From the Birthplace of “Yebisu Beer” to “Yebisu Garden Place” and “YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO”
The town of Ebisu is a special place that has grown alongside Yebisu Beer and nurtured its history. Its origins date back to 1889, when Japan Beer Brewery Company—the predecessor of Sapporo Breweries—established a brewery at the site of today’s Yebisu Garden Place, driven by the ideal of creating “authentic beer that rivals genuine German beer.”
At the time, this location was chosen as the ideal environment for beer brewing due to the abundant water from the Mita Irrigation Canal and its elevated terrain, which made it easy to secure underground storage space. As
shipments of Ebisu Beer expanded, railway transportation became necessary, and in February 1901, a freight station exclusive for Yebisu Beer was built on the brewery site. Then, in 1906, current “Ebisu Station” was opened New Station, named after the brand name of “Yebisu” and began passenger services. It was this station name that led the surrounding area to be called “Ebisu.”
In other words, the place name “Ebisu” derives from Yebisu Beer, making it an extremely rare case in Japan where the name of a town itself originated from a beer brand.
Since then, beloved by local residents, Ebisu has developed into a vibrant neighborhood.
Opening of Tokyo’s New Landmark, “Yebisu Garden Place”
As expanding production capacity and accelerating urban development in the surrounding area made it difficult to expand the brewery, operations were relocated to Chiba in 1988. Beer brewing in Ebisu, which had continued for about 100 years, came to an end. In 1994, the former site was reborn as “Yebisu Garden Place,” and the neighborhood made a fresh start as a sophisticated area with new appeal.
In 2009, marking the 15th anniversary of Yebisu Garden Place’s opening, we held the “YEBISU BEER FESTIVAL.” With gratitude to everyone who has loved and nurtured Ebisu and Yebisu Beer over the years, we continue to hold this event as a way to foster connections with the local community.
Resuming Beer Brewing in Ebisu
In 2024, after a hiatus of approximately 35 years, beer brewing resumed in Ebisu. “YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO” offers a chance to experience the unique story of Yebisu, spanning its origins, present, and future.
It combines a museum, brewery, and taproom. Here, you can discover new ways to enjoy beer with Yebisu that is brewed on site and available only at this location.
The flagship beer, “Yebisu ∞ (Infinity),” is a special brew crafted using yeast that was once used at the Ebisu Brewery, which has been re-selected and revived. As a beer that fuses the history cultivated in Ebisu with modern technology, it offers a new experience to many customers.
The story spanning over 135 years—in which Yebisu Beer gave birth to the name of the town, and the town nurtured beer culture—is now being passed on to the future in a new form as “YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO.” We will continue to share the joy and enriching moments that beer brings from the heart of Ebisu.