Day 265: Sapporo Beer Factory & Museum

Had the most beautiful day in Sapporo downtown. Started it by visiting the Sapporo Beer Factory Museum and walking through a self guided tour on their beer. It was fascinating to learn that the brew masters visited Germany to understand the craft and were charged with developing the Hokkaido / Sapporo region by building a brewery; this is because they have ice and snowmelt to keep the beer cold unlike Tokyo.

We also learned that during World War II, the Japanese government consolidated Sapporo and Asahi to reduce competition and put energy into only one beer brand, Nippon Beer. The citizens were very upset by this and by 1952, they asked for Sapporo to be separated into its own beer brand again.

After touring the museum, we enjoyed their beer garden where it’s possible to taste how the original Pilsner changed over the years. We both got the testing set and some Sapporo beer chocolate.

We proceeded to visit downtown Sapporo and view the clock tower, the TV tower, and Odori park. Kieran was a bit too big for the bus here. The fall leaves were coming in and red, orange, yellow flowers dotted the park. We tried the local Hokkaido curry soup dish which coverts normal Japanese curry into a broth/soup instead of a sauce. It was delicious.

Final stop included the Mt. Moiwa mountain cable car to view the city at night and sushi at the bar with the chef. The weather, trees, and activities today could have not been more perfect.

Food:
Soup Curry
Sushi

Spots:
Sapporo Beer Factory
Sapporo Clock Tower
TV Tower
Odori Park
Mt. Moiwa Cable Carもっと詳しく