Tasting Tap Room Sapporo Ichiryuan : The Bottom Line
Tasting Tap Room Sapporo Ichiryuan is one of the quirkiest places I’ve had beers in but let’s get things straight – don’t come to Tasting Tap Room Sapporo Ichiryuan to drink lots but instead treat it as a place to sample some local beers while you’re waiting for some ramen next door. The prices are representative of that but the atmosphere and fun nature of the place makes up for it. There are a few snacks on the menu but make sure you’re with someone who can read and speak Japanese as there isn’t any English here.
Tasting Tap Room Sapporo Ichiryuan : The Full Story
I had heard about Tasting Tap Room Sapporo Ichiryuan from some people at Hininitsuka and my desire about doing a walking and drinking tour – known as a hashigozake in Japanese – and the unanimous consensus was that I had to go here to try a few of their beers on tap, but I’d be lucky to get in. I had some time to spare before dinner, and decided to take a punt.
Tasting Tap Room Sapporo Ichiryuan opened due to the popularity of the ramen shop Ichiryuan, with customers waiting outside to get in there. The manager wanted something for people to do and what better things are there to do while waiting for ramen than drink? The premise behind the bar is simply that – a quick drink while you’re waiting for your spot next door.
Tasting Tap Room Sapporo Ichiryuan : Atmosphere & Interior
Tasting Tap Room Sapporo Ichiryuan is a tiny little space with seats for four people at the counter. Heck, I couldn’t even get my usual panoramic photo inside the place as there wasn’t enough space to make one effectively. I had just arrived after a party of people were called in for their ramen next door, so after a quick wipe down of the counter, I was given free reign of the seating – not like there was much to choose from.
There was some gently jazz and blues music playing in the background as I sat and talked with the bar staff – there is no English spoken here but if you do speak Japanese then you’re in for a treat as it’s the kind of place that has its regulars and locals who are intrigued when new people come in – as I was to find out no more than 10 minutes later. It was almost as if the presence of a non-Japanese looking person was completely unknown to the customers who came in. The whole place is non-smoking, has no table charge, and also has some free wifi.
Tasting Tap Room Sapporo Ichiryuan : Approach to Covid-19
Like other places in Sapporo, Tasting Tap Room Sapporo Ichiryuan follows the guidelines as set out by the local government so expect temperature checks, alcohol spray, and the staff to wear masks. The mandatory posters were dotted on the wall behind the seating and social distancing employed where possible though in a place this small, it’s going to be tough to do so when more than three people are inside.
Tasting Tap Room Sapporo Ichiryuan : Beer & Tap Information
It’s worth reiterating that Tasting Tap Room Sapporo Ichiryuan is not a place you’re going to want a lot of beers in, though there is a chance for you to try several different beers from a brewery in Hokkaido. There are 4 taps of domestic beer, with this focus being on different breweries from Hokkaido. On the day I went, the focus was on Sumikawa Brewing, a brewery based in Sumikawa, just a little bit south of Sapporo. The beers come in one size, about 250 ml from 600 yen, with the price including tax. There is also wine and nihonshu so if you’re with friends who want a drink, but don’t want craft beer, then there are some other choices. There isn’t any happy hour nor any beer flights as there isn’t enough space apparently to hold all the glasses.
Tasting Tap Room Sapporo Ichiryuan : Food Information
There isn’t anything bar a few snacks on the menu as the idea of the place is to stop for a quick one before moving onto some ramen next door. The menus are all in Japanese only, so you’re going to need someone who can read and speak Japanese to order anything. At least all of the snacks are pretty much vegetarian friendly too.
Tasting Tap Room Sapporo Ichiryuan : Information
- Open : Wednesday to Friday 17:00 – 20:00 (L.O 19:30) Weekends + holidays 13:00 – 20:00 (L.O 19:30)
- Closed : Mondays + Tuesdays
- Happy Hour : N/A
- Phone : 0120-219-313
- Homepage (in Japanese) : https://ichiryuan.com/
- Social Media : Facebook
