Kirin Brewery Yokohama Factory Tour
Explore the art of Japanese beer-making at the Kirin Brewery in Yokohama, featuring a fascinating factory tour and a delightful tasting session.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience
Kirin Brewery Yokohama Factory Tour
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the art of Japanese beer-making at the Kirin Brewery in Yokohama, featuring a fascinating factory tour and a delightful tasting session.
"Highly recommended for a taste of Japan's brewing heritage and delicious Kirin beers!"
📝 English Support Available
Even if tours are in Japanese, English slide sheets and videos help you follow along. :iphone:
🚶♂️ Easy Station Access
A short walk from Keikyu Namamugi or JR Shin-Koyasu stations. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Brewing Process Tour
Witness the fascinating journey of Kirin beer, from ingredient gathering to canning. Learn about their unique brewing techniques.
Beer Tasting Session
Savor three complimentary glasses of Kirin's finest beers, including Ichiban, Ichiban Premium, and Black. A true highlight for beer enthusiasts!
Kirin History & Videos
Gain insights into Kirin's rich history and brewing philosophy through engaging short films and informative displays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Getting There & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📝 English Support Available
Even if tours are in Japanese, English slide sheets and videos help you follow along. :iphone:
🚶♂️ Easy Station Access
A short walk from Keikyu Namamugi or JR Shin-Koyasu stations. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photography Welcome
Capture memories! Photos are allowed throughout the tour. :camerawithflash:
🍻 Generous Pours
Enjoy substantial pours during the beer tasting. Cheers! :beer:
Tips
from all over the internet
📝 English Support Available
Even if tours are in Japanese, English slide sheets and videos help you follow along. :iphone:
🚶♂️ Easy Station Access
A short walk from Keikyu Namamugi or JR Shin-Koyasu stations. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photography Welcome
Capture memories! Photos are allowed throughout the tour. :camerawithflash:
🍻 Generous Pours
Enjoy substantial pours during the beer tasting. Cheers! :beer:
🎁 Souvenir Shop
Pick up Kirin-branded goodies and snacks. :gift:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Kirin Brewery tour for its informative brewing process, generous beer tasting, and friendly staff. Despite the tour being primarily in Japanese, English support materials make it accessible and enjoyable for international guests. The overall experience is highly recommended, even for non-beer drinkers.
"It was an excellent tour despite the language barrier. The tasting of 3 full glass of beers and the extra soft drink + snack were the highlights. Tons of motivated - responsible drinkers of all ages. The staff was kind and welcoming. Highly recommended."
MD Nguyen
"delighted to visit this brewery at yokohama with Kie and Ryuichi, Kirin beer being internationally acclaimed,
Kirin brewery is located only ten minutes walk from Keikyu Namamugi station, or 15 minutes from JR Shin-Koyasu Station. Kie being late and the staff required us to wait to get in as a group, we pre-booked ticket online, the tour is interesting as it highlighted the uniqueness of Kirin's beer brewing process, we had a glimpse and briefing of the complete brewing process, from start to finish, ie, gathering ingredients, fermentation, to canning and bottle, we actually saw samples of the machines but these were not moving or in operation in the tour, we also saw a short movie at the beginning of the tour introducing the history and some of the process or workflow, and the guided tour finished with beer tasting, each of us got three cups of different complimentary beers from Kirin! there is a gift shop where you can buy some souvenir and snacks produced by Kirin, the girls at the wine taste hall and the gentlemen hosting the tour all along are all very polite and friendly, making the tour more enjoyable!"
dr ken chao
"Amazing tour, well worth the tour cost. Tour guide was great, beers after the tour were great. We commuted from Shinjuku and it was well beyond worth the travel time to get here.
Recommend to anyone, even non beer lovers."
Nolan Jackson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The brewery is conveniently located a 10-minute walk from Keikyu Namamugi Station or a 15-minute walk from JR Shin-Koyasu Station. Many visitors find these stations easy to navigate from central Yokohama or Tokyo.
