Museum Of Yebisu Beer - Taste The 100-Year History Of Premium Beer

When people speak of alcohol in Japan, many would think of Japanese sake first, but Japanese beer is also just as popular. From standard store brands to small regional craft beers, there are many types of beers in Japan that are worth trying during your visit.

Yebisu beer has a longstanding reputation as a premium Japanese beer. In this article, we would like to introduce to you the Museum of Yebisu Beer which lets you experience the history and the flavors of beer through tastings and visual displays.

Yebisu Beer - Japanese Premium Beer

In Japan, there are four major beer companies along with small breweries with their own local brand. In total, it is said that there are approximately over 200 brands of beer in Japan. Out of the many types, Yebisu beer is a popular and well-known brand thanks to its rich and bold flavor.

For more information on the main beer brands in Japan, please read What's In That Can? A Guide To The Taste of Japanese Beers.

The Museum of Yebisu Beer located in Ebisu, Shibuya ward, Tokyo is a facility where you can learn about the history of, and how to enjoy, Yebisu beer.

The inside of the museum is designed like a beer brewery and has an open space with ceilings that are 7 meters high. At the reception, you can find documents in various languages and a tour is held in Japanese as well.

You can find pamphlets written in English, Chinese, and Korean on the counter.

The Beer Brewery at the Heart of the Ebisu Area

This museum is located in the Ebisu Garden Place which was once the Yebisu beer factory. Ebisu ward was named after the freight train station that shipped the Yebisu beer. It's surprising to see a place and a station named after a beer brand.

In the middle of the museum, you will find the massive beer tank that was used in the factory until 1987.

Discover the History of Yebisu Beer

The museum has many displays related to Yebisu beer in the Yebisu gallery which you can see for free.

You can find important photos, videos, and products arranged chronologically from the birth of Yebisu beer in 1890 until today.

Check out this retro looking label! It is the first label that was made over 100 years ago. You can see the high design sense along with other wonderfully designed labels.

Yebisu first started as a genuine German beer in Japan. It is now a popular beer brand that represents Tokyo. You can see how the marketing of the beer was done in order to gain popularity through signs and posters. The retro posters have a modern and artistic design that is still appreciated today.

Yebisu beer was brought to the International Expo in Paris in 1900. It was awarded the gold medal out of numerous beers from 30 different countries. You can see the wooden box with the engraving ”International Expo of Paris Gold Medal” on display here.

Everything in the gallery is written in both Japanese and English.

There is a guided tour in Japanese (for 500 yen) every 30 minutes on weekdays and every 20 minutes on weekends and holidays. On this tour, you can learn about the highlights of the gallery.

Taste Yebisu Beer Poured by Professionals

When you join the paid Yebisu tour, you can have a taste of two types of Yebisu beers at the end. You will be able to drink beer at the perfect temperature and handled by professional hands.

This time, Yebisu Beer and Kohaku (amber) Yebisu was provided. After giving a toast with the other participants, savor the delicious flavors enclosed within the creamy layer of foam. Indulge in the rich flavors of Yebisu balanced out with the bitterness! The Kohaku Yebisu has a milder yet deep flavor. Take this opportunity to taste the difference between the two types of Yebisu.

Yebisu Beer You Can Enjoy Without Joining the Tour

Within the museum, there is a tasting salon where you can drink beer without participating in the tour. Along with the classic Yebisu beer, you can also try their black beer or limited edition beers for 400 yen a cup. It is a great chance to try multiple types.

At the museum shop, you can find many goods related to Yebisu beer! The most popular item is the tumbler glass with the Yebisu logo printed on it that starts at 300 yen. The Yebisu logo has an authentic Japanese design and would also be a great souvenir from Japan as well.

At the Museum of Yebisu, there are plenty of activities for beer fans to enjoy even if you are unfamiliar with Yebisu beer. You can learn more about the history of Japanese beer and see unique packaging designs as well. In addition to that, the drinks poured by the brand specialists who know the best techniques for providing Yebisu beer are definitely a must-try.

Why not take a step into the world of Yebisu and explore the history of beer at the Museum of Yebisu Beer?

Yebisu Beer Memorial

Yebisu Garden Place, 4-20-1, Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8522