Yebisu Garden Place is the 1994 mixed-use development built on the site of Sapporo’s old Yebisu brewery; the neighborhood and the JR station both take their name from the beer brewed here from 1890 to 1988. Today the plaza holds a free beer museum, the Westin Tokyo, and from mid-November to mid-February the famous Baccarat Eternal Lights chandelier (8,500 crystals).
What to Expect
From Ebisu Station take the 7-minute moving walkway (the Skywalk) east to the plaza. Three things to do: the free Sapporo Museum of Yebisu Beer (history of Tokyo brewing 1890–1988, ¥400 tasting set of 4 small beers); the Yebisu Garden Place Tower 38F free observatory; and, seasonally, the Baccarat Chandelier from mid-November to mid-February. The Westin Tokyo and Joel Robuchon Tokyo restaurant flank the plaza.
Consider This Instead
For a similarly polished mixed-use plaza with art instead of beer, head to Mori Tower in Roppongi: Mori Art Museum + observation deck on one ticket.
How to Get There
Getting There
From Shibuya Station
- 1Take JR Yamanote Line → Ebisu Station
- 2Take Skywalk east → Yebisu Garden Place
Tips
- Winter chandelier mid-Nov to mid-Feb only. Baccarat Eternal Lights, illuminated 16:00–24:00 daily. Free.
- Beer museum tasting ¥400 for 4. All small pours of historical recipes; better than the convenience-store can.
- Tower observatory closes 21:00. Free, walk-in, no queue.
FAQ
Is the beer museum worth it?
Yes for the ¥400 tasting (4 historical recipes you can’t buy in stores). Skip if you’re not interested in beer history.
Best time to visit?
Winter evening for the Baccarat chandelier. Otherwise weekday afternoon for the empty plaza walking + tasting.