Yes, it's a manageable day trip from Tokyo. You can take a train to Yokohama and then transfer to a local line towards the brewery. The journey is well worth it for the experience. +1
Expect a pleasant 10-minute walk from Keikyu Namamugi Station and a slightly longer 15-minute walk from JR Shin-Koyasu Station.
Absolutely! Public transport is the recommended way to reach the Kirin Brewery. Both Keikyu and JR lines offer convenient access.
Information on parking is limited, but public transport is generally preferred by visitors. It's best to check the official Kirin Brewery website for the most up-to-date parking information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your tour online in advance to secure your spot, especially during busy periods. While some may have visited without pre-booking, it's safer to reserve your place.
The tour itself is often free, but it's essential to check the official Kirin Brewery website for the most current pricing and any associated costs for special tours or events.
Tour hours can vary, and it's best to consult the official Kirin Brewery Yokohama website for the most accurate and up-to-date schedule.
Tours are generally available on most days, but it's advisable to check for any holiday closures or specific operational schedules on their official website.
The tour typically lasts around 60-90 minutes, including the brewing process explanation and the beer tasting session.
🍽️ 🍺 Beer Tasting & Dining
You can typically sample three different Kirin beers, often including Kirin Ichiban, Kirin Ichiban Premium, and Kirin Black.
Yes, soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages are usually available as an alternative to beer during the tasting session.
While the focus is on beer tasting, there is often a gift shop that may offer snacks and light refreshments produced by Kirin.
Yes, there is a gift shop where you can buy various Kirin beers, souvenirs, and other branded merchandise.
Visitors frequently mention that the beer tasting pours are very generous, offering a substantial sampling experience.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Photography is generally allowed throughout the tour, allowing you to capture your experience. However, audio and video recording are prohibited.
The guided tour is primarily in Japanese, but English speakers can follow along with provided English slide sheets and videos with subtitles.
Absolutely! Many visitors, even those who don't typically drink beer, find the brewing process and history fascinating.
The atmosphere is often described as welcoming and enjoyable, with motivated staff and a mix of visitors of all ages.
Yokohama offers many attractions, including Minato Mirai 21, Chinatown, and the Cup Noodles Museum, making it a great area for a day trip. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure you check if non-alcoholic beverages are readily available for children during the tasting portion. The brewery grounds can also be pleasant for a short stroll. Consider the walking distances from the stations when planning your visit with young children.
🍻 Beer Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to explore the gift shop for unique Kirin merchandise and perhaps pick up some of your favorite brews to take home. The tasting session is a highlight, offering a comprehensive experience of Kirin's offerings.
✈️ Day-Trippers from Tokyo
Combine your visit with other Yokohama attractions like Chinatown or Minato Mirai 21 for a full day of exploration. Plan your train routes in advance to maximize your time and ensure a smooth journey to and from the brewery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Brewing Process: From Grain to Glass
Visitors often appreciate the detailed explanations, even with the language barrier, thanks to supplementary materials like English slide sheets and subtitled videos. This ensures that everyone can grasp the nuances of Kirin's brewing philosophy and techniques. The tour highlights the dedication to quality that has made Kirin an internationally acclaimed brand.
Key Takeaway: The tour emphasizes Kirin's commitment to quality ingredients and a precise brewing process, offering an educational and engaging experience for all visitors.
The Beer Tasting Experience
Reviewers consistently praise the substantial pours, making it a truly satisfying experience. Even if you're not a seasoned beer connoisseur, the tasting offers a chance to appreciate the different flavor profiles. For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, non-alcoholic options are usually available, ensuring everyone can participate and enjoy the tasting.
Pro Tip: Don't hesitate to ask the friendly staff questions about the beers; they are knowledgeable and happy to enhance your tasting experience.
Navigating the Tour with Language Differences
Additionally, introductory videos often feature English subtitles, further bridging any language gaps. This thoughtful approach ensures that the history of Kirin, the brewing process, and the tasting notes are accessible to a global audience. Many visitors have reported that these resources make the tour highly enjoyable and informative, even without fluency in Japanese.
Community Insight: Redditors and reviewers often mention that the staff are very welcoming and helpful, often going out of their way to assist visitors, making the experience smoother despite language differences.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit