Based in Ebetsu, Hokkaido, North Island Beer is a brewery that has been making craft beer in Hokkaido since 2003. On its official website, it emphasizes brewing that makes use of local ingredients such as wheat grown in Ebetsu and hops from Hokkaido, and in addition to its five standard beers, it also offers limited and seasonal products.

This Instagram post was shared at a moment that said, “It’s already the latter half of Golden Week!” While the full caption could not be confirmed due to the scope of the public post, tracing the company’s official information shows that the latest move is the seasonal beer “SESSION I.P.A.,” released on May 1. This is a seasonal product for May and June, with 4% alcohol and IBU 35. Using three hop varieties, Mosaic, Simcoe, and Idaho 7, it aims to balance aromas reminiscent of tropical fruit and citrus with easy drinkability.

According to the official website, bottle sales began accepting orders at 10:00 a.m. on May 1, with shipments starting in sequence on May 2. In addition, direct sales and bulk sales were held at the Ebetsu brewery on May 2, showing a response aligned with demand during the holiday period.

North Island Beer also operates a directly managed beer bar in Chuo Ward, Sapporo. Located where visitors can look out over Odori Park and the night view of Sapporo, it is notable for offering limited brews alongside its regular beers. If you are thinking about a drink for the latter half of Golden Week, keeping up with these seasonal updates will broaden your options.