Japanese Drinks Guide
From sake and matcha to Japanese whisky — discover Japan's most iconic beverages
AlcoholSake
Japan's iconic rice wine — a refined, complex alcoholic beverage brewed from polished rice, water, yeast, and koji mold, ranging from light and floral to rich and savory, and deeply woven into Japanese ceremony, cuisine, and daily life.
TeaMatcha
Vibrant green powdered tea whisked into a frothy, umami-rich drink — the centerpiece of the Japanese tea ceremony for nearly a millennium and now enjoyed daily in cafes, temples, and homes across Japan.
AlcoholShochu
Japan's versatile distilled spirit made from sweet potato, barley, rice, or other ingredients — smoother and more aromatic than vodka, lower in alcohol than whisky, and deeply tied to the culture of southern Japan.
AlcoholUmeshu
Sweet, fragrant plum wine made by steeping unripe Japanese ume plums in alcohol and sugar — a smooth, fruity drink beloved as an aperitif and one of the most accessible Japanese alcoholic beverages for visitors.
AlcoholJapanese Whisky
World-class whisky inspired by Scottish traditions but refined with Japanese precision — from the smoky, peated expressions of Yoichi to the delicate, floral notes of Yamazaki, now rivaling the finest Scotch on the global stage.
Soft DrinkRamune
Japan's iconic marble-sealed soda — a refreshing, lightly sweet carbonated lemon-lime drink served in a distinctive Codd-neck bottle that requires pushing a glass marble into the neck to open, creating a fun, fizzy experience.
TraditionalAmazake
A sweet, creamy, traditional Japanese drink made from fermented rice using koji mold — naturally sweet with no added sugar, often served warm at shrines and festivals, and considered a nourishing health drink.
AlcoholChuhai
Japan's favorite casual cocktail — a refreshing mix of shochu (or vodka) with soda water and fruit flavoring, available in an incredible range of flavors at every izakaya and convenience store in the country.