Introduction 🇯🇵
Japanese alcohol culture represents a rich world where tradition and innovation merge. Just as Japanese cuisine has been registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Japanese alcoholic beverages are gaining attention worldwide. From sake that can be enjoyed with seasonal flavors to internationally acclaimed Japanese whisky, its diversity is unparalleled. 😊
In this article, we’ll introduce six types of alcoholic beverages that are particularly popular in Japan in 2025. Whether you’re a traveler or a resident in Japan, we hope this guide will help you enjoy Japanese alcohol culture more deeply. Now, let’s prepare for a toast and dive into the fascinating world of Japanese alcoholic beverages! 🥂✨
Top 6 Popular Alcoholic Beverages in Japan 🏆
1. Sake (Nihonshu) 🍶
Characteristics: Sake is a traditional Japanese fermented beverage made primarily from rice and water. When Japanese people say “sake,” they’re referring to “nihonshu,” which is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Its flavor varies greatly depending on the water quality and climate of each region. In recent years, its popularity has grown overseas as “SAKE,” spreading worldwide alongside the Japanese food boom. ✨
Recommended Brands:
- Dassai: A junmai daiginjo produced by Asahi Shuzo in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Known for its crisp taste and elegant aroma, it has gained high recognition overseas.
- Juyondai: A rare brand from Takagi Shuzo in Yamagata Prefecture. Known as the “phantom sake,” it features a rich aroma and deep flavor.
- Hiroki: A popular brand crafted by Hiroki Shuzo in Fukushima Prefecture. It has many fans due to its good balance and drinkability.
How to Enjoy: Sake can be enjoyed at different temperatures. “Reishu” (chilled sake) is refreshing in summer, while “atsukan” (hot sake) is perfect for warming up in winter. It also pairs excellently with food—not only Japanese cuisine but also, recently, cheese, Italian, and French dishes. 🍽️
2. Beer 🍺
Characteristics: Japan’s beer market is dominated by lager-type beers produced by major manufacturers. However, in recent years, craft beers have also gained popularity, offering unique flavors. Japanese beer is characterized by its fine foam and clean taste, earning high evaluations worldwide.
Recommended Brands:
- Asahi Super Dry: A crisp, dry taste representing Japanese beer.
- Kirin Ichiban Shibori: A well-balanced taste using only premium malt extract.
- Sapporo Black Label: Known for its rich body and drinkability.
- Yona Yona Ale: A pioneer of Japanese craft beer with a perfect balance of fruity aroma and bitterness.
How to Enjoy: Cold beer in a chilled mug is the ultimate comfort on a hot summer day. The culture of starting with “Toriaezu beer!” (beer first!) is standard at Japanese izakayas. It pairs perfectly with Japanese appetizers like yakitori, edamame, and karaage. 🍗
3. Whisky 🥃
Characteristics: Japanese whisky has received numerous awards at international competitions in recent years, earning high acclaim worldwide. While incorporating Scottish methods, the unique delicacy and careful production techniques create a distinctive taste. With the highball boom, it is loved by a wide range of people from young adults to seniors.
Recommended Brands:
- Yamazaki: A single malt representing Japan, crafted by Suntory. Known for its fruity aroma and deep richness.
- Hakushu: A single malt characterized by refreshing smokiness and crisp flavor.
- Hibiki: A blended whisky with a well-balanced flavor, created by blending original spirits from multiple distilleries.
- Nikka From The Barrel: A popular brand with a powerful taste yet excellent drinkability.
How to Enjoy: Drinking it straight allows you to appreciate the complex flavors, but on the rocks or with water are also popular. In Japan, the “highball” (whisky with soda water) has become a huge trend, becoming a standard menu item at izakayas due to its compatibility with food. 🍽️✨
4. Shochu 🥃
Characteristics: Shochu is a traditional Japanese distilled spirit made by fermenting and then distilling ingredients such as rice, barley, or sweet potato. Authentic shochu is single-distilled, allowing you to fully taste the flavor of the raw ingredients. It’s especially popular in the Kyushu region, and while the alcohol content is typically around 25%, it can be enjoyed mildly depending on how it’s served.
Recommended Brands:
- Iichiko: A barley shochu manufactured by Sanwa Shurui in Oita Prefecture. Known for its smooth and easy-to-drink flavor.
