Sapporo, Suntory, Asahi, Kirin.
These are the names that Japanese beer drinkers know best. Due to the fact that microbrewing is a relatively new concept here in Japan. Luckily there are few products as terrible as the American macrobrew’s usual offerings. I am not some elitist from that “other” beer review site, and I want to give the real information about these 4 brands that you will be able to find in every store in Japan.
Thankfully, Japanese beer is varied and experimental, and suits a wide price range. There are beer styles similar to Malt Liquor on the low scale, and on the high scale there are German Whitebeers, Doppelbocks and Lagers that would rival any microbrewery you can find. As Microbreweries are still not that popular, and are very regional, I will be focusing on the 4 major brands of Japanese beer.
I will admit that I prefer some brands to others, but I have tried most of the modern offerings from every company (cir 2008-2009) and will continue to do so as long as I stay in Japan.
Welcome and Thank You for Reading
–Ryan
Ryan,
Will you be including Japanese beers which are not made by the big 4? Kiuchi (Hitachino Nest), Ginga Kogen, Yona Yona - these are available in places like Natural Lawson, Yamaya (chain), Tokyu.
Homebrew Japan
http://homebrewjapan.wordpress.com/
Maybe… the problem with craft beers is that the regular tourist wont find them and that they are way overpriced (not like beer here is cheap anyway…)
I will be covering the majors and even happoshu that I’ve been ballsy enough to drink lol.
Thanks for the comment buddy.
As long as you mention the shops that sell them, any tourist even passing through Tokyo will be able to get access to some fine Japanese beers, not just the stuff that’s sold in convenience stores.
I also reccommend any tourist interested in finding out more about beer culture here to not just try to visit a craft beer bar (as I do recommened they do but yes - it IS expensive!) but also try out some of the interesting izakayas, most of which only serve magnum dry, sapporo, kirin lager or super dry. The cheap ones in Shimbashi are interesting. Or the standing sake bars. Even karaoke can be a great way to try out some of the Japanese big 4.
Have fun checking out the beers and the different ways you can enjoy them. Geez, I sound like an alcoholic.
Yes, you should mention where to find them.
Even Don Quijote stores have a pair of Yona Yona beers (in cans) in its coolers.