Japan is famous for its incredible food, but its drinks are just as exciting. Whether you're walking through a bustling Tokyo convenience store, relaxing in a traditional tea house in Kyoto, or visiting a local izakaya, you'll find an amazing variety of beverages to try.

From centuries-old teas to modern soft drinks and unique alcoholic beverages, here's a guide to the most popular Japanese drinks you should experience.

1. Green Tea (Ryokucha)

No drink is more closely associated with Japan than green tea. It's enjoyed daily by millions of people and comes in many varieties.

Popular types include:

• Sencha – The most common everyday green tea.
• Matcha – Finely ground powdered tea used in ceremonies and desserts.
• Gyokuro – A premium shade-grown tea with a rich flavor.
• Hojicha – Roasted green tea with a nutty aroma.
• Genmaicha – Green tea blended with roasted brown rice.

Green tea is known for its refreshing taste and high antioxidant content, making it one of Japan's healthiest beverages.

2. Ramune

Ramune is one of Japan's most iconic soft drinks, instantly recognizable by its unique glass bottle sealed with a marble.

Originally introduced in the late 1800s, Ramune has become a festival favorite and comes in dozens of flavors, including:

• Original Lemon-Lime
• Melon
• Lychee
• Strawberry
• Grape
• Yuzu
• Cola

Half the fun is opening the bottle and pushing the marble inside before taking your first sip.

3. Canned Coffee

Japan has perfected canned coffee.

Available hot or cold from nearly every vending machine and convenience store, canned coffee is a staple for commuters and travelers.

Popular styles include:

• Black Coffee
• Café au Lait
• Sweet Milk Coffee
• Espresso
• Low-Sugar Coffee

Some of the most popular brands include Boss Coffee, Georgia Coffee, and Wonda.

4. Calpis (Calpico)

Calpis is a lightly sweet, yogurt-inspired soft drink that's unlike anything else.

It has a smooth, tangy flavor and is commonly enjoyed:

• Mixed with water
• Carbonated
• Frozen
• As flavored ice cream
• In cocktails

Outside Japan, it's often sold as Calpico to avoid pronunciation confusion.

5. Japanese Beer

Beer is one of Japan's favorite alcoholic beverages.

Popular brands include:

• Asahi Super Dry
• Sapporo
• Kirin Ichiban
• Suntory The Premium Malt's
• Yebisu

Japanese beer is known for being crisp, refreshing, and perfect alongside grilled meats, sushi, and ramen.

6. Sake

Often called "rice wine," sake is brewed from polished rice, water, yeast, and koji mold.

Different styles include:

• Junmai
• Ginjo
• Daiginjo
• Nigori (Cloudy Sake)
• Sparkling Sake

Depending on the variety, sake can be served chilled, at room temperature, or warmed.

7. Japanese Whisky

Over the past decade, Japanese whisky has become internationally acclaimed.

Known for its smooth, balanced flavors, it's often enjoyed:

• Neat
• On the rocks
• As a Highball
• In cocktails

Brands like Suntory and Nikka have earned numerous international awards.

8. Chu-Hi (Chuhai)

Short for "shochu highball," Chu-Hi is one of Japan's most popular canned alcoholic drinks.

Made with shochu, carbonated water, and fruit flavoring, it's available in countless varieties such as:

• Lemon
• Grapefruit
• Peach
• Apple
• Yuzu
• Grape

They're affordable, refreshing, and widely available in convenience stores.

9. Yakult

Yakult is a probiotic milk drink developed in Japan in the 1930s.

It's famous for its tiny bottle and sweet, tangy flavor.

Many people drink one bottle daily to support digestive health thanks to its beneficial bacteria.

10. Melon Soda

Bright green and incredibly sweet, Japanese melon soda is a nostalgic favorite.

It's commonly found in:

• Family restaurants
• Arcades
• Cafés
• Karaoke venues

For an even bigger treat, order a Melon Soda Float, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

11. Yuzu Drinks

Yuzu is a fragrant Japanese citrus fruit that's somewhere between a lemon, grapefruit, and mandarin.

You'll find yuzu in:

• Sparkling water
• Juice
• Tea
• Cocktails
• Lemonade-style beverages

Its refreshing citrus aroma makes it especially popular during the summer months.

12. Mugicha (Barley Tea)

Unlike green tea, mugicha contains no caffeine.

It's made from roasted barley and has a mild, toasty flavor.

During Japan's hot summers, many families keep a pitcher of chilled mugicha in the refrigerator because it's refreshing and hydrating.

13. Royal Milk Tea

Royal Milk Tea is Japan's richer version of traditional milk tea.

Made with black tea and plenty of milk, it's creamy, smooth, and comforting.

You'll find it:

• In vending machines
• Convenience stores
• Cafés
• Bottled or canned

It's especially popular during colder months.

Japan's Amazing Vending Machine Culture

One of the best parts about trying Japanese drinks is how easy they are to find.

Japan has millions of vending machines offering:

• Hot coffee
• Cold tea
• Juice
• Soft drinks
• Sports drinks
• Seasonal beverages
• Limited-edition flavors

Many machines even change their selection depending on the season, making every visit a little different.

Japan's drink culture is every bit as diverse as its cuisine. Whether you prefer a comforting cup of matcha, the fizzy excitement of Ramune, a refreshing Chu-Hi after work, or the smooth elegance of Japanese whisky, there's something for every taste.

If you're visiting Japan, make it a goal to try something new every day—you'll quickly discover that some of the country's best culinary experiences come in a bottle, can, or teacup.