY1876
Source:Official website
BREWERY1876 is a pub inside the Sapporo Factory shopping mall where you can enjoy Sapporo Beer. The recommended option is the tasting flight, which allows you to sample three types of beer in one order for a reasonable price of 1,100 yen.
Those who order this tasting flight can get refills for just 300 yen per glass. With plenty of snacks that pair perfectly with beer, such as cheese and jerky, beer lovers should definitely visit.
<Information>
Address: 1F Sapporo Factory Brick Building, Kita 2-jo Higashi 4, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Hours: April–October 12:00–20:00 / November–March 11:00–18:00
Closed: December 31, January 1
Phone: 050-5448-6290
Official Website: https://brewery1876.com/
Sapporo Beer Museum
Source:Official website
Known as Japan's oldest beer museum, the Sapporo Beer Museum offers visitors the chance to learn about the history of beer-making in Japan. Especially recommended is the Premium Tour, available for 1,000 yen, where video content and guides thoroughly explain the history and production methods of beer.
After the 30-minute tour, you can sample two glasses of freshly made beer, making it a highly satisfying experience for beer lovers. Advance reservations can be made starting one month before your desired date, but you can also join on the day if space is available.
<Information>
Address: 1-1 Kita 7-jo Higashi 9-chome, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Hours: 11:00–18:00
Closed: Every Monday, year-end and New Year holidays
Phone: 011-748-1876
Official Website: https://www.sapporobeer.jp/brewery/s_museum/
For Alcohol Lovers, the "Bar Hopping Tour with Locals" Held Across Japan Is Highly Recommended
If you want to enjoy delicious cuisine along with sake during your trip to Japan, join a Bar Hopping Tour where you can experience local establishments. On the tour, a knowledgeable Magical Trip guide will accompany you to popular izakayas recommended by locals.
This tour has an impressive track record, having won the Best of the Best award on Tripadvisor, a major travel website, in 2026. If you want to fully enjoy delicious Sapporo sake and cuisine to your heart's content in Japan, this is a tour you should definitely join.
