Ebisu Private Brewery Experience and Exclusive Tasting: Discover the Craftsmanship behind Japan’s Beer Culture

The Story of YEBISU: A Brand that Shaped Japan’s Beer Culture – and even Local Toponymy

Japan’s first brewery opened in 1869, marking the beginning of a growing domestic beer industry. In 1876, the Kaitakushi Brewery – the forebear of today’s Sapporo Beer – was established in Hokkaido, helping beer reach everyday consumers. By the late Meiji era (1868-1912), beer had become a popular drink, and from the 1970s onward, the rise of draft beer firmly established beer culture across Japan.

YEBISU holds a special place among the brands responsible for this cultural rise. In 1889, the Yebisu Brewery was completed on the site of today’s YEBISU GARDEN PLACE, launching full-scale brewing operations. German-made kettles, steam engines, and refrigeration systems were installed, and brewmasters were invited from Germany to help create a production system prizing both quality and scale. In 1890, Yebisu Beer was born from this marriage of vision and expertise.

Celebrated for its exceptional quality, Yebisu Beer quickly gained acclaim. In 1901, Yebisu Railyard was opened with the brewery as its namesake* to ship its beer across Japan. Later, as passenger services began at the nearby Ebisu Station, people began to use the name of the brewery to refer to the entire neighborhood surrounding it. In 1928, the entire district officially adopted “Ebisu” as its official name. Today, this neighborhood lives on under the same name, a toponymous testament to the lasting popularity of Yebisu Beer.

*In older Japanese, “YEBISU” was pronounced with a “Yeh” (as in English “Yes”) or “Weh” (as in English “Wednesday”) sound at the beginning. In today’s Japanese, the consonant is silent and the word is pronounced with an “Eh” sound at the beginning (as in English “Elephant”), but it is nonetheless the same word – the name of the god of fishermen and good luck. Today, when written in English, the neighborhood and station are spelled “Ebisu,” whereas the brewery and its beer continue to use the archaic “YEBISU” spelling to honor its long history. Nonetheless, they are the same word, and pronounced the same today. Readers may be interested to know that in modern Japanese, the “Y” in Japan’s national currency, the “yen,” is also silent.

An Exclusive Private Facility Tour Experience

This Wabunka-exclusive plan includes full private access to YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO. Enjoy a warm welcome by staff at the entrance, and guidance to the Journey Lounge. With no other guests present, you can soak up the full tour experience in an intimate atmosphere.

Discover the history and craft of the brewery through the guidance of an YEBISU Conductor – special hosts who share the brewery’s story and hospitality, and host guided tastings of its beer. Although the standard tour is conducted only in Japanese, this exclusive plan includes English interpretation throughout.

Guests who wish may also enjoy the tour wearing an authentic happi coat used during the Taisho era (1912-1926), carefully preserved to this day.

A Special Experience of the Heritage and Craft of YEBISU

In the brewery’s museum area, exhibits and photographs from past to present trace the history of the YEBISU brand and the story of the beer itself. Throughout the space, you’ll sense decades of innovation and enduring passion for brewing.

In the material library, discover the ingredients behind Yebisu Beer, brewed in the German tradition with 100% malt. See premium malt and Bavarian aroma hops up close for a deeper appreciation of their role in the final flavor.

In the neighboring brewery area, stand face-to-face with the German-made kettles where Yebisu Beer is brewed. They bring the energy and authenticity of a working brewery vividly to life.

Japanese Ingredients and Japanese Beer: Enjoy Pairings Unique to This Experience　

After your guided tour of the premises, continue on to the “Beer Storming Room,” as YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO’s taproom is affectionately known, for a premium tasting. Staff will pour the brewery’s flagship Yebisu ∞ (“Yebisu Infinity”) into a Baccarat glass reserved exclusively for this plan. Observe the refined technique behind a flawless pour before savoring its fruits. Next, sample a seasonal limited-edition beer to compare the two distinct brews.

In the Japanese tradition of “ate” (“ah-tay” – light snacks eaten with alcohol), tasting is accompanied by an exclusive snack plate created for this plan featuring carefully selected ingredients such as Mt. Fuji spring water ham. Uniquely Japanese condiment accents such as wasabi and yuzu-kosho add spice and vibrance. One of the great pleasures of Japanese beer is its versatility with food, and these pairings reveal a remarkable depth on this front.
*Contents and production origin may vary depending on season and availability.

Perhaps nothing is more prized in Japanese beer culture than a perfect, foamy head. Fine, creamy bubbles preserve aroma and protect flavor. The experience culminates in a demonstration from your YEBISU Conductor on how to pour canned beer in three stages to create a beautiful, creamy head.

In Japan, the ideal ratio of beer to head in a glass is said to be seven to three. After the demonstration, take a moment to try the techniques yourself. Once mastered, you can recreate Japan’s signature style of beer pouring enjoyment anytime, anywhere.

Soak up the Story of the Birth of Japanese Beer – and the Tokyo Neighborhood it Cultured over the Years

Since the birth of Yebisu Beer in 1890, YEBISU has carried forward a brewing tradition first introduced from the West and refined in Japan. It is rare to find a brand so deeply connected with the history of its urban environment. Through this experience, discover not only the exceptional flavor of Yebisu Beer, but also the delicate Japanese sensibilities of precision, hospitality, and beauty that imbue every glass.

At the end of the tour, receive original YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO souvenir stationery and a restaurant map of the Ebisu area. The map introduces local spots where you can continue enjoying Yebisu Beer while exploring the neighborhood.