Legal Drinking Age In Japan, What Every Tourist Needs To Know

What Is the Legal Drinking Age in Japan?

The legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old for purchasing and consuming all types of alcoholic beverages. Whether you’re drinking sake, beer, wine, or spirits, you must be at least 20 to legally buy or consume alcohol anywhere in Japan. This age restriction applies to Japanese citizens, residents, and tourists equally—no exceptions.

Japan’s drinking age laws are governed by the Minor Drinking Prohibition Law (also called the Minors’ Drinking Prohibition Act), which has been in effect since 1922. The law is strictly enforced through penalties for both underage drinkers and anyone who provides alcohol to minors. Understanding Japan’s alcohol consumption laws is essential for tourists planning to experience the country’s renowned drinking culture and nightlife.

For tourists visiting Japan, your home country’s drinking age doesn’t matter. Even if you can legally drink at 18 in your country, you cannot purchase or consume alcohol in Japan until you turn 20.

Japan’s Alcohol Laws: The Minor Drinking Prohibition Law

Japan’s primary legislation controlling underage drinking is the Minor Drinking Prohibition Law. This comprