how old to drink in japan
You must be 20 years old to drink alcohol legally in Japan, whether you’re a local or a tourist.
How Old to Drink in Japan? (Quick Scoop)
The Short Answer
- Legal drinking age: 20 years old.
- Applies to: Japanese citizens, residents, exchange students, tourists – everyone.
- Under 20: You cannot legally buy or drink alcohol, even with parents or friends.
The Law in Simple Terms
Japan’s drinking rules come from the Minor Drinking Prohibition Act , in force nationwide since 1922.
Key points:
- Anyone under 20 drinking alcohol is breaking the law.
- Adults who give alcohol to minors can be fined or face other penalties.
- Shops, bars, or restaurants that serve underage customers risk big trouble, including license loss.
So even if your home country allows drinking at 18, in Japan the line stays firmly at 20.
Common Questions People Ask
“I’m 18 or 19 – can I drink there?”
No. Even though Japan lowered the general “age of majority” to 18 (for things like contracts and voting), alcohol stayed at 20.
So 18–19-year-olds can vote and sign contracts, but still cannot drink or buy alcohol legally.
“Does the rule change by city or region?”
No. The drinking age of 20 is the same everywhere in Japan – Tokyo, Osaka, Okinawa, Hokkaido, etc.
“What about foreigners and tourists?”
- Same rule: 20+ only , no exceptions.
- Staff will often check passports or residence cards as ID if you look young.
Public Drinking & Culture
Japan is surprisingly relaxed about where you can drink but strict about who can drink.
- Public drinking (parks, streets, beaches) is generally allowed, as long as you behave and clean up.
- Some cities or events may temporarily restrict drinking in certain public spots (especially during crowded festivals).
- Drinking with colleagues or friends is a big part of social life, but under 20s are expected to stick to soft drinks or non-alcoholic options.
Small example: At a company drinking party, a 19-year-old new hire is fully expected to join the dinner, laugh, pour drinks for others – but only order non-alcoholic drinks.
Quick Fact Table (Age Rules in Japan)
Here’s a fast snapshot of how alcohol fits into Japan’s age system:
| Activity | Minimum Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drink / buy alcohol | 20 | Applies to everyone, including tourists; all types of alcohol (beer, sake, wine, spirits). | [3][1][5]
| Buy cigarettes | 20 | Same age limit as alcohol. | [6][3][5]
| Vote, sign most contracts | 18 | Age of majority lowered to 18 in 2022, but alcohol age stayed 20. | [5]
| Standard car driver’s license | 18 | Can drive before you can legally drink. | [7]
If You’re Planning a Trip
If your main question is “How old to drink in Japan?” the practical takeaway is:
- If you are 19 or younger when you arrive, plan for non-alcoholic options only.
- If you are 20 or older , carry a passport or residence card in case staff check your age.
Bottom line: In Japan, you’re not legally old enough to drink until the day you turn 20 – not 18, not 19.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
