Thirsty? Japan’s weather will always ask you to drink, may it be cold or hot. You can always buy them from convenience stores, vending machines, restaurants, and bars. Here are some drinks (both alcoholic and not) which will surely rise your spirits as you drink them!
1. Shochu
An alcoholic drink made out of either barely, buckwheat, rice, and sweet potatoes, Shochu contains 20-40 alcohol. It’s best to drink with sparkling water or fruit juices and added with ice, though some prefer it hot. Shochu is commonly produced in Southern Japan.
2. Matcha Latte
Matcha latte is very popular in cafes. You can drink it hot or cold. It is a mixture of milk and matcha green powder tea. Some mixes can also be available in supermarkets and convenience stores.
3. Soy Milk
You can buy soy milks in supermarkets and convenience stores. Originally, it only had one flavor, but as its popularity gre, companies have been adding flavors such as fruits or chocolates.
4. Energy Drinks
These drinks are very popular for Japanese salarymen. They often come in small bottles and is said to improve performance and reduce fatigue. Energy drinks in Japan have very high dose of caffeine in them.
5. Umeshu Plum Wine
One of the popular alcoholic drinks in Japan. It is a mixture of sake and Japanese plums making its flavor sweet. Other fruits may also be added to the drink.
6. Coffee
Or in Japanese, kohi. Canned coffee is very popular in Japan and can be bought in almost every vending machine. Many brands compete in the market with their varying tastes from bitter to sweet. During the summer, cold coffee are often sold and in the winter, warm and hot coffee is the most popular.
7. Aojiru
Known for its prominent green color and bitter taste, aojiru is said to bring in a lot of health benefits to the one who drinks it. It is a vegetable drink and has lot of vitamins and minerals.
8. Yakult
A very popular drink in Japan and around the world, Yakult was invented by Dr. Minoru Shirota in 1930. It is a yogurt-like drink and is a probiotic drink with live Lactobacillus casei bacteria to correct intestinal problems.
9. Amazake
Served hot, this low alcohol content drink is very popular in tourists spots in the winter. It is made out of fermented rice and is said to be very healthy.
10. Sake
Or commonly known as rice wine. Probably the most popular drink inside and outside Japan and also considered as the country’s national beverage. It may be served hot or cold, whatever the drinker’s preference may be.
Note that most of these drinks are better accompanied with delicious Japanese food so be sure to try them!
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