Melo Villareal
Sapporo Beer Garden in Hokkaido, Japan
I absolutely adore Japan. In the past few months, I’ve explored the thrilling rides and movie magic of Universal Studios Japan, discovering the unique charm of Aichi Prefecture. Now, once again, my wanderlust has led me back to the Land of the Rising Sun. This time, I journeyed to the northernmost reaches of the country, arriving in Hokkaido—a region famed for its breathtaking natural scenery, vibrant festivals, and delicious cuisine.
Sapporo Beer Museum by Jaeyoung Geoffrey Kang via Unsplash
Our journey began with a 4.5-hour flight from Manila to Tokyo, immersing us in Japan’s vibrant airport atmosphere during a 2-hour layover. From Tokyo, we boarded a 1.5-hour flight to Sapporo, with snow-covered scenery below hinting at our frosty destination.
After landing, a 40-minute bus ride through Sapporo’s illuminated streets brought us to the iconic Sapporo Beer Museum. The day’s trek—over nine hours of cold, seat-numbing travel—ended perfectly as we savored a hearty Mongolian Barbecue dinner at the Sapporo Beer Garden. The welcoming heat and delicious food rejuvenated us, setting the tone for our chilly adventure ahead.
Hokkaido is renowned for its signature dish, the “Genghis Khan,” or Jingisukan as locals say. This culinary experience centers around tender mutton, expertly grilled on a domed iron plate placed right on the table. As the meat sizzles and caramelizes, it releases a rich, smoky aroma that fills the air, blending with the savory scent of accompanying vegetables.
Traditionally, this meal is best savored with a cool draught beer, its refreshing taste enhancing the meat’s unique flavor—especially on a chilly night, when the warmth of the grill feels especially comforting.
On our visit, we found ourselves in the perfect setting: the evening was brisk, a gentle hum of conversation surrounded us, and the anticipation of our meal heightened the atmosphere. Though the day’s journey had left us tired, we felt a renewed excitement as we watched a fresh selection of lamb and seafood brought to our table, waiting to be cooked and enjoyed.
Sapporo Beer Garden stands as a beloved culinary landmark in Hokkaido, celebrated for serving the region’s specialty in a setting steeped in history and character. The restaurant is housed in the iconic red-brick Kaitakushi-kan, a captivating structure originally opened in 1890 as a bustling sugar factory.
In 1963, new life was breathed into the building as it became a malting plant, strengthening its connection to Sapporo’s brewing heritage. Only three years later, in 1966, this historic site transformed once more, opening as the now-famous Sapporo Beer Garden.
Today, the restaurant preserves much of its original 19th-century allure. The impressively tall chimney stands as a proud reminder of its industrial past, while the timeless red-brick façade and cozy, inviting interior create an atmosphere brimming with nostalgia.
Visitors relax among sturdy brick walls, beneath high wooden beams and soft, warm lighting, soaking in an ambiance that beautifully blends historical elegance with Hokkaido’s unique hospitality.
We dined as a group on the second floor of the spacious Kessel Hall. The air inside was thick with warmth, a bold contrast to the biting cold outside, as winter winds swept past the windows. At the heart of the hall was an immense copper beer-brewing cauldron—known as a “Kessel”—dating back to 1912, its age and stature lending the space a sense of grandeur and history.
Antique woodwork and soft lighting gave the entire hall an inviting, elegant feel. Laughter and the sizzle of grills filled the room as our group, seated at a long communal table, relished hearty dishes grilled right at the table.
Nearby, smaller tables accommodated more intimate gatherings, but throughout the hall, the layout encouraged a sense of togetherness and shared enjoyment. Grilling wasn’t just a way of cooking here—it was the centerpiece of the experience, drawing everyone into its warmth and camaraderie.
How to Cook, Eat, and Enjoy Genghis Khan
A generous platter of both tender lamb—taken from sheep less than a year old—and rich mutton, aged over two years, was brought to our table. The centerpiece was a dome-shaped grill with a raised middle, carefully crafted so that excess oil would trickle down, leaving the grilled meat perfectly crisp and not overly fatty.
Aware that lamb is leaner than beef or pork, I enjoyed each bite without concern. We spent the evening savoring the hearty aromas and lively sizzle as we grilled our meat, all while sipping on chilled mugs of draft beer and sharing in good cheer.
In addition to the aromatic Genghis Khan lamb, we grilled fresh, juicy prawns, delicate pink salmon fillets, tender squid slices, and sweet, buttery scallops. Every mouthful complemented the crisp, refreshing beer.
The whole meal was cozy and heartwarming, surrounded by laughter and conversation. It truly was the perfect welcome dinner in Hokkaido, and I felt incredibly grateful for such a memorable beginning to my visit.
How to get to Sapporo from Manila
You have a few options to get from Manila (MNL – Ninoy Aquino International Airport) to Sapporo (CTS – New Chitose Airport):
By Air (Fastest & Easiest)
- Direct Flights:
- Cebu Pacific operates nonstop flights from Manila to Sapporo (around 5–6 hours).
- Connecting Flights:
- Philippine Airlines, Japan Airlines, and ANA offer 1-stop flights via Tokyo (Narita/Haneda), Nagoya, or Osaka (Kansai).
- Travel time: ~8–12 hours depending on layovers.
Prices vary, but promos can drop fares to around USD 500–600 round trip.
Alternative (If you want to explore Japan first)
- Fly Manila to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda).
- Take the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Hakodate, then transfer to a limited express train to Sapporo.
- Total train time: ~7–8 hours.
- This is scenic but longer and usually more expensive than flying.
Best Option: If you just want to get to Sapporo quickly, book a direct Cebu Pacific flight from Manila to New Chitose Airport.
Map Guide to Sapporo Beer Museum
Sapporo Beer Garden is located at 9-2-10, Kita7 Jo, Higashi-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 065-0007, and is open from 11:30 to 22:00. The All-You-Can-Eat and All-You-Can-Drink package costs 4,212 Yen (about 37 US$). *Prices may change without prior notice
Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels in Sapporo, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Many thanks to the Sapporo City Tourism Office for letting us experience the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido Prefecture.
Hokkaido Travel Tour Packages You Should Try
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Also Read:
- 68th Sapporo Snow Festival 2017: Trump, Pikachu, Star Wars, and other Amazing Ice Sculptures
- Top Picks: 10 Best Hotels in Sapporo, Japan
- Sapporo City Guide: Satisfy your Wanderlust in Sapporo, Japan
- Sapporo Travel Guide: The Capital City of Hokkaido, Japan
