FOOD & DRINK GUIDE
Sake & Craft Guide: Breweries, Beer & Distilleries
SAKE & CRAFT
Sake Breweries, Craft Beer & Distilleries in Asahikawa and the Daisetsuzan Area
Drinks from the Asahikawa and Daisetsuzan area, born from the pure waters of the Daisetsuzan mountains and Hokkaido rice and local ingredients.
From historic sake breweries to Asahikawa craft beer and a new distillery in Higashikawa, here are five spots to enjoy alongside your trip.
※ Opening hours, tours, and tasting details may change. Please check each facility’s latest information before your visit. Do not drive after drinking.
Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum
A museum where you can explore the history of Otokoyama, a local sake brewed with Asahikawa’s famous water, and Japan’s traditional sake-making culture. Exhibits include rare materials and sake vessels from the Edo period, along with historic brewing tools. During the brewing season, you may also see part of the sake-making process. Recommended not only for sake lovers, but for anyone interested in Japanese culture itself.
- ACCESS
- About 22 minutes by car from Snow Resort Hermitage
- OPEN
- 9:00–17:00
Closed for New Year holidays - FEATURE
- Sake museum, brewing water & brewery products
Takasago Sake Brewery Meiji Kura
Takasago Sake Brewery is known for Kokushi Muso, one of Asahikawa’s signature sakes. The historic Meiji Kura, built in 1909, now serves as a museum and direct sales shop. You’ll also find seasonal limited-edition sake, brewery-only products, amazake, and goods made with sake lees—great for souvenir hunting.
- ACCESS
- About 15 minutes by car from Snow Resort Hermitage
- OPEN
- 9:00–17:00
Closed for New Year holidays - FEATURE
- Kokushi Muso, brewery-only sake & Meiji Kura
Taisetsu Ji Beer Kan
A beer restaurant near Asahikawa Station where you can enjoy local craft beer and Hokkaido cuisine. The building itself is a draw—a registered cultural property brick warehouse from the Meiji and Taisho eras. Pair classic Hokkaido dishes such as jingisukan with craft beer born in Asahikawa.
- ACCESS
- About 13 minutes by car from Snow Resort Hermitage
- OPEN
-
11:30–14:00
17:00–22:00 ※ Please check the restaurant’s website for details. - FEATURE
- Asahikawa craft beer & Hokkaido cuisine
Kamikawa Taisetsu Sake Brewery Midorigaoka Kura
A small sake brewery in Kamikawa Town at the foot of the Daisetsuzan mountains, crafting sake with Hokkaido water and rice. Rather than mass production, it focuses on handmade, small-batch junmai sake. The shop next to the brewery sells regular products plus limited-edition sake, sake lees goods, and sake vessels.
- ACCESS
- About 50 minutes by car from Snow Resort Hermitage
- OPEN
-
Summer 10:00–16:00
Winter 10:00–15:00 ※ Please check the brewery’s website. - FEATURE
- Hokkaido water & rice, small-batch junmai sake
Tankyu Distillery
A craft distillery that opened in Higashikawa Town at the foot of the Daisetsuzan mountains. Using spring water from the Daisetsuzan range, Hokkaido rice, and local botanicals, it produces craft gin and single malt whisky. On reservation-only distillery tours, you can tour the production site and enjoy a tasting afterward.
- ACCESS
- About 40 minutes by car from Snow Resort Hermitage
- OPEN
- Shop 10:00–17:00
Tours by advance reservation - FEATURE
- Craft gin, whisky & distillery tours