Japan craft beer’s popularity began to soar over a decade ago. And Hokkaido has taken part in craft beer in Japan. Whether the Hokkaido limited beers from Sapporo beer or Kirin’s Hokkaido brewing beers. Not only two well-known breweries but also many local craft breweries in Hokkaido. They produce craft beer in Hokkaido. And some craft beers are only sold at local stores or seasonal limits.
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Where to Buy Craft Beer
- Souvenir Shop (お土産屋さん)
- Roadside Area (道の駅)
- Local Convenience Store (コンビニ)
- Online Store
Hokkaido craft beers are often lined up at each JR station, airport, hotel, and roadside area. You can check Hokkaido roadside area spots here. [Click Here]
Seicomart セイコーマート is the Hokkaido Local convenience store. You will never find any Seicomart out of Hokkaido. At Seicomart, you can find many Hokkaido limited or seasonal products at affordable prices. (If you live in Hokkaido, soon you learn many shops price is higher than Japan mainland. Even online shops charge you a shipping fee to Hokkaido.)
Japan Craft Beer: Location
Some of the Hokkaido craft breweries on this list are tiny operations who’ve gained their reputation by picking up awards at beer shows. Others are now owned by listed companies, but still, continue to produce some of the best craft beer in Hokkaido. Either way, here to bring you some inspiration for the next coldie you crack. Cheers!
Hakodate
Hakodate Beer (はこだてビール) is the famous brewery in Hakodate. There are 5 types of Hakodate craft beers to try on! Styles include Weissbier, Altbier, Ale, Kolsch, and Hybrid beers.
Onuma
Onuma Beer (大沼ビール) uses alkaline ionized water from Mt. Yokotsu. And the brewery is next to Onuma National Park. You can enjoy the freshly poured Onuma craft beer with the beautiful National Park view.
Yakumo
Kumaishi Densetsu (熊石伝説 )use the deep seawater from the depth of 343m in the Japanese sea. It’s hard to buy even if you live in Hokkaido.
Otobe
Otobbean Beer uses still water and barley from Otobe. The brewery is a restaurant as well. You can have a lot of craft beer choices in the shop with their delicious meals.
Niseko
Niseko Beer (ニセコビール) and Mt. Yotei Beer (羊蹄山麓ビール) uses water from Niseko. Two brands have their own features that you won’t miss.
Noboribetsu
Oni-Densetsu (鬼伝説) is a local craft beer brew by Wakasaimo brewery. The craft beers are named by Japanese Demons (Oni, 鬼). The Wakasaimo Shop is next to Noboribetsu hot spring. Let’s soak in the Oni hot spring with Oni beer!
Otaru
There are three famous Otaru craft beer brands: Otaru Beer (小樽ビール), Otaru Bakusyu (小樽麦酒), Otaru Winery Beer (おたるワイナリービール). Otaru Beer uses the brew method over 200 years old. And Otaru Bakusyu brews oganic beer. The groundwater from Mt. Kenashi is used to brew Otaru Winery Beer. (Read More)
Chitose
Hokkaido Beer Pirkawakka (北海道ビールピリカワッカ) using high-quality water to brew beers since 1998.
Sapporo
There are 2 most well-known breweries in Sapporo: Sapporo Kaitakushi beer brewery (札幌開拓史麦酒) and Sapporo Susukino Brewery (薄野地麦酒). One has over 140 years of history. Another one won an Award at World Beer Awards 2000.
Ebetsu
North Island Beer (ノースアイランドビール) offers unique craft beers. It has 5 standard beers, time-limited beers, and seasonal-limited beers. Famous craft beer in Hokkaido.
Ishikari
Ishikari Banyano Beer (石狩番屋の麦酒) uses the traditional brewing method of Ishikari climate with the deep seawater of Iwanai, Japan Sea.
Furano
Furano Jibi-ru (富良野地麦酒) base on traditional technique and reproduce into its style.Furano Hop-Kotan Beer (忽布古丹ビール) uses 100% Furano hops. Both craft beer brands are not heat-treated in the process.
Obihiro
Obihiro Beer (帯広ビール) makes its low-malt beer with the theme of enjoying beer like wine. It uses local ingredients to brew Belgian beer.
Asahikawa
Taisetsu Ji Beer (大雪地ビール) use the ingredients produce around Asahikawa and the water from Mt. Taisetsu.
Kitami
Okhotsk Beer (オホーツクビール) brew with two-rowed barley from Tanno-Cho (端野町), Abashiri. Also, it uses hops from Hallertau, Germany, and the Czech Republic. At the Okhotsk Beer Factory, you can enjoy local beer at a reasonable price.
Abashiri
Abashiri Beer (網走ビール) uses a rare Japanese decoction method and the traditional German brewing method.
Rebun
Shimanohito Beer (島の人麦酒) uses Rishiri kelp extract to add depth to the taste. It’s exploding in popularity in Japan.
