【Explore Tokyo’s Beer Scene: Tour 3 Major Breweries in the Capital】

By: Peng Jieying

Recently, Japanese whisky has been flying off the shelves among Hong Kong shoppers, leading to its temporary removal from duty-free shops at Japanese airports—much to the dismay of whisky lovers. But Japan isn’t just about whisky; its beers are equally beloved by beer aficionados. In Tokyo, there are beer museums and breweries that visitors can explore, and you can even sit down with friends for a relaxing “beer session”!

Yebisu Beer Museum

Image source:  sapporobeer.jp

Image source:  Tatsuo Yamashita

Located in Shibuya, the Yebisu Beer Museum was once a brewery and now offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of Yebisu Beer and sample Yebisu-themed cuisine. Guests can join the “Yebisu Tour” to deepen their understanding of the beer and even purchase exclusive merchandise. It’s a great spot for beer lovers and collectors alike.

Address: 20-1 Ebisu 4-chome, Shibuya-ku
Transportation: East Exit of JR Yebisu Station on any line, or Exit 1 of Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Yebisu Station. Follow the Yebisu SKYWALK to Yebisu Garden Place Gallery.
Phone: 03-5423-7255
Business Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
(Last Yebisu Tour at 17:10, Tasting Salon last orders at 18:30)
Closed: Mondays (or the next day if a national holiday), end and beginning of the year
Admission: Free (Yebisu Tour requires a fee)　
Official Website:http://www.sapporobeer.jp/yebisu/museum/index.html

Asahi Beer Brewery

Image source:  take3.kaneko

Take a guided tour of the brewery, touch raw brewing ingredients, and watch the automated process of fresh beer being bottled and canned. After the tour, enjoy complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and freshly tapped Asahi beer. You can even sip your brew at a 60-meter-high observation deck while taking in scenic views, paired with tasty snacks. Brewery tours are free but require advance booking.

Address: 1-1-1 Midori, Moriya, Ibaraki Prefecture
Phone: 0297-45-7335
Business Hours: Tour reservations accepted from 9:30 to 15:00
Closed: Open year-round (call for specific holidays)
Admission: Free (advance reservation required, minimum 2 people)
Transportation: Take the Tsukuba Express to Moriya Station → 10-minute shuttle bus / By car, 5 km (10 minutes) from Tsukuba Express Tanahara IC via National Route 294
Official Website:https://www.asahibeer.co.jp/brewery/language/chinese/

Suntory Musashino Brewery

Image source:  lazy fri13th

Located in Musashino, Tokyo, the Suntory Beer Factory is the only brewery within Tokyo’s 23 wards. The factory offers free tours where visitors can observe the beer-making process and enjoy complimentary fresh beer. Currently, Suntory highlights its “Malt’s” all-malt beer and “Premium Malt’s” top-tier brew—make sure to book a tour if you’re interested in trying these two popular options.

Booking Process:

1.         Select: Press the date you wish to visit on the calendar
2.         Fill in: Your name, email, and phone number
3.         Confirm your entries
4.         Reservation complete (guides inside the facility only provide tours in Japanese)

Address: 3-1 Yasaki-cho, Fuchu City
Phone: 042-360-9591
Website URL: http://suntory.jp/FACTORY/
Visiting hours: 10:00 - 16:00 (groups every 30 minutes)
Duration: Approximately 60 minutes (includes a tour of the beer brewing process and tasting)
Fee: Free
Transportation: By train: 12-minute walk from JR “Fuchu-Honmachi” Station, or take the free shuttle bus from the south side of JR Keio Line “Bubaigawara” Station for about 5 minutes

Return:Super lazy guide: The ultimate Tokyo travel strategy

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