Drinks are at the very heart of Japanese culture. You can see this in a quiet cup of green tea. You can also hear it in the lively cheers of “Kanpai!” in a packed izakaya. In short, the world of Japanese beverages (飲み物, nomimono) is a rich tapestry. It blends ancient traditions with modern innovations. This journey takes you from sacred tea ceremonies to the neon glow of city vending machines.

This Guide to Drinks in Japan will serve as your comprehensive introduction. First, we’ll explore iconic beverages. Next, we’ll navigate the social settings where they’re enjoyed. Finally, we’ll arm you with the essential vocabulary to order with confidence.

 

1. A Deep Dive into Japanese Tea (お茶 – Ocha)

Naturally, any exploration must begin with tea. Ocha is more than a simple beverage. In fact, it’s a cultural cornerstone. Tea is served to welcome guests and accompany meals. It is even practiced as a high art. There are countless varieties. However, most Japanese teas are green teas (緑茶, ryokucha). These teas are steamed to prevent oxidation. This process, in turn, preserves their fresh, vegetal flavor.

Essential Tea Vocabulary
緑茶 (りょくちゃ) – Ryokucha – Green tea
抹茶 (まっちゃ) – Matcha – Finely powdered green tea
ほうじ茶 (ほうじちゃ) – Hōjicha – Roasted green tea (brownish, low in caffeine)
麦茶 (むぎちゃ) – Mugicha – Barley tea (caffeine-free, often served cold in summer)
急須 (きゅうす) – Kyūsu – A traditional side-handled teapot
湯のみ (ゆのみ) – Yunomi – A Japanese teacup (without a handle)

2. Understanding Japanese Sake (日本酒 – Nihonshu)

While tea is a daily staple, Sake is Japan’s national beverage. In Japanese, it is called nihonshu. This distinguishes it from alcohol in general (osake). It is a fermented rice wine. Its complex flavors come from several factors. These include the rice polishing ratio, the yeast, and the water. As a result, it can be served warm, cold, or at room temperature.

Sake Vocabulary
日本酒 (にほんしゅ) – Nihonshu – Japanese sake
辛口 (からくち) – Karakuchi – Dry taste
甘口 (あまくち) – Amakuchi – Sweet taste
純米 (じゅんまい) – Junmai – “Pure rice” sake (no added brewer’s alcohol)
大吟醸 (だいぎんじょう) – Daiginjō – Premium sake from highly polished rice
徳利 (とっくり) – Tokkuri – Ceramic sake flask
お猪口 (おちょこ) – Ochoko – Small ceramic sake cup

3. Shochu and Awamori: Japan’s Distilled Spirits

People often confuse shochu (焼酎, shōchū) with sake. Nevertheless, it is a completely different beverage. Specifically, it’s a distilled spirit, not a fermented one. It can be made from various ingredients. Common examples include barley (麦, mugi), sweet potatoes (芋, imo), or rice (米, kome). Typically, it is enjoyed mixed with cold water (水割り, mizuwari) or hot water (お湯割り, oyuwari).

Shochu Vocabulary
焼酎 (しょうちゅう) – Shōchū – Japanese distilled spirit
泡盛 (あわもり) – Awamori – Okinawan shochu (made from Thai rice)
芋焼酎 (いもじょうちゅう) – Imo jōchū – Sweet potato shochu
麦焼酎 (むぎじょうちゅう) – Mugi jōchū – Barley shochu
水割り (みずわり) – Mizuwari – Mixed with cold water
お湯割り (おゆわり) – Oyuwari – Mixed with hot water

4. Beer, Highballs, and Chūhai: Everyday Favorites

While sake and tea are traditional, today’s most popular alcoholic drink is actually beer (ビール, bīru). In fact, ordering a draft beer (“nama bīru”) is a common first step in any restaurant. In recent years, other drinks have also become popular. For instance, the whisky highball (ハイボール, haibōru) is a favorite. The canned chūhai is also incredibly popular for its refreshing taste.

Popular Drinks Vocabulary
生ビール (なまビール) – Nama bīru – Draft beer
ハイボール (はいぼーる) – Haibōru – Whisky and soda
缶チューハイ (かんちゅーはい) – Kan chūhai – Canned shochu highball
レモンサワー (れもんさわー) – Remon sawā – Lemon “sour” (a type of chūhai)

Example Sentence:
まず、生ビールを二つお願いします。
まず、なまビールをふたつおねがいします。
Mazu, nama bīru o futatsu onegai shimasu.
To start, two draft beers, please.

