Nothing beats a crisp lager on a hot, steamy day.
For just an hour and a half of your time, you can enjoy a paid factory tour and beer tasting at Suntory’s Musashino Brewery in Fuchū, Tokyo, home of the Suntory Premium Malt’s beer series.
What the tour includes
The tour includes:
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- An introduction video
- Sampling various ingredients that go into making Suntory’s beer
- Explanations of the process
- A peek at the brewing vats
- A view of the packaging and labeling floor
- VR experience
- Beer tasting
First, you’ll need to check in by providing your name at the reception desk. In case you need an audio guide (available in English, Mandarin and Korean), you’ll be asked to download an app and told how to use it to follow along with the tour. There are also pamphlets available in English, Mandarin and Korean in addition to Japanese.
When it’s time to begin, you’ll take the elevator upstairs where you’ll be shown a short video about the quality of the spring water they use in their brewing process.
The first stop after the introduction is the hops display where you’ll learn about the type of hops that Suntory uses. You’ll even get to see, smell, and taste a sample!
Next you’ll be led through a long hallway to the vat area where you can look inside a port-hole window that allows you to see what the vat looks like.
Then you’ll move on to the filling and packaging area. You’ll watch a short video about their process and you can look through the large windows that allow you to see the factory floor.
After this, you’ll be given a VR headset which gives you a sneak peek into the Suntory lab.
And now for best part of the tour: the beer tasting. You get to wet your whistle on some freshly brewed Suntory beer straight from the factory. After all, you worked hard learning all about the process on the tour, so you deserve a few cold ones!
Each guest can savor three frosty beers from Suntory’s selection of the day. You’ll be able to savor Suntory-branded salty snacks on the table to pair with your brew. Also, the bartenders can print foam art onto the surface of your beer– choose from a whole host of cute designs.
After the tasting you head back down to the lobby where you can check out the gift shop and souvenir photo wall if you didn’t have time before the tour. At the gift shop you’ll find a variety of their beers, glassware, t-shirts, key chains, and other gifts (for yourself, if you’d like– we’re not judging.
True to Japan’s affinity for convenience, excellent customer service, and, well, beer, Suntory even offers a mail-order option where they will deliver fresh Suntory beer to your doorstep if you live in Tokyo.
Things to consider
Important points to consider:
- If you are driving, you will not be able to consume any beer.
- Cameras are welcome, just know that there are some areas of the factory where photography and recording are not allowed. You’ll see signs advising where you can and can’t take pictures.
- Children and non-beer drinkers are welcome, as there are soft drinks and water available in the tasting room in lieu of beer. Tours are FREE for participants under 20 years old.
- If you’ll have more than 10 people in your group you’ll need to make a reservation, which can be done over the phone, or on their website. You can use Google Translate or the Google Chrome browser to help with making an online reservation.
Booking your tour
The tour costs ¥1,000 per person. This is extremely reasonable considering the fact that an average pint at an everyday izakaya will set you back at least ¥400 to ¥500, and during the tour, you can enjoy refills (albeit with a time limit).
You’ll need to reserve your spot online ahead of time. Be warned– this is a popular tour, so leave plenty of time.
How to get there
From Shinjuku, you’ll need to locate the Keio Line. You can choose to take a local or semi-express train if you have time, but for the quickest route, hop on a special express or 特急 train, which comes every 5-10 minutes depending on the time and day.
Get off at Bubaigawara Station, catch the factory’s free shuttle, and you’re on your way to getting an up-close and personal look into beer giant Suntory’s Premium Malt brewing process. After about a 5-minute shuttle ride you’ll arrive at the lobby and will be promptly greeted by the friendly staff.
Alternatively, you can walk from Fuchū Station. This will take around half an hour.
Keep in mind that you will not be able to drink if you are coming by car.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the legal drinking age in Japan?
The legal drinking age is 20.
Are people under the age of 20 allowed?
Yes! The tour is free for those aged under 20.
Does the tour include tasting beer?
It sure does. Depending on the season, there may be different beers on offer. You can get refills, but keep in mind that there is a time limit (generally 20 minutes).
Is it easy to get to the factory?
Yes, there is a free shuttle from Bubaigawara station on the Keio Line. It’s also possible to walk from Fuchū station.
Tip: If you really love booze and touring places that make it, you can also check out the tour at Ishikawa Brewery, designed to be “Disneyland for beer lovers”.
This post was first written by Angela Schnabel and published in April 2015. Last updated: July 2024.
