Text by: Peng Jieying
Previously, Japanese whisky was snapped up by Hong Kong people, to the extent that duty-free shops at Japanese airports had to halt sales, leaving many whisky enthusiasts “bereft.” But Japan is famous for more than just whisky—its beer is also hugely popular among beer lovers. In Tokyo, there are beer museums and breweries that visitors can explore, where you can even sit down with friends for some “beer and Ob!”
Yebisu Beer Museum
Image source: sapporobeer.jp
Image source: Tatsuo Yamashita
Located in Shibuya Ward, the Yebisu Beer Museum was formerly a beer factory and now offers visitors the chance to learn about the history of Yebisu Beer and sample Yebisu Beer cuisine. Guests can join the “Yebisu Tour” to deepen their knowledge of Yebisu Beer, and can also purchase ObT silk... ceramic... (text garbled) ...to take home as souvenirs.
Address: 20-1, 4-chome, Ebisu, Shibuya-ku
Transportation: East Exit of JR “Ebisu” Station on any line, or Exit 1 of Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line “Ebisu” Station. Follow the
Phone: 03-5423-7255
Business Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
(Last Yebisu Tour at 17:10, Tasting Salon Last Order at 18:30)
Closed: Mondays (extended to Tuesday if Monday is a holiday), end of year and New Year holidays
Admission: Free (Yebisu Tour requires a fee)
Official Website: http://www.sapporobeer.jp/yebisu/museum/index.html
Asahi Brewery
Image source: take3.kaneko
Led by professional guides, you can tour the brewery and even touch the raw ingredients used in beer-making. You’ll also see the automated production process of fresh beer being bottled and canned. At the end of the tour, enjoy free samples of non-alcoholic beverages, plus freshly tapped draft beer. You can also head up to a 60-meter-high observation deck to enjoy the view while sipping fresh beer, complete with tasty snacks. Brewery tours are free but require advance reservation.
Address: 1-1-1 Midori, Moriya, Ibaraki Prefecture
Phone: 0297-45-7335
Business Hours: Tour reception hours: 9:30～15:00
Closed: Open year-round (call for specific holidays)
Admission: Free entry (advance reservation required, minimum 2 people)
Transportation: Take the Tsukuba Express to Moriya Station → 10-minute shuttle bus / Drive from Joban Expressway Tanigawara IC onto National Route 294, about 5 km or 10 minutes
Official Website: https://www.asahibeer.co.jp/brewery/language/chinese/
Suntory Musashino Beer Factory
Image source: lazy fri13th
The Suntory Beer Factory in Musashino, Tokyo, is the only beer brewery within Tokyo Metropolis. The brewery is open to the public free of charge, where you can observe the beer-making process and also enjoy freshly brewed beer for free. Currently, Suntory’s main beer offerings include “Malt’s” all-malt beer and “Premium Malt’s” top-grade all-malt beer. If you’re interested in either of these, be sure to book a visit in advance.
Reservation Process:
- Select: Press the date you wish to visit on the calendar
- Fill in: Your name, email, and phone number
- Confirm your entries
- Reservation complete (guides inside the facility only provide tours in Japanese)
Address: 3-1 Yazaki-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 Keiō Line “Bubaigawara” Station for about 5 minutes
Return:Super lazy guide: Complete Tokyo travel strategy
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More travel information about Tokyo
http://www.dcfever.com/travel/world.php?id=2115