Learn Japanese beer through the stories of the breweries and the most important brands. Get tasting notes, pairing recommendations, and retail delivery options for beers like Sapporo, Asahi, Hitachino, Echigo, and more.
The Top 28 Japanese Beer Brands (2023)
When you think of “Japanese beer,” what brands come to mind? Asahi, Sapporo, and Kirin are big names because they go back to the beginning of the industry. The top handful of breweries dominate the market and the general perception of Japanese beer: light, clean international-style lager.
But there’s a lot more to Japanese beer than industrial rice lager. The country’s craft beer movement is relatively young. But it’s producing some epic microbrews. Brewery brands like Hitachino, Echigo, and Yoho were early leaders and still going strong. And they’re not the only players to look for.
The best beers of Japan list is my personal take on the leading Japanese brands today. From craft to macro and ranging across classic beer styles, this post has something for every Japanese beer enthusiast.
Click below to check it out.
Japanese Beer Reviews
Dive deeper into the most important Japanese beer brands. Find detailed posts about the top beers from the country.
Sapporo Beer: From Hokkaido to Global Giant
Sapporo is the oldest surviving brand of Japanese beer. The company has come a long way from its government-backed roots in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Today, Sapporo is an international brewing heavyweight.
Learn how Sapporo got so big and what they’re up to today in this in-depth Sapporo Beer guide.