whats the drinking age in japan

The legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old for both buying and drinking alcohol in public places like bars, restaurants, and convenience stores.

Quick Scoop

• You must be 20 or older to legally purchase or consume alcohol in Japan.

• This applies to tourists and locals alike—your home country’s rules don’t matter once you’re in Japan.

• Stores, izakaya (Japanese pubs), and bars can ask for ID, and you’re expected to carry a passport as proof of age if you’re a visitor.

• Under 20s are not allowed to buy alcohol and are also prohibited from drinking, even if an older person orders it for them.

In short: if you’re under 20, stick to soft drinks in Japan—once you hit 20, you can legally join in on the sake, beer, and highball culture, as long as you drink responsibly.

Note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.