From a cold beer on a sweaty summer day in Tokyo to a steaming glass of woody sake to warm your hands during the Hokkaido winter, Japan has a wealth of beverage options to keep you toasting day and night. Raise a glass and say kanpai (cheers) on your next holiday to Japan!

Sake

Consumed for centuries, this fermented rice wine is usually served in small cups and is drunk at restaurants and bars as well as during ceremonial rituals and on special occasions. Traditionally served hot, sake today can be served hot or chilled, though the nicer stuff tends to be served cold. Sake has quite a high alcohol content, so keep that in mind when you're knocking them back. 

Green tea 

Cleansing, refreshing and packed with antioxidants, green tea is simply known as ‘tea’ or ‘ocha’ in Japan. A traditional Japanese tea ceremony is an experience not to be missed and a great way to try a few varieties of green tea.

Craft beer

Sure, an Asahi Super Dry hits the spot on a hot day. But the craft beer scene in Japan has exploded over the last decade and the best local brews are the ones you can't find outside the country. Tokyo and Osaka have plenty of craft beer bars serving small batch local brews.   

Whisky

Like Japan’s craft beer scene, the whisky industry experienced something of a resurgence recently. Whisky distillers like Nikki and Yamazaki produce single malts and blends that rival those from the Scottish highlands.

Enjoy a beer while in Iceland

 

 

Click to read what to eat in Japan

Click to return to Japan FAQs

Our tours in Japan

13 Days From 5110

Discover Japanese culture on this 13-day tour. Travel with a local from Tokyo to Kyoto...

10 Days From 1815

Take Tokyo shopping, add Kanazawa samurais, Hiroshima history, Kyoto temples, Osaka...

12 Days From 5391

Journey from Kyoto to Tokyo with Intrepid and explore temples, post towns and lush...

12 Days From 6280

Uncover the wonders of Japan on this immersive 12-day Premium tour; encompassing Tokyo,...

9 Days From 1992

See Japan in nine days on a trip visiting Tokyo, Nikko and Kyoto. Say konnichiwa to...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

12 Days From 5325

Travel from Tokyo to Takayama, Kanazawa, Osaka, Koya-san and Kyoto in 12 days on a food...

12 Days From 5150

Get a cultural workout on a 12-day Japan active adventure. Hike the Nakasendo Way and...

8 Days From 2680

See the best of Japan on this eight-day adventure from Tokyo via Kamakura to Osaka....

12 Days From 4565

Get off the tourist track in Japan and discover a beautiful region south-west of Osaka.

24 Days From 9555

Make the most of Japan on a 24-day adventure from Tokyo to Osaka via art, culture and...

11 Days From 3902

Experience the best of this fascinating country on a comprehensive cycling tour of...

12 Days From 5475

Discover Japan on this 12-day family tour. Sample fresh sushi in Tokyo, soak in onsen...

8 Days From 2813

Get a cultural workout on an eight-day small group trek on the Koya-san and Kumano Kodo...