Where do you want to go when you visit Japan? If you’re looking for an authentic local experience, you must visit a Japanese izakaya and try the special beers they serve. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Japanese izakaya culture!
What is Izakaya?
An izakaya is a Japanese-style pub and an essential part of Japanese culture. People usually go to izakayas in the evening to enjoy alcohol and a variety of small dishes with friends or coworkers.
One of the most iconic traditions is the “first beer”. When you visit an izakaya, you might hear people say “First beer!” before ordering a drink. This first beer is a kind of ritual, and after that, you can choose any drink you like. This tradition started years ago when Japanese office workers, especially dads, would order beer first—and today it’s still a fun part of the izakaya experience.
Another unique custom is with bottle beer. If you order a bottle, the rule is to pour drinks for your friends or coworkers, never just for yourself. It’s a gesture of friendship and respect that makes the experience more social and lively.
Izakaya dishes are usually served on small plates, and people order several different kinds to share with the group. This makes dining a fun, interactive experience where everyone can taste a variety of flavors- perfect to enjoy alongside a bottle of Akaboshi.
What is Akaboshi?
When it comes to Japanese beer, a few names stand out: Asahi, Suntory, Kirin, and of course, Sapporo. Most people know Sapporo for its iconic Black Star beer, but there’s another gem you shouldn’t miss—Sapporo Lager Beer, also known as Akahoshi.
The name is simple but meaningful: Aka means red, and hoshi means star, so Akahoshi literally means Red Star. It’s a classic beer with a nostalgic label that has been loved by generations of beer drinkers in Japan.
Akahoshi is also one of the oldest beers in Japan, first launched in 1879.
The brewing style is the most different point to its Black Star beer.
How Akaboshi is Brewed?
Sapporo Beer Akahoshi, or Red Star, is brewed differently from Sapporo’s Black Label, giving it its unique character.
The main difference lies in the filtration and pasteurization process. While Black Label undergoes a gentle filtration without heat, Akahoshi is heat-treated during filtration. This step stabilizes the beer and gives it a longer shelf life, while preserving its traditional taste that has been loved for generations.
Taste and Flavor Differences
Thanks to this brewing method, Akahoshi has a richer, fuller flavor than Black Label. It is:
- Crisp and refreshing, yet slightly maltier
- Balanced bitterness, not too sharp
- Smooth on the palate, with a subtle sweetness that comes from the pasteurization process
In short, if Black Label is modern and clean, Akahoshi feels nostalgic and comforting, evoking the classic taste of Japanese beer from decades ago. It’s a beer that pairs perfectly with izakaya dishes like yakitori, karaage, or edamame, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Summary
When I tried Akahoshi for the first time, I was amazed by its freshness and flavor. I had tried many beers before, but nothing tasted so crisp and refreshing—it truly left a lasting impression.
Finding an izakaya that serves Akahoshi can be a bit tricky, since it’s not a mainstream beer. However, Japanese beer enthusiasts adore it, and for travelers, it’s a hidden gem. Hunting for an izakaya that offers Akahoshi can be part of the fun—and a perfect way to enjoy an authentic Japanese beer experience!
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