The two bars everyone who loves beer who visits Japan should go to are Mugishutei in Sapporo for the mammoth bottle list & Popeye’s for the 70 taps. Mugishutei probably has the best selection of American Craft beer in Japan if not in Asia. Though they don’t seem to really carry Japanese craft beer except on tap. If you want local beers in Sapporo heard to the North Island Brewpub. They had Goose Island’s Bourbon County Stout(but 3000 yen for 330ml!), a bunch of Dogfish Head(60, 90, 120 minute IPA, Midas Touch - which I had ^_^), pretty much every Rogue beer (they’re the distributor in Japan), Ezo beer (made by Rogue under contract), other rareties and a nice selection of beers on tap. The great thing is the atmosphere is fantastic for a beer lover, I was like a kid in a candy store plus they have a list of bottled beers on sale as well as a 2500 all you can drink for beers for a couple of shelves in the fridge. The only negative is the high cover charge (900 yen) but if you mention their website on your first visit you can avoid it! If you’re lucky enough Phred will be around and you can talk to one of the founders of the craft scene in Japan. An added bonus, I was able to place an order online with Ezo Beer for pick up at the bar thus avoiding the shipping fees, nice!

One of the most wonderful place in Sapporo. The bottle lineup is decent American, German, Belgian, UK. Anything else I should consider? ....They they have an undrinkable beers at a trade show !

Hundreds of bottles and cans in the wall coolers, several Rogues on tap. Phred Kaufman telling you stories from his 23-plus years in business and discussing just about any beer you have ever heard of. He took me out on the town afterwards too. It ’s a great place, and you will always find beers you haven’t tried. Even if Phred’s not there, you can enjoy checking out the hundreds of beer cans on the walls.

If you ever find yourself in Sapporo (Japan’s equiv of Alaska), you simply must go to Beer Inn Mugishutei. Like most places in Japan, the prices are high, but the selection, ambiance, and company are hard to beat. I like their style. They take a by-any-means-necessary approach to getting beer. This means two things: the list kicks ass, and it costs a lot. What do you care? You’re in Sapporo for Chrissake. Phred is a great host. With any luck, he will take you out for fresh sashimi at a locals-only joint that serves fish sperm and Fugu fin tea (flavored with deadly pufferfish). I went there twice in my brief visit to Sapporo during the Snow Festival and the experiences will last a lifetime. Do yourself a favor: take a camera. His walls are a virtual beer museum. I have never seen anything like it in my life. Maybe the oddest thing of all though is that several of the draft beer taps are literally in the public seating area, not behind the bar. You would never see this in America or anywhere else in the world I’ve been for that matter. What a trip!

Very cool place that is Japan’s original beer bar (circa 1980). Phred, the owner has a larger than life personality and is great to talk to. Five imports (Rogue plus whatever) on tap, plus a boat load in the massive fridge. Mostly American, but even then some rare stuff. Prices are not cheap for American stuff, so best to stick to others if you are American. 5000 beers line the wall. If in for Snow Festival, ask about Fundoshi Run!

Check out my article for information about this craft beer bar in downtown Sapporo with a most impressive import selection: http://www.ratebeer.com/Beer-News/Article-700.htm