Let’s be honest — if you’re traveling to Japan, you’re probably already dreaming about sushi, ramen, matcha, and street snacks on a stick. But hold onto your chopsticks, because Japanese drinks are an entire mood of their own.
From retro fizzy favorites to ancient fermented brews, Japan’s beverage culture is bursting with flavors that are unique, surprising, and absolutely worth a slurp. Whether you’re a foodie, a beverage buff, or just thirsty after temple-hopping, here are four must-try drinks in Japan that will tickle your taste buds and possibly blow your mind.
🍺 1. Hoppy – The Not-So-Tipsy Tokyo Classic
If you’re looking for a drink that feels like beer but won’t leave you calling your hotel concierge for directions home, Hoppy is your low-alcohol lifesaver.
- Alcohol Content? A barely-there 0.8% — it’s practically a soft drink with a rebellious past.
- Where From? Born in post-war Tokyo, when beer was expensive and rare.
- How It’s Enjoyed? Mixed with Shochu (a Japanese spirit), it becomes a DIY cocktail in most Izakayas (Japanese pubs).
- Why Try It? It’s old-school, slightly bitter, and surprisingly nostalgic — think of it as Japan’s boozy version of a root beer float for grownups.
🧠 Foodie Fun Fact: It was originally invented as a beer alternative, so you could still look cool at the bar without blowing your budget or your sobriety.
🥤 2. Calpis Soda – The Yogurt Soda You Never Knew You Needed
Yes, you read that right: carbonated yogurt. And no, it’s not as weird as it sounds — in fact, it’s delicious and wildly refreshing.
- Tastes Like: A fizzy blend of tangy yogurt, sweet citrus, and creamy goodness.
- Where to Get It? Everywhere — vending machines, supermarkets, 7-Elevens, and even school lunchboxes.
- Why It Works: It hits the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, with a bubbly kick that makes it ridiculously addictive.
💡 Foodie Tip: It’s great with spicy food or hot noodles — like an edible fire extinguisher for your taste buds.
🍶 3. Amazake – Ancient, Sweet, and Surprisingly Sober
With a history that stretches back to the 4th century, Amazake is like sipping on a piece of edible history. This cozy, rice-based drink might sound like an alcoholic cousin of sake, but plot twist: it’s barely boozy at all!
- Made From: Fermented rice and koji mold (don’t worry, it’s the good kind of mold).
- Tastes Like: Creamy rice pudding in a cup, with a gentle sweetness and a touch of grainy texture.
- Where to Find It: From traditional tea houses to hipster cafés and souvenir shops.
- When to Drink It: Traditionally enjoyed during New Year festivals, but it’s perfect for cold weather or anytime you need a hug in a mug.
📜 Historical Sip: Samurai were known to drink Amazake for energy before battle. So yes, you’re basically drinking samurai juice.
🍈 4. Melon Soda – Japan’s Neon Green Love Letter to Nostalgia
If you’ve ever wanted to drink a glow stick — but, like, in a delicious and non-toxic way — melon soda is your jam. It’s vibrant, whimsical, and surprisingly tasty, even if it tastes more like “green” than “melon.”
- Tastes Like: Think honeydew + bubblegum + childhood.
- Where to Score It: Fast-food joints, retro diners, or as part of the legendary melon soda float (yes, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!).
- Why It’s Loved: Japanese folks adore it for its nostalgia factor — it’s basically liquid childhood in a cup.
🍴 Pair It With: A burger and fries. Trust us, it’s like a Japanese diner dream come true.
🥢 Final Sip: Drink Like a Local, Slurp Like a Foodie
Japan’s drink scene is a flavor playground, and these four picks are just the tip of the beverage iceberg. Whether you’re sipping sweet rice wine like an ancient poet or trying melon soda for the pure aesthetic, each drink tells a story — and each one is a tasty ticket into Japan’s rich and refreshing culture.
So next time you’re wandering the streets of Tokyo or soaking in an onsen in Kyoto, take a sip, snap a selfie, and toast to the culinary adventure of a lifetime.
Kanpai! 🍶✨
