Hop Kotan Brewing to Sell Beer Aboard the Mankitsu Norokko Train
Hop Kotan Brewing of Kamifurano, Hokkaido, will sell beer aboard JR Hokkaido’s sightseeing train Mankitsu Norokko on August 30, 2026. The special service coincides with the train’s final run and pairs local beer with scenic views.
Hop BroHere’s a Hokkaido beer-by-train trip! Hop Kotan Brewing will sell beer aboard JR Hokkaido’s Mankitsu Norokko train on August 30, 2026.
MugiWhat, craft beer on a train!? Cheers on a sightseeing train sounds like the kind of trip that peaks before it even leaves!
Hop BroIt runs from Asahikawa to Furano, with sales at the car No. 1 counter. You drink it right there with the view—such a lovely plan.
MugiIt stops for about 20 minutes each at Biei, Kamifurano, and Nakafurano, right? Watching Hokkaido summer scenery with a beer sounds like the landscape becomes a snack!
Hop BroThey’ll offer two staples: upopo and haskap—two signature beers that show off Hop Kotan’s character.
MugiThe article says “100% Kamifurano-grown hops,” but what do hops do? I only know them as the bitter-leaf team!
Hop BroHops add bitterness and aroma to beer—citrus-like notes or even grassy field aromas. They’re basically beer’s aroma specialist, and these beers use only local hops.
MugiWow! So hops grown in Kamifurano are poured into a beer you drink on a moving train? Place and scenery connect completely. That’s romance overload!
Hop BroAnd it’s the Mankitsu Norokko’s final run. Hop Kotan also makes HARVEST BREW with loads of fresh hops during harvest season, so this could be a toast to its final summer.
MugiSince the bottled beer can’t be taken home, we have to savor it onboard! Cheers on the Furano Line—I’m ready for a window seat and a beer!
Beer and scenery on the train’s final run\n\nHop Kotan Brewing will operate an onboard beer sale on JR Hokkaido’s sightseeing train, the Mankitsu Norokko, on August 30, 2026. Following last year’s collaboration, the event will help mark the train’s final summer and last run.\n\nThe train travels from Asahikawa to Furano, stopping for approximately 20 minutes each at Biei, Kamifurano, and Nakafurano. Passengers can enjoy Hokkaido’s summer landscape through the train’s large windows while drinking beer. Sales will take place at the counter in Car 1. The beers will be sold in bottles for immediate enjoyment onboard and cannot be taken home.\n\nThe lineup will feature two Hop Kotan Brewing staples: “upopo” and “haskap.” According to the brewery’s official website, its HOP KOTAN ORIGINALS series uses 100% hops grown in Kamifurano. The brewery’s location in one of Hokkaido’s notable hop-growing areas is central to its approach to brewing.\n\nBased in Kamifurano, Hop Kotan Brewing pursues a wide range of beer styles while highlighting the character of its local ingredients. It also produces the annual HARVEST BREW series, made with large quantities of fresh hops during the harvest season. This onboard service offers a distinctive way to experience both the Furano Line and the flavors of Kamifurano beer.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroHere’s a Hokkaido beer-by-train trip! Hop Kotan Brewing will sell beer aboard JR Hokkaido’s Mankitsu Norokko train on August 30, 2026.
MugiWhat, craft beer on a train!? Cheers on a sightseeing train sounds like the kind of trip that peaks before it even leaves!
Hop BroIt runs from Asahikawa to Furano, with sales at the car No. 1 counter. You drink it right there with the view—such a lovely plan.
MugiIt stops for about 20 minutes each at Biei, Kamifurano, and Nakafurano, right? Watching Hokkaido summer scenery with a beer sounds like the landscape becomes a snack!
Hop BroThey’ll offer two staples: upopo and haskap—two signature beers that show off Hop Kotan’s character.
MugiThe article says “100% Kamifurano-grown hops,” but what do hops do? I only know them as the bitter-leaf team!
Hop BroHops add bitterness and aroma to beer—citrus-like notes or even grassy field aromas. They’re basically beer’s aroma specialist, and these beers use only local hops.
MugiWow! So hops grown in Kamifurano are poured into a beer you drink on a moving train? Place and scenery connect completely. That’s romance overload!
Hop BroAnd it’s the Mankitsu Norokko’s final run. Hop Kotan also makes HARVEST BREW with loads of fresh hops during harvest season, so this could be a toast to its final summer.
MugiSince the bottled beer can’t be taken home, we have to savor it onboard! Cheers on the Furano Line—I’m ready for a window seat and a beer!