- Kurokirishima: A sweet potato shochu by Kirishima Shuzo in Miyazaki Prefecture. Characterized by the sweetness and richness of sweet potato.
- Mao: A sweet potato shochu from Shiratama Shuzo in Kagoshima Prefecture. A popular brand known as the “Demon King of Shochu.”
- Hyakunen no Kodoku: A barley shochu crafted by Kuroki Honten in Miyazaki Prefecture. Has a deep flavor from long-term aging in oak barrels.
How to Enjoy: One of shochu’s charms is its versatility. In summer, it’s typically enjoyed on the rocks or with water, while in winter, hot water is the standard. Variations with pickled plum, lemon, or green tea are also popular. Sweet potato shochu can be enjoyed while savoring the potato aroma, while barley shochu has a smooth finish that pairs excellently with food. 🍢
5. Chuhai 🍹
Characteristics: Chuhai is a refreshing cocktail made with shochu or vodka as a base, mixed with carbonated water and fruit flavors. The name “chuhai” is short for “shochu highball.” With alcohol content ranging from 3% to 9%, canned chuhai is extremely popular, especially among young people, due to its convenience.
Recommended Brands:
- Strong Zero: A high-alcohol content (9%) chuhai manufactured by Suntory. Available in various flavors, its cost-effectiveness is part of its popularity.
- Hyoketsu: A fruity and refreshing chuhai made by Kirin. Seasonal limited flavors are also something to look forward to.
- Honshibori: A chuhai by Suntory emphasizing fruit juice content. The fruit flavors are distinctly noticeable.
- Kodawari Sakaba no Lemon Sour: An authentic lemon sour by Asahi that recreates the taste of izakaya.
How to Enjoy: The basic way to enjoy it is chilled, making it the perfect refreshment on a hot summer day. With its light mouthfeel and refreshing flavor, even those who don’t typically enjoy alcohol can appreciate it. It’s also perfect for barbecues, cherry blossom viewing, and outdoor activities. 🌸
6. Umeshu (Plum Wine) 🍸
Characteristics: Umeshu is a traditional liqueur made by soaking unripe green plums in shochu or white liquor and adding sugar to mature. Characterized by its sweet and sour taste and plum aroma, it has traditionally been homemade in many households. With an alcohol content of about 10-15%, it’s easy to drink and is loved by a wide range of people, especially women.
Recommended Brands:
- Choya Umeshu: A representative umeshu brand with a wide lineup from standard plum wine to premium aged varieties.
- Hakutsuru Umeshu: A well-balanced plum wine crafted by the sake manufacturer Hakutsuru.
- Koshi no Kanbai Umeshu: Plum wine from Ishimoto Shuzo, known for the sake “Koshi no Kanbai.” Characterized by elegant sweetness.
- Nakano BC Kishu Umeshu: An authentic plum wine using 100% plums from Wakayama Prefecture. Rich in plum flavor and mellow.
How to Enjoy: Umeshu can be enjoyed in various ways. On the rocks, with water, or with soda are common, but hot water is perfect for cold seasons. It’s also used as a base for cocktails, with umeshu tonic and umeshu sparkling being popular variations. It can be enjoyed as a dessert drink and is also ideal as an after-dinner drink. 🍮
Conclusion: Enjoy Japanese Alcohol Culture 🎉
Japanese alcoholic beverages continue to captivate drinkers with their diversity and depth. From traditional sake and shochu to modern chuhai, each has its unique charm. In Japan, there’s a culture of enjoying alcohol with meals, and it’s interesting to choose beverages based on their compatibility with food.
If you’re traveling to Japan, try local drinks at izakayas or specialty shops. If you’re a resident, challenge yourself to try alcoholic beverages you haven’t experienced yet—you might make new discoveries! 🌟
Which alcoholic beverage do you like? If you have any recommended drinks not mentioned in this article, please let us know in the comments section. Let’s all enjoy Japanese alcohol culture together! 🍶🍺🥃
🤞Types of Alcohol Explained – Beginner’s Guide to Japanese and Western Drinks
Discover the most popular types of alcoholic drinks – beer, wine, sake, whiskey, and liqueurs. This guide helps beginners enjoy alcohol with confidence.
*Note: Drinking by minors is prohibited by law. Enjoy alcohol in moderation after turning 20. Also, never drive after drinking alcohol. 🚫🚗