What is the Legal Drinking Age in Japan?
When we travelled to Japan this year with my teens, one of the things that came up during our trip research was the drinking age.
So, if you are also wondering what the legal drinking age in Japan is, then you have come to the right place!
While Hubby and I were definitely looking forward to sampling some Japanese Sake, we did have our 18-year-old daughter with us for that trip.
And she was definitely disappointed to learn that the drinking age in Japan is actually 20 (which is higher than ours in Ontario)!
In this post, weโll take a look at the legal drinking age in Japan, what you need to know as a traveller, and some fun facts about Japan’s alcohol culture. Kanpai!
What is the Legal Drinking Age in Japan?
As I mentioned above, in Japan, the legal drinking age is 20 years old.
Legal Age to Purchase Alcohol
That means that you must be 20 years old to buy, possess, or consume alcohol in Japan.
This is true for both locals and visitors. So it does not matter that you are old enough to drink in your home country.
If you are not 20, then Pocari Sweat for you it is! ๐คฃ๐คฃ
The rules also apply regardless of whether you are just grabbing a beer at the convenience store or enjoying sake at an izakaya (Japanese pub).
Public Drinking in Japan
Unlike some other countries (like Canada), Japan doesn’t have strict laws that specifically relate to drinking alcohol in public.
It’s generally okay to enjoy alcoholic beverages in public spaces, such as parks or streets, especially during festivals or cherry blossom viewing parties.
While this may be the case, we really didn’t notice people openly drinking in the parks (though we weren’t in Japan during any festivals).
And we definitely did not see anyone consuming alcohol on the trains.
However, there are some important exceptions which I will talk about later in this post.
How Strict Is Enforcement?
While our kids certainly didn’t put Japan’s drinking laws to the test, we did wonder how strictly the rules were actually enforced.
ID Checks in Bars, Stores, and Restaurants
From what we witnessed, convenience stores and supermarkets seemed to be more likely to ask younger-looking buyers for identification.
Not to mention that whenever you buy alcohol in a convenience store, a pop-up on the screen at the cash register asks you to confirm that you are of age.
That said, bars and restaurants were also pretty good about checking for ID.
One of our tour group companions had a 19-year-old son who attempted to order a beer in several different places. He was unsuccessful 95% of the time!
But honestly, having an ID handy is always a good idea.
Besides, as foreigners, we are required to carry our passports at all times anyway!
Penalties for Underage Drinking
Japan doesnโt mess around when it comes to underage drinking.
If youโre caught drinking underageโor buying alcohol for someone who isโyou could face fines or legal trouble.
The penalties apply to more than just the person drinking.
If a store sells alcohol to someone under 20, the clerk or the business can also get in trouble.
The same goes for a friend or adult who supplies alcohol to someone underage.
Thatโs why some stores are extra cautious about asking for ID, especially late at night or during festivals.
Even though you might not always get carded, donโt take that as a green light.
Just because enforcement isnโt aggressive everywhere doesnโt mean itโs not taken seriously.
Japan is big on following rules, and part of being respectful includes respecting the law.
So, if you are travelling with teens or young adults, make sure they know the rules ahead of time.
You donโt want to ruin your trip over something like a canned cocktail from the konbini. Itโs just not worth the risk.
Drinking Culture in Japan
I had no idea that there was a strong drinking culture in Japan, much like Germany.
But alcohol seems to play a regular role in adult life in Japan.
And itโs not just something people do at parties.
Alcohol is tied to socializing, work culture, and even seasonal traditions.
In other words, alcohol often plays a role when going out with coworkers, meeting friends at an izakaya, or relaxing with a drink under the cherry blossoms.
Popular Japanese Beverages
Japan has a great variety of drinks, and many of them are easy to find even if you’re just popping into a convenience store. Some popular options include:
While it’s not really something Japan is famous for, one of my favourite finds from the Mount Fuji region was a bottle of Sakura Vodka.
There are actually Sakura petals inside the vodka. And the taste was just as nice as the appearance!
If you’re not sure what to try, grab a mix of a few different things from the konbini and see what you like best. The canned drinks are cheap, and many are surprisingly tasty.
Drinking in Social Settings
Going out for drinks is often a group activity in Japan.
Itโs common to go drinking with coworkers, friends, or even family.
There are a few types of places you’ll likely end up:
Drinking together is seen as a way to bond.
