Cool Off with Hokkaido’s Summer Beer Experiences

Photo: OMO3 Sapporo Susukino ©Hoshino Resorts

Widely consumed in Japan since the late 1800s, beer is enjoyed both at home and at drinking establishments across the country, far surpassing sake in popularity. Following the deregulation of brewing licencing in 1994, craft beer has gained appreciation as a result of microbreweries focusing on quality craftmanship, and ingredient origins often connected to Japanese food. 

It’s no secret that summer is the best season to enjoy a refreshing cold beer in Japan. Thanks to Hokkaido’s cooler climate, many people gather in beer gardens across the region to enjoy the pleasant outdoor weather which is different from the mainland that experiences heavy rainfall and humidity from June to mid-July.

Designed for travellers that want to live like locals, OMO by Hoshino Resorts is a city tourism hotel brand offering unique, seasonal activities and guided tours at each of their properties for guests to discover neighbourhood eateries and locally loved attractions.

From June to August, here are three unforgettable ways that OMO guests can enjoy a summer beer in Hokkaido, Japan.

Raise a glass to good times inside a Sapporo tram

Sapporo is a city renowned for its beer culture. It is the birthplace of Sapporo Breweries Ltd., the oldest beer brand in Japan, and one of the four major beer companies that dominate the market today. With more craft breweries popping up, beer lovers are increasingly drawn to this city for good reason.

OMO3 Sapporo Susukino offers guests the exclusive opportunity to enjoy Sapporo craft beer and snacks unique to Hokkaido inside a tram with open windows to feel the cool summer breeze. Departing from Susukino, the tram ride takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to circle around the centre of Sapporo, passing lively streets and areas rich in nature.

Before departure, the local hotel guide known as an OMO Ranger will explain Sapporo’s craft beer history and tram network. They will also introduce establishments where you can enjoy craft beer along the Sapporo Tramway. Under the concept of ‘a night out on the town in Susukino, OMO3 Sapporo Susukino offers guided tours of neighbourhood restaurants so that guests can make the most of visiting Susukino, a town full of culinary delights.

View the retro cityscape from a beer cruise along Otaru Canal

©Hoshino Resorts

Northwest of Sapporo on Ishikari Bay is Otaru, a port city with a canal that was central to the city’s economy in the early 1900s as it allowed small ships to transport goods to warehouses until it became obsolete. It was restored in the 1980s and the warehouses that line the canal have since been converted into museums, shops and eateries.

Now a popular tourist attraction, a unique way to enjoy the Otaru Canal is on a leisurely boat ride specially operated for guests of OMO5 Otaru. The beautiful view of Otaru city with its historical buildings and sea breeze can be enjoyed on board whilst drinking Otaru Beer, made using traditional German methods, and seasonal kamaboko (fish cakes) from Kamaei, the perfect snack to accompany beer.

Located in a renovated historical building in an area called the “Northern Wall Street”, OMO5 Otaru allows guests to discover a new side of Otaru and its lesser-known history, culture, and culinary charms of the port town.

Slurp Shoyu Ramen with Sapporo Beer overlooking Asahikawa

Asahikawa is the second largest city in Hokkaido after Sapporo. It is considered a good city to base yourself when exploring attractions in neighbouring towns such as Furano and Biei. The city is famous for Asahiyama Zoo and its signature soy sauce–based noodle soup.

©Hoshino Resorts

OMO7 Asahikawa occupies the tallest building in Asahikawa and it’s where you can learn about the new and traditional culture of the region and come across delicacies hidden in the backstreets of the city. During summer, the bar on the top floor of the hotel is the perfect place to enjoy Asahikawa-style ramen and Sapporo beer while admiring the beautiful night scenery of Asahikawa.

Guests can enjoy the combination of soy sauce ramen from five of Asahikawa's leading ramen shops and three different Sapporo beers. The bartender won’t hesitate to tell you which beer will best accompany your ramen of choice.

*The legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old. Japan has strict laws against operating a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle during or after the consumption of alcohol.

About Hoshino Resorts
Hoshino Resorts was first established as a Japanese inn/ryokan in 1914 in Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture before it began the operation of other resorts in Japan. Today, it has evolved into a highly influential hotel management company and is run by 4th-generation family member Yoshiharu Hoshino. Providing a unique experience focused on the local charms of each destination and a high level of omotenashi, Japanese-style hospitality, the company has expanded rapidly out of Karuizawa since 2001 and now operates more than 55 accommodations both in and outside Japan with one of the following categories: luxury hotel brand “HOSHINOYA,” hot spring ryokan brand “KAI,” countryside resort hotel brand “RISONARE,” city tourism hotel brand “OMO,” free-spirited hotel brand “BEB,” or other unique lodgings.

About OMO
OMO is a city tourism hotel in a convenient city-centre location, perfect for exploring the deep, urban culture. We consider the city centred around the hotel to be part of our resort, offering a variety of options to see, eat and shop. With the cooperation of the local community, city lovers can get an insight into culture through our original tours and maps; sharing locals’ all-time favourites to hidden gems only with you!

*Source: Maki Watabe, doq Pty Ltd,  m.watabe@thedoq.com