Yokohama’s history with beer is one of the oldest in Japan, as one of the nation’s main port cities which was also one of the first cities re-opened to international trade. After the port was open, it didn’t take long for Yokohama to adopt beer as one of it’s most popular alcoholic beverages. During the Meiji Period (1868-1912), beer gained traction across Japan thanks in large part to Yokohama’s embrace, so if you are a fan of the amber ale, there’s no better place to learn more about it than right here at the proudly local Kirin Beer Factory.
-
![]()
After a long morning exploring the fascinating food culture of the city, this is a ‘must add’ to the Yokohama itinerary. Established in 1907, the Kirin brand has become synonymous with beer culture throughout Japan, but it was in Yokohama that the company was born. You can learn all about the brew’s longstanding influence by signing up to one of the Beer Factory’s guided tours and then paying a visit to Spring Valley Brewery to appreciate everything you’ve just learned with another glass or two of that delicious Kirin beer. Here’s everything you need to know about Yokohama most established brewery.
![]()
If you’ve never seen how beer is made, this interactive tour is a great place to learn. If you have been on brewery tours before, the Kirin tour offers a few hidden extra surprises. All types of guests are welcome to sign up for a factory tour to witness the brewing process in action. From the making of the beer to the canning and distribution process, everything is covered, complete with projection mapping displays on the tanks. The tours are in Japanese, but there are English materials available so you can follow along.
![]()
One of the most highly anticipated parts of the experience, the beer sampling happens at the end of the tour. If you plan to join a tour, it is recommended that you do make a reservation by phone (the number is 045-503-8250), because they can be popular. The tours run every 40 minutes between 10am - 4pm daily, except Mondays when the Kirin Beer Factory is closed. If Monday is a national holiday, however, the factory is open and closes on the following day instead.
![]()
The tour lasts about 80 minutes and is free, so you can save your money for a visit to the Factory’s Spring Valley Brewery. The Spring Valley Brewery serves a range of international cuisine including full meals and sides. However, the biggest attraction is the incredible selection of brews on offer. If it’s too difficult to choose just one, go for the flight beer tasting set which includes local beers paired with interesting bite-sized dishes. For something unique, we recommend the Jazzberry beer paired with the brie cheese and pickles.
![]()
The Kirin Beer Factory is located along the Yokohama Bayfront, but it’s a reasonable journey from Minato Mirai. If you’re visiting Yamashita Park, the Akarenga/ Red Brick Warehouse district or Chinatown head back to Yokohama Station and catch the Keikyu Line heading to Shinagawa, and get off at Keikyu-Shinkoyasu Station. The factory is about a 10-15 minute walk from Keikyu-Shinkoyasu Station. From Yokohama Station, the journey will take around 40 minutes in total and cost 160 yen.
![]()
- Kirin Yokohama Beer Village
-
![rating]()
4.5
309 Reviews -
-
- Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Tsurumi-ku Namamugi 1-17-1
-
-
-
- 0455038250
-
-
-
- [Special experience only at …
-
View All
OCHANOMA
神奈川県神奈川区子安通1-3-2 Yokohama
- スプリングバレー
-
-
- 神奈川県横浜市鶴見区生麦1丁目17-1
-
-
-
- 0455063017
-
View All
Go here