Itโs also a space where people can relax and speak more openly, especially in work situations.
As I mentioned earlier, we never saw an empty izakaya after about 6 pm.
Public Drinking During Festivals
Japan has seasonal traditions where drinking in public is completely normalโand even expected.
One of the biggest is hanami, or cherry blossom viewing.
People bring food, drinks, and picnic blankets and spend the day sitting under the trees. Itโs family-friendly but also social, and yes, people drink all day.
And while I can’t speak of this personally, I remember seeing tons of photos on social media of families out in the parks under the Sakura, enjoying food and drinks.
Other festivals also include drinking, whether itโs sake from a festival stall or beer from a local brewery tent.
But as much as people enjoy alcohol, it is always done respectfully.
You won’t see loud or aggressive behaviour in Japanโpeople know how to enjoy themselves without crossing the line.
Unfortunately, we were not visiting Japan during any of their larger festivals, so we did not get to experience this first-hand.
Buying Alcohol and Drinking in Public
When it comes to buying alcohol in Japan, there is no shortage of places selling everything from beer to sake, whiskey, wine, and pre-mixed cocktails.
Convenience Stores and Vending Machines
One of the easiest ways to buy alcohol in Japan is at a convenience store.
Places like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson carry everything from local beer and sake to canned cocktails like chu-hai.
The prices are low, the selection is good, and theyโre open 24/7.
Trust me, it doesnโt get much easier than that.
John would often grab a Sapporo beer along with some snacks before we headed back to our hotel.
And given that there are convenience stores at every major intersection (or so it seems), you won’t have to look too far for your next bevvy.
Of course, just don’t expect the expensive top-shelf whiskey at the convenience stores! You’ll have to head to an actual restaurant, hotel, or bar for that!
Japan is also known for its many vending machines.
Located on every street corner (including on top of Mount Fuji!), you will find machines selling a variety of food and drinks (and other stuff too).
So it was not really surprising when we found vending machines selling beer!
While these vending machines used to be more common, you donโt see them as often anymore.
The few that remain are usually inside hotels or private buildings, and most now require an age-verification card that only residents have.
So for visitors, itโs best to stick with the konbini.
Drinking in Parks and Streets
In most of Japan, itโs completely legal to drink outside.
That means you can sip a beer on a bench, share a bottle of sake during a picnic, or enjoy a canned chu-hai at the beach.
No brown paper bags required. ๐คฃ๐คฃ
This is especially common during events like cherry blossom season.
You’ll see families, couples, and groups of coworkers spread out on picnic blankets, sharing food and drinks. Itโs casual and laid back.
That said, itโs important to be respectful.
Clean up your garbage. Donโt get loud or rowdy.
Japan is tidy, and people expect others to be polite, even when drinking.
Also, be aware of local exceptionsโlike the Shibuya area at night, where drinking in public is now banned (more on this below).
Cultural Attitudes Towards Public Drinking
The drinking laws in Japan may be relaxed, but thereโs still a quiet code of conduct when it comes to drinking in public.
While you are free to enjoy your favourite alcoholic beverage, itโs not a license to party in the street.
People in Japan tend to drink in a more low-key, respectful wayโespecially in public places.
Drunken behaviour, loud voices, or bothering others will get you side-eyes and dirty looks pretty fast.
Itโs fine to have a drink outdoors with friends, just keep the conversation calm and considerate.
Important Exceptions to Drinking Laws in Japan
Shibuya’s New Public Drinking Ban
If youโre planning to spend time in Tokyo, especially around Shibuya, this is something to know.
As of October 2024, drinking alcohol in public spaces near Shibuya Station is banned every day from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m..
This includes well-known areas like Center Street, the scramble crossing, Miyashita Park, and Maruyamacho.
This started as a temporary rule during Halloween and New Year’s because the crowds were getting out of hand.
People were loud, leaving garbage everywhere, and even damaging property.
But those problems didnโt stop. Shibuya stayed busy into the night, so the city decided to make the rule permanent.
There arenโt any fines (yet), but security guards and city workers patrol the area and will ask you to throw out your drink if youโre caught.
It’s just best to avoid itโgrab your beer at a bar or drink before heading into the zone.
Drinking and Driving โ Zero Tolerance
Japan has zero tolerance for drinking and driving.
And I mean zero!
