Loved for generations and brewed exclusively for Hokkaido, Sapporo Classic is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. To mark this milestone, a special factory tour is being offered—so I jumped at the chance to experience it firsthand!
- What Is the Sapporo Hokkaido Brewery?
- What Makes Sapporo Classic So Special?
- The Unique Charm of Sapporo Classic
- Limited-Edition Seasonal Versions
- Inside the 40th Anniversary Brewery Tour
- Dine Next Door: Genghis Khan at “Valhalla”
- How to Get There
- Tour Reservations: What You Need to Know
- Final Thoughts – Experience the Soul of Hokkaido Beer
What Is the Sapporo Hokkaido Brewery?
Located in Eniwa City since 1989 after moving from Sapporo, the Sapporo Hokkaido Brewery is one of Japan’s largest beer production facilities. Spanning an impressive 360,000 square meters—equivalent to about 7.7 Tokyo Domes—the scale of the brewery alone is awe-inspiring.
State-of-the-art equipment fills the vast premises, where some of Japan’s most iconic beers are crafted, including the beloved Sapporo Classic.
What Makes Sapporo Classic So Special?
Sapporo Classic is a premium beer brewed exclusively for Hokkaido. Why only in Hokkaido? The answer is heartfelt:
“To show appreciation to the people of Hokkaido, we continue to brew it just for them.”
For locals, it’s a source of pride. For travelers, it’s a must-try taste of the region—an experience that proves you’ve truly visited Hokkaido.
The Unique Charm of Sapporo Classic
This beer isn’t just about exclusivity—its craftsmanship is world-class:
- 100% malt brew for a rich, full-bodied flavor
- Hochkurz brewing method, a German-style high-temperature, short-time process (over 60°C for about two hours), which enhances hop aroma and preserves malt sweetness
- Non-heat-treated for maximum freshness
- Uses locally sourced ingredients, including barley malt from Abashiri and Furano and hops from Kamifurano
- Brewed with pristine spring water from Mount Eniwa
Sapporo Classic is designed to pair perfectly with Hokkaido’s cuisine—clean, crisp, and deeply satisfying all year round.
Limited-Edition Seasonal Versions
Part of the excitement comes from the seasonal variants released throughout the year, offering unique twists on the Classic formula:
- Furano VINTAGE (Autumn): Made with fresh Kamifurano hops, delivering vibrant freshness
Available: October to November (limited quantity) - Spring Aroma (Spring): Brewed with Furano-grown “Magical” hops, offering a mellow, soft finish
Available: March to May (limited quantity)
These seasonal releases are beloved by fans for their distinct character—each one a new way to enjoy Classic.
Inside the 40th Anniversary Brewery Tour
The anniversary tour offers a deeper look behind the scenes than the standard course:
- Mash Room: Watch malt being crushed, saccharified, and boiled—up close
- Fermentation & Maturation Tanks: Towering tanks lined up like giants
- Filling Line: See beer bottled and canned in real-time
One highlight was the in-depth explanation of the Hochkurz method, revealing the master brewers’ incredible passion and precision.
And the Best Part? Fresh Beer Tasting!
After the tour, you get to sample freshly brewed Sapporo Classic—arguably the best way to appreciate all that craftsmanship.
Since I visited in April, I had the chance to enjoy both the standard Sapporo Classic and the limited Spring Aroma edition. Both were absolutely delightful!
While Sapporo Classic is only sold in Hokkaido, you can order it online in Japan—perfect for those who want to relive the experience.
Dine Next Door: Genghis Khan at “Valhalla”
After your tour, head to the adjoining restaurant Valhalla—a must-visit!
There, you can enjoy Genghis Khan, a classic Hokkaido lamb BBQ dish, grilled on a cast-iron dome and served sizzling hot with a special dipping sauce.
Pair it with a glass of freshly poured Classic, and you’ll discover why this duo is unbeatable. The beer’s clean finish perfectly cuts through the rich lamb, enhancing both flavors.
How to Get There
The Sapporo Hokkaido Brewery is located in Tobetsu, Eniwa City.
- Nearest Station: JR Chitose Line “Sapporo Beer Teien Station” (approx. 10-minute walk)
- From Sapporo Station: Take the JR Rapid Airport Express—just 30 minutes
Follow the signs from the station, and you’ll arrive easily. Frequent trains make this a stress-free trip from central Sapporo.
Tour Reservations: What You Need to Know
Reservations are required in advance!
How to Book:
- Visit the Official website (サッポロビール 北海道工場 | 工場見学・ミュージアム | サッポロビール)
- Go to the “Factory Tour Reservation” page
- Select your date and number of guests
- Fill in your name and contact info
- Check your email for a confirmation—done!
⚠️ Note: Tours on weekends and holidays can book up fast, so reserve early! Prices and details are also listed on the official site.
Final Thoughts – Experience the Soul of Hokkaido Beer
Sapporo Classic is far more than a regional souvenir. It’s a beer brewed with care, using quality ingredients, advanced techniques, and a heartfelt local spirit.
This factory tour helped me understand not just the how, but the why behind its loyal fanbase. Whether you’re a casual beer drinker or a serious enthusiast, this is a must-visit stop in Hokkaido.
So next time you’re in Hokkaido, take a break from sightseeing and immerse yourself in a truly refreshing experience—a cold Sapporo Classic, brewed on site, enjoyed with lamb BBQ in the land where it all began.
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