Tokyo is known for its high-energy nightlife and world-class bars, but for beer lovers looking to go straight to the source, the city and its surrounding areas offer an impressive selection of breweries to explore. Tokyo has become a hotspot for craft beer enthusiasts, with a growing number of breweries offering high-quality and innovative brews. Whether you’re a seasoned beer lover or just looking to learn more about Japan’s brewing culture, visiting a local brewery is a great way to experience the craft firsthand. From large international brands to local brewers, we’ve compiled something for everyone. Many of these breweries offer tours and tastings, giving visitors insight into the brewing process and a chance to sample some truly unique beers. Below is a guide to some of the best breweries in and around Tokyo where you can expand your beer knowledge and enjoy a refreshing pint.
Major Breweries with Tours and Tastings
Suntory Musashino Brewery (Tokyo)
Suntory, one of Japan’s biggest beverage companies, offers a brewery tour at its Musashino location in western Tokyo. Visitors can learn about the production of The Premium Malt’s beer, watch the brewing process, and enjoy tastings at the end of the tour. Reservations are required in advance.
Website: https://www.suntory.co.jp/factory/musashino/ (Japanese)
Address: 3-1 Yazakicho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-0025, Japan
Tour Information: Free guided tours showcasing the brewing process and history of Suntory, with tastings included. Online reservations required.
Asahi Brewery (Ibaraki)
Located in nearby Ibaraki Prefecture, the Asahi Brewery is another major destination for beer lovers. The tour provides insight into the making of Asahi Super Dry, Japan’s best-selling beer. Visitors can walk through the brewing facilities, learn about Asahi’s commitment to quality, and enjoy a tasting session at the end.
Website: https://www.asahibeer.co.jp/brewery/ibaraki/
Address: 1-1-1 Midori, Moriya, Ibaraki 302-0106, Japan
Tour Information: Offers guided brewery tours of their “Super Dry Museum” with beer tastings. Online reservations required.
Kirin Yokohama Brewery (Kanagawa)
Just outside Tokyo in nearby Yokohama, the Kirin Brewery offers one of the most well-known beer tours in Japan. The tour takes visitors through the entire brewing process of Kirin Ichiban Shibori, showcasing the ingredients, brewing techniques, and history behind one of Japan’s most iconic beers. The experience ends with a tasting session where guests can enjoy freshly brewed Kirin beer.
Website: https://www.kirin.co.jp/experience/factory/english/beer/
Address: 1-17-1 Namamugi, Tsurumi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-8628, Japan
Tour Information: Guided tours available with tastings of Kirin’s signature beers. Online reservations required.
Craft Breweries in and around Tokyo
Coedo Brewery (Saitama)
Just north of Tokyo in Saitama Prefecture, Coedo Brewery is renowned for its craft beers, particularly its beautiful amber-colored Beniaka, made with sweet potatoes. While the brewery itself doesn’t offer regular public tours, their beers are widely available in Tokyo, and special brewery events occasionally allow visitors a behind-the-scenes look.
Website: https://coedobrewery.com/en/pages/the-restaurant
Address: 1746-1 Shimoogino, Higashimatsuyama, Saitama 355-0002, Japan
Tour Information: They don’t have tours, but they offer both a restaurant and sales kiosk in Saitama selling their best offerings from bottles to growlers.
Far Yeast Brewing (Yamanashi)
Located in Yamanashi Prefecture, just outside Tokyo, Far Yeast Brewing is known for its innovative and experimental approach to beer-making. Their beers, such as the popular Tokyo Blonde and Kagua series, have gained international recognition. While the brewery itself is a bit of a journey from Tokyo, their taprooms in the city offer a great way to experience their unique flavors.
Website: https://faryeast.com/en/bar/brewery-grill/
Address: 1268 Enzan-Kamijo, Koshu, Yamanashi 404-0042, Japan
Tour Information: The location makes tours impractical, but they have a wonderful restaurant conveniently located in Shinagawa so you don’t have to go to Yamanashi for their best brews
Spring Valley Brewery (Tokyo)
Owned by Kirin, Spring Valley Brewery in Daikanyama offers a craft beer experience in the heart of Tokyo. Guests can enjoy freshly brewed beer on-site and sample unique experimental brews that aren’t available elsewhere. The brewery also offers pairing menus to complement their beer selection.
Website: https://www.springvalleybrewery.jp/pub/
Address: 4-10-2 Daikanyama, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0034, Japan
Tour Information: There are no tours, but their restaurant offers tasting flights and limited-edition beers.
TY Harbor Brewery (Tokyo)
TY Harbor Brewery, located in Shinagawa, is a waterfront brewery that has been serving high-quality craft beer since the 1990s. While it doesn’t offer traditional brewery tours, visitors can enjoy house-brewed beers at the on-site restaurant, which provides a fantastic atmosphere along the canal.
Website: https://www.tysons.jp/tyharbor/en/
Address: 2-1-3 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa, Tokyo 140-0002, Japan
Tour Information: No tours, but they offer a scenic waterfront view and a variety of fresh craft beers.
If you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun, informative experience, these breweries offer an excellent way to explore Japan’s craft beer culture. With options for tours, tastings, and brewery-exclusive beers, there’s something for everyone. Cheers to your Tokyo beer adventure!
Fuchu, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