Even a tiny amount of alcohol can land you in big trouble.
If youโre caught, you could face huge fines, jail time, or even be deported if you’re a tourist.
But it doesnโt stop with the driver.
Anyone riding with a driver who has been drinking, or even someone who serves them alcohol, can be held responsible too.
So if you’re at dinner and someone in your group is planning to drive, don’t even let them take a sip.
Taxis and trains are easy to find, even late at night.
Use them. Itโs not worth the risk.
Alcohol Restrictions at Temples and Shrines
As we have mentioned several times, Japan is pretty relaxed about where you can drink.
But temples and shrines are the exception.
Drinking alcohol on religious grounds is considered disrespectful, even if there arenโt signs posted.
Some shrines sell sake as part of ceremonies or festivalsโbut thatโs very different from cracking open a beer on the steps.
If you’re visiting a shrine or temple, keep the drinks tucked away and save them for later.
Public Transportation Etiquette
Drinking on public transportation isnโt illegal, but itโs not something people really do.
As I mentioned earlier, we took the trains for a month in Japan and never saw a single person drinking alcohol while riding.
If youโre on a long-distance train, like a Shinkansen, having a beer or a small drink with a bento is totally fine.
Youโll even see people doing it during lunch or after work.
But on regular city trains, buses, and subways, it’s different.
Drinking there is considered poor mannersโespecially during busy hours.
The space is tight, and people value peace and quiet.
If you pull out a drink, youโll likely get a few stares (and not the friendly kind).
Stick to bars, parks, or your hotel if you’re in the mood for a drink.
Tips for Travellers
I thought it would be a good idea to just include a few tips that would be important for travellers to make note of:
Navigating Age Checks
As we mentioned, Japan takes age limits seriously when it comes to alcohol.
Most convenience stores will ask for age confirmation at checkout.
Usually, it’s a simple touchscreen where you tap โyesโ to confirm you’re 20 or older.
Staff donโt always double-check your ID, especially if you clearly look of age, but itโs not something to risk.
We always carried our passports with us, especially if the plan was to buy alcohol or go out in the evening.
You might not get carded often, but itโs better to be safe than end up with an awkward situation at the register.
Budget-Friendly Ways to Enjoy Drinks
You donโt have to spend a lot to enjoy a drink in Japan.
The cheapest and most convenient option is the konbini (convenience store).
As we mentioned, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson carry a really good variety of beer, sake and canned cocktails.
Prices are usually around 100 to 300 yen per can, making it an inexpensive way to try something new.
If you’re heading to a bar, keep an eye out for happy hour deals.
Some izakayas offer all-you-can-drink (called nomihoudai) for a set time and price.
It’s a fun way to try a variety of drinks without blowing your budgetโjust make sure you know your limits!
Etiquette and Customs to Respect
Japanese drinking culture comes with its own set of unwritten rules.
Theyโre not hard to follow, but knowing a few basics will help you fit in and avoid looking rude.
Start by never pouring your own drink in a social setting.
Itโs polite to pour for others, especially if you’re in a group. Someone else will pour yours in return.
If someone tops off your glass, take a sip before setting it downโitโs a small but respectful gesture.
When making a toast, raise your glass and say โKanpai!โ
Thatโs the Japanese equivalent of โCheers!โ
Donโt drink before the toastโwait until everyone has their glass raised.
And finally, donโt get sloppy.
Public drunkenness isnโt illegal, but it is frowned upon.
People in Japan usually handle their alcohol well and keep it respectful.
Be the kind of tourist locals are happy to have around.
Drinking Age in Japan – FAQs
No, Japan’s drinking age laws apply equally to tourists. If you’re under 20, you legally cannot buy or consume alcohol.
Yes, travellers can bring limited amounts of alcohol into Japan duty-free, usually up to three bottles of 760 ml each. I’ll explain any specific customs procedures to make it easier for you.
Generally, Japan doesn’t have strict dry zones. However, some temples, shrines, and religious sites may restrict alcohol, so always watch for signage.
Final Thoughts
We had an absolutely incredible time visiting Japan. And in our experience, Japan’s drinking age and customs were pretty easy to understand.
As long as you are following the rules and alcohol laws, as well as respecting local traditions, you shouldn’t have any issues.
So with that, Cheers (or should I say, Kanpai) and enjoy your time in this incredible country!
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