Kirin Brewery Yokohama

Beer and Yokohama have a long history — Japan's modern brewing industry has deep roots in this port city where foreign brewers first set up shop in the 19th century — and the Kirin Brewery Yokohama offers one of the most enjoyable ways to tap into that heritage. Located in the Namamugi district of Tsurumi ward, this working brewery of Kirin, one of Japan's big four beer makers, runs free guided tours that walk visitors through the making of its flagship Ichiban Shibori ("first press") beer and reward them with a fresh tasting at the end.

The brand's connection to the site runs deep: the origins of Kirin trace back to the Spring Valley Brewery established by foreign entrepreneurs in Yokohama in the 1870s, making this one of the birthplaces of Japanese beer. Today's plant blends that legacy with modern brewing on an impressive scale, and the tour makes the process vivid and accessible. Guided by friendly staff, you move through the stages of brewing — the malt and hops, the mashing and fermentation, the distinctive "first press" method that gives Ichiban Shibori its clean taste — with interactive displays, a chance to smell and taste raw ingredients, and a look at the brewing and packaging halls.

The highlight, of course, comes at the end: a tasting session where you drink freshly made Ichiban Shibori poured on site, often with a lesson in how to pour the perfect head, plus soft drinks for non-drinkers and children. Beer tasted this fresh, at the brewery, is a genuine treat, and the relaxed, generous atmosphere makes the tour feel like a celebration rather than a sales pitch. The site also has a restaurant and beer garden where you can extend the experience over food matched to the beers, and a shop selling Kirin goods and limited-edition brews.

The brewery grounds are spacious and green, pleasant to stroll, and the whole experience is well organised for visitors, with tours running on a schedule that must be reserved in advance — online booking is strongly recommended, especially at weekends and for the limited English-language slots. Non-drinkers and families are genuinely welcome, making this an outing that suits a broad range of visitors, not just beer enthusiasts.

Getting there is easy: it is about ten minutes on foot from Namamugi Station on the Keikyu Main Line, and a free shuttle bus often runs from the station on tour days. Because the approach uses the private Keikyu line rather than JR, a Japan Rail Pass does not cover it, but IC cards work throughout and fares are low. The facility is modern and fully wheelchair accessible.

The tour itself takes around ninety minutes including the tasting. For travellers who enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience — and a cold, fresh beer at the end — Kirin Brewery Yokohama is a rewarding and unusually generous free attraction, and a fitting nod to Yokohama's role as one of the cradles of Japanese beer. Just remember to book ahead, and to bring a designated non-driver so everyone can enjoy the final pour.