Japan has a deep-rooted appreciation for alcohol, with beer, whisky, and sake being the nation’s most beloved beverages. Whether it’s a refreshing cold beer after work, a smooth pour of whisky savoured slowly, or a traditional sake shared during celebrations, alcohol plays a significant role in both daily life and cultural rituals. Over the decades, Japan has earned global respect for the quality and craftsmanship of its drinks, with local breweries and distilleries offering some of the finest examples of each.
Beer remains the most widely consumed alcohol in Japan, with iconic brands like Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo enjoyed nationwide. Whisky has surged in popularity both domestically and internationally, with Japanese distilleries such as Suntory and Nikka earning accolades around the world. Sake, Japan’s traditional rice wine, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike, celebrated for its regional diversity and time-honoured brewing methods.
Across Japan’s major cities, travellers can explore a wide range of brewery and distillery experiences—from high-tech factory tours and tasting bars to small, family-run operations steeped in tradition. This page brings together some of the best spots across Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo, and beyond, offering something for beer enthusiasts, whisky lovers, and sake newcomers alike.
