Japanese drinks: a first guide

Sake is brewed from rice. Shochu is a distilled spirit made from ingredients such as sweet potato, barley or rice; it differs from beer in production and flavor. English “sake” usually means nihonshu, while Japanese “osake” can mean alcoholic drinks in general.

A category alone does not tell you how sweet or strong a drink is. Explain the kind you want and your flavor preferences so staff can help you choose from what they actually serve.

A glass, carafe and bottle contain different amounts, and a “glass” is not a fixed size across restaurants. If you want to try a little sake, ask whether a small glass is available and how much it holds. Give a budget when requesting a recommendation.

Tokkuri describes a serving vessel, not a guaranteed volume. Clarifying whether you want individual drinks or one bottle to share helps avoid unexpected quantities and charges.

Sake can be chilled, served at room temperature, or warmed; the aroma and flavor change with temperature. What works depends on the bottle and your preference. For shochu, ask about ice, cold water, hot water or soda mixers offered by the shop.

Hiya can mean room-temperature sake. If you want it chilled, say “reishu” or “cold sake” clearly. Warm sake does not automatically mean inexpensive or poor-quality sake.

The food’s seasoning can help you choose. A lighter sake with a delicate dish, or a fuller-flavored one with grilled food, are possible starting points. Personal taste and the particular drink matter more than a fixed pairing rule.

Sushi does not require sake, and fried food does not require beer. If you want alcohol, tell staff what you are eating and what flavors you like. Tea or water can accompany the same meal.

“Kyo wa nomimasen” means “I am not drinking today.” You can join a toast with water or a soft drink. For an alcohol-free option, check the actual alcohol content and, when needed, a 0.00% label rather than relying only on the menu name.

You do not owe a detailed explanation for declining. Ask before refilling someone’s glass and respect their answer. Pouring your own drink is also fine; no one has to finish a glass or keep pace with other people.

Japan’s legal drinking age is 20, even though the age of adulthood is 18. After drinking alcohol, do not drive a car, ride a bicycle or use an electric scooter. Decide how to get home before you start drinking.

“Only a little” or “I do not feel drunk” is not a reason to drive. Arrange a driver who will not drink, check the last public transport, or use a taxi so your journey does not depend on drink-driving.