5. Navigating the Izakaya (居酒屋): The Japanese Pub

Of course, these popular drinks need a setting. For many, that place is the izakaya. This is Japan’s version of a pub or tavern. It is a lively, informal place for after-work food and drinks. As a cornerstone of social life, understanding it is a key part of The Guide to Drinks in Japan. Inside, food is served in small portions. Moreover, the drink menu is usually extensive. Knowing a few key terms will therefore make your visit much smoother.

Izakaya Phrases
乾杯 (かんぱい) – Kanpai! – Cheers!
お通し (おとおし) – Otōshi – A small, compulsory appetizer served at the start
飲み放題 (のみほうだい) – Nomihōdai – All-you-can-drink (for a set time)
注文お願いします (ちゅうもんおねがいします) – Chūmon onegai shimasu – We’d like to order, please.
お会計お願いします (おかいけいおねがいします) – Okaikei onegai shimasu – The bill, please.

6. The Japanese Drinking Party (飲み会 – Nomikai)

Beyond a casual night out, the nomikai is very important. This type of drinking party is a big part of Japanese work and social culture. These parties are seen as a vital tool for team bonding. They also help break down formal barriers from the workplace. Consequently, there is a distinct etiquette to these gatherings. For example, you should always pour drinks for your colleagues.

Nomikai Vocabulary
飲み会 (のみかい) – Nomikai – Drinking party
二次会 (にじかい) – Nijikai – After-party / second round
幹事 (かんじ) – Kanji – The organizer of the party
上司 (じょうし) – Jōshi – Boss / superior
酔っ払う (よっぱらう) – Yopparau – To get drunk

Example Sentence:
金曜日に会社の飲み会があります。
きんようびにかいしゃのみかいがあります。
Kinyōbi ni kaisha no nomikai ga arimasu.
There is a company drinking party on Friday.

7. The World of Vending Machines (自動販売機 – Jidōhanbaiki)

However, drinking in Japan is not limited to social gatherings. In fact, one of the most common ways to get a drink is from a vending machine. These machines, or jidōhanbaiki, are legendary. You can find them on nearly every street corner. They offer an incredible array of beverages. For instance, you have options for both hot (marked 温かい) and cold (marked 冷たい).

Vending Machine Vocabulary
自動販売機 (じどうはんばいき) – Jidōhanbaiki – Vending machine
温かい (あたたかい) – Atatakai – Warm (Red button/label)
冷たい (つめたい) – Tsumetai – Cold (Blue button/label)
売り切れ (うりきれ) – Urikire – Sold out
お釣り (おつり) – Otsuri – Change
ペットボトル (ぺっとぼとる) – Petto botoru – Plastic bottle

8. Drinks at the Convenience Store (コンビニ – Konbini)

In addition to vending machines, the Japanese convenience store is another great spot for drinks. The konbini is truly a treasure trove. The refrigerated aisles contain a massive, constantly changing selection. This includes teas, coffees, juices, health drinks, and alcohol. For this reason, it’s the perfect place to grab a quick drink. You can also try the latest seasonal special.

Konbini Vocabulary
エナジードリンク (えなじーどりんく) – Enajī dorinku – Energy drink
野菜ジュース (やさいじゅーす) – Yasai jūsu – Vegetable juice
豆乳 (とうにゅう) – Tōnyū – Soy milk
栄養ドリンク (えいようどりんく) – Eiyō dorinku – Small nutritional/vitamin drinks
缶コーヒー (かんこーひー) – Kan kōhī – Canned coffee

9. How to Order Drinks in Japanese (飲み物の注文)

Now you know where to find drinks. So, learning practical phrases is a useful part of The Guide to Drinks in Japan. It doesn’t matter where you are. You could be at a café, a bar, or a restaurant. Knowing a few simple patterns will help you order almost any drink. Above all, be polite and clear. Using “sumimasen” to get the staff’s attention is always a great start.

Ordering Phrases
すみません、注文いいですか。
すみません、ちゅうもんいいですか。
Sumimasen, chūmon ii desu ka.
Excuse me, may I order?

コーヒーを一つください。
こーひーをひとつください。
Kōhī o hitotsu kudasai.
One coffee, please.
(Pattern: [Drink] o [Number] kudasai.)

もう一杯お願いします。
もういっぱいおねがいします。
Mō ippai onegai shimasu.
One more glass, please.

おすすめは何ですか。
おすすめはなんですか。
Osusume wa nan desu ka.
What do you recommend?

