Japan has many convenient and refreshing drinks that travelers can easily find.
You can buy them at convenience stores, supermarkets, train station shops, and vending machines.
Some drinks are familiar, while others may feel very Japanese and new to first-time visitors.
If you are not sure what to try, do not worry.
In this guide, Keiko will introduce 6 popular Japanese drinks you may see during your trip.
{tocify} $title={Table of Contents}🌟 3 Key Points to Remember
Before choosing a drink in Japan, keep these simple points in mind.
1. Check if it is hot or cold
Vending machines and convenience stores may sell both cold and hot drinks.
Look for つめたい, which means cold, and あたたかい, which means hot.
2. Not all tea is sweet
Many bottled teas in Japan are unsweetened.
Green tea, barley tea, oolong tea, and other teas often have no sugar, which can surprise some travelers.
3. Convenience stores are great for trying drinks
Japanese convenience stores have a wide drink section.
You can compare teas, coffees, juices, yogurt drinks, sports drinks, and seasonal flavors easily.
🍵 1. Green Tea / 緑茶
Ryokucha
Green tea is one of the most common drinks in Japan.
You can find it in bottles, cans, cartons, restaurants, vending machines, and convenience stores.
Many bottled green teas in Japan are unsweetened.
The taste is refreshing, slightly bitter, and clean.
It is a good choice when you want something light with a meal, especially with rice balls, bento boxes, sushi, or Japanese snacks.
Green tea usually contains caffeine, so keep that in mind if you are sensitive to caffeine.
🌾 2. Barley Tea / 麦茶
Mugicha
Barley tea is another very popular drink in Japan.
It has a roasted, gentle taste and is often enjoyed cold, especially in summer.
Many people in Japan drink barley tea at home, at school, and during hot weather.
One helpful point for travelers is that barley tea is usually caffeine-free.
If you want a refreshing drink without caffeine, mugicha can be a good choice.
It is also usually unsweetened, so it feels clean and easy to drink.
☕ 3. Canned Coffee / 缶コーヒー
Kan koohii
Canned coffee is a classic Japanese vending machine drink.
You can find it in convenience stores and vending machines almost everywhere.
Some canned coffee is black and unsweetened, while other types are sweet and creamy.
You may also find both hot and cold canned coffee depending on the season and machine.
In colder months, hot canned coffee from a vending machine can feel very comforting.
If you do not want sugar or milk, look for words like black or 無糖, which means unsweetened.
🫧 4. Ramune Soda / ラムネ
Ramune
Ramune is a fun Japanese soda famous for its unique glass bottle and marble inside.
It is often seen at summer festivals, tourist spots, candy shops, supermarkets, and some convenience stores.
The bottle can be a little tricky the first time.
You usually push down the top to release the marble, then drink from the special bottle opening.
Ramune is sweet, fizzy, and playful, so it is more like a fun experience than an everyday drink.
If you want a nostalgic Japanese-style soda, ramune is a great one to try.
🥛 5. Yogurt Drink / 飲むヨーグルト
Nomu yogurt
Yogurt drinks are popular in Japan and are easy to find in convenience stores and supermarkets.
They are usually creamy, slightly sweet, and smooth to drink.
Some yogurt drinks are plain, while others may have fruit flavors such as strawberry, blueberry, peach, or mango.
They can be nice for breakfast, a light snack, or a quick drink during a busy travel day.
You may find them in small bottles, cartons, or larger family-size bottles.
If you are sensitive to dairy, check the label carefully before buying.
🍊 6. Fruit Juice / 果汁ジュース
Kajuu juusu
Fruit juice is easy to find in Japan, especially at convenience stores and supermarkets.
Popular flavors include orange, apple, grape, peach, mixed fruit, and seasonal limited flavors.
Some juices are 100% fruit juice, while others are fruit-flavored drinks with added sugar.
If you want real fruit juice, look for 100% on the label.
Japan also has many seasonal drink flavors, so you may find special fruit drinks depending on the time of year.
Trying seasonal juice can be a small but fun part of your Japan trip.
💡 Useful Drink Words in Japanese
These words can help you choose drinks in Japan.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| つめたい | Tsumetai | Cold |
| あたたかい | Atatakai | Hot / Warm |
| 無糖 | Mutou | Unsweetened |
| 砂糖不使用 | Satou fushiyou | No added sugar |
| 果汁100% | Kajuu 100% | 100% fruit juice |
| カフェインゼロ | Kafein zero | Caffeine-free |
🧃 Where Can You Buy These Drinks?
You can find these drinks in many places during your trip.
- Convenience stores — Great for bottled tea, canned coffee, yogurt drinks, juice, and seasonal drinks.
- Vending machines — Useful when you need a quick drink on the street, at stations, or near tourist areas.
- Supermarkets — Good for larger bottles, cheaper prices, and more variety.
- Train station shops — Convenient when traveling between cities.
📌 Keiko’s Tip
When using a vending machine in Japan, check the color or label before buying.
Cold drinks are often marked with つめたい or blue signs.
Hot drinks are often marked with あたたかい or red signs.
Also, remember that many Japanese teas are not sweet.
If you want something sweet, fruit juice, yogurt drinks, ramune, or sweet canned coffee may be better choices.
If you want something light and refreshing, green tea or barley tea is a safe and popular choice.
Final Thoughts
Japanese drinks are easy to find and fun to explore during your trip.
Green tea and barley tea are refreshing everyday choices.
Canned coffee is convenient and popular, especially from vending machines.
Ramune is a fun soda experience, while yogurt drinks and fruit juice are sweet and easy to enjoy.
Try one or two during your visit and discover your favorite Japanese drink step by step.
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