Japan’s First Beer Hall, Pioneering the Enjoyment of Draft Beer
It took a long time and countless attempts for the delicious taste of beer to be widely accepted in Japan and for the beer culture we know today to develop. This journey dates back to the Meiji era, when Japan was in the midst of modernization.
In 1887, the “Japan Beer Brewery Company.” was established in Ginza, Tokyo. In 1889, a brewery was completed in Ebisu, and the following year, in 1890, “Ebisu Beer” was launched. Then, in 1899, Japan’s first beer hall, “Yebisu Beer Hall,” opened in Ginza.
Creating a "Place to Enjoy Beer" in Japan
In Japan at that time, beer was still a luxury item and not something everyone could easily enjoy. It was Kyohei Makoshi, the president at the time, who conceived the idea of creating a place where people could experience the deliciousness of beer firsthand.Thus, Japan’s first Yebisu Beer Hall was born.
It opened as a place where patrons could taste freshly brewed beer delivered directly from the factory. It served not only as a venue to promote “Yebisu Beer” but also aimed to let people experience the true taste of beer firsthand.
In addition to its distinctive serving style, meticulous attention was given to the interior, with chairs and tables made from barrel materials.It was more than just promoting beer—it fostered a culture of enjoying beer as an experience.
The Spirit Lives On at Ginza Beer Hall
Later, Nippon Beer, Sapporo Beer, and Osaka Beer merged to form Dai-Nippon Beer. In 1918, the “Ginza Beer Hall” opened in what is now Ginza 7-chome. Inspired by Kyohei Makoshi’s vision—that “visitors should open their hearts, forget their daily worries, laugh carefree, and talk about a bright tomorrow.That is the true power of beer, and I want the beer hall to be such a place.” Designed with the concept of “abundance and harvest,” the Ginza Beer Hall features decorations throughout inspired by barley and grapes, evoking a sense of bountiful harvest. Even today,after many years, it retains its original appearance from the time of its founding and, as Japan’s oldest surviving beer hall, continues to pass on its history and culture to the present day.
A Time-Honored Experience
The "Ginza Lion" beer halls, including the "Beer Hall Lion Ginza 7-chome Branch," include many establishments deeply rooted in the community with long histories. While maintaining rigorous quality control and a meticulous approach to pouring, we offer a unique experience where guests can enjoy beer in a vibrant atmosphere while immersing themselves in history and tradition.
A single glass of beer can fill someone’s heart and enrich their time. We will continue to cherish this value and pass it on to the future.