10. Seasonal Sips: Drinks for Every Season

The timing of your drink can also be important. Indeed, seasonality is paramount in Japan, and drinks are no exception. Certain beverages are strongly associated with a particular time of year. Furthermore, companies release countless limited-edition (限定, gentei) flavors to celebrate the seasons.

Seasonal Drinks Vocabulary
春 (はる) – Haru (Spring) – Sakura-flavored teas and lattes
夏 (なつ) – Natsu (Summer) – Cold barley tea (麦茶, mugicha)
秋 (あき) – Aki (Autumn) – Chestnut (栗, kuri) or sweet potato drinks
冬 (ふゆ) – Fuyu (Winter) – Hot sweet sake (甘酒, amazake)
限定 (げんてい) – Gentei – Limited edition

11. Japan’s Unique Soft Drinks: From Ramune to Calpis

On the other hand, Japan also has a playful soft drink market. Some of these drinks have become iconic. They are famous for their unique flavors and special packaging. For instance, Ramune is known for its marble-stoppered bottle. Meanwhile, Calpis has a distinct, slightly tart yogurt-like flavor.

Unique Soft Drinks Vocabulary
ラムネ (らむね) – Ramune – Classic fizzy soft drink with a marble seal
カルピス (かるぴす) – Karupisu – “Calpis,” a non-carbonated milky soft drink
メロンソーダ (めろんそーだ) – Meron sōda – A bright green melon-flavored soda
無糖 (むとう) – Mutō – Sugar-free
炭酸 (たんさん) – Tansan – Carbonated / fizzy

12. “Kanpai!” and Other Drinking Etiquette

Moreover, Japanese drinking culture comes with established manners. The most important rule is simple. First, never start drinking before everyone has their drink. Second, you must wait for the toast of “Kanpai!” It’s also customary to pour drinks for others, but not for yourself. Understanding these customs is an essential part of The Guide to Drinks in Japan.

Etiquette Vocabulary
お疲れ様です (おつかれさまです) – Otsukaresama desu – A common work toast, “Thanks for your hard work.”
注ぐ (そそぐ) – Sosogu – To pour
手酌 (てじゃく) – Tejaku – The (often frowned upon) act of pouring your own drink
どうぞ (どうぞ) – Dōzo – Please / go ahead (said when offering to pour)

13. An Introduction to the Tea Ceremony (茶道 – Sadō)

To touch upon the more formal side of this culture, we must look to the tea ceremony. Known as sadō (“The Way of Tea”), this is a highly ritualized practice. It is an aesthetic way of preparing and serving matcha. The art form embodies harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. It can take a lifetime to master. Nevertheless, observing a ceremony is a profound cultural experience.

Tea Ceremony Vocabulary
茶道 (さどう) – Sadō – The Way of Tea
茶室 (ちゃしつ) – Chashitsu – Tea room
和菓子 (わがし) – Wagashi – Traditional Japanese sweets served with tea
お点前 (おてまえ) – Otemae – The procedure of preparing the tea
お先に (おさきに) – Osaki ni – “Pardon me for going first” (said to the next guest before drinking)

14. Drinking Onomatopoeia: Sipping and Gulping Sounds

On a more linguistic note, Japanese is rich in onomatopoeia. This certainly extends to the sounds of drinking. Using these words can make your Japanese sound more natural. This is because they describe more than just the sound. In fact, they also capture the manner and speed of drinking.

Drinking Onomatopoeia
ごくごく (goku goku) – The sound of gulping or drinking thirstily
がぶがぶ (gabu gabu) – The sound of chugging a large amount of liquid
ちびちび (chibi chibi) – To sip slowly, often with alcohol
ぐいっと (guitto) – To down a drink in one go

Example Sentence:
暑かったので、水をゴクゴク飲みました。
あつかったので、みずをごくごくのみました。
Atsukatta node, mizu o goku goku nomimashita.
It was hot, so I gulped down the water.

15. At the Supermarket: Navigating the Drinks Aisle

Finally, let’s consider those who prefer to browse at their own pace. For them, the drinks aisle in a Japanese supermarket can feel overwhelming. However, you can learn a few key words from the packaging. This will help you differentiate between the hundreds of options. These include tea, juice, milk, and alcohol.

Supermarket Vocabulary
牛乳 (ぎゅうにゅう) – Gyūnyū – Cow’s milk
お酒 (おさけ) – Osake – Alcohol / sake
割引 (わりびき) – Waribiki – Discount
値段 (ねだん) – Nedan – Price
商品 (しょうひん) – Shōhin – Product / item
果汁 (かじゅう) – Kajū – Fruit juice (often written with a percentage, e.g., 果汁100%)


 

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