#3 Kirin Brewery Tour in Sendai.
2014.08.19 旅 - Traveling
The mythical Kirin, a beast which is part dragon and part deer with the tail of an ox, watches over the brewery of the same name on the outskirts of Sendai. It is said people would see a Kirin figure right before something amazing happens. That must be true because you see the Kirin image immediately before indulging in that delicious, refreshing taste Kirin is famous for.
If you have never been on a brewery tour, or even if you have, you’ll be happily surprised with the free tour offered at this factory. The hour long guided walking tour covers the entire brewing process in addition to learning a little about the 130 year old history of the Kirin brand. Along the way visitors will have a chance to view the various facilities and machines. The tour is made somewhat interactive as you are allowed to touch and smell the ingredients, feel how cold the refrigerators are, and stand in a model-sized drawing of a holding tank. While the tour is conducted in Japanese, detailed English pamphlets with a few English signs of the major machines on the tour are explained. Anyone, regardless of Japanese ability, can enjoy this opportunity.
After walking inside and a little outside several buildings, you reach the sampling bar. Here for about 15 or 20 minutes
you are allowed to drink Kirin beverage products—again free of charge. Kirin Shibori, Kirin Lager,and Kirin Stout are all on tap. Juices and water are available as well. You are not allowed to drink alcohol if you came by car and are the driver. Before everyone drinks, your tour guide will explain how to pour the perfect Kirin beer. Together you toast glasses with a loud kanpai and the drinking begins. Adults may also be given alcohol-filled chocolate samples and everyone can receive some crackers to go with your drink. At the end of the tour make sure to stop by the gift shop, see the display about the factory being damaged and recovering from the March 11th, 2011 earthquake and tsunami, then finally relax at the onsite restaurant and enjoy tasty entrees, buffet meals, and drink courses if you aren’t ready to leave yet.
If you are thinking about participating in a Kirin brewery tour you’ll need to make a reservation in advance. You can check open tour times and sign up (again, only in Japanese) by calling 022-254-2992 or online by visiting the company website: (http://www.kirin.co.jp/entertainment/factory/sendai/)
From JR Sendai Station by car the brewery is 40 minutes away. A more convenient method may be to take a 20 minute train ride from Sendai to Tagajo Station via the Senseki line. Once there a free shuttle can take you to the factory a 15 minute drive away. Shuttle times are posted on the website and sign outside the station. The bus comes once an hour and tour times match shuttle times, so all you need to worry about is having fun.
Looking for something different, easy to access, and free? The Sendai Kirin Brewery tour is your answer.
Japanese address: 〒983-0001宮城県仙台市宮城野区港2-2-1
English address: 983-0001 Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai City, Miyagino Ward, Minato 2-2-1
(by Justin Veigus)
キリンビール仙台工場見学
仙台市にはキリンビール工場もあり、見学できます。３杯の試飲もできますので、ぜひお試しを。
今回はジャスティンのレポートです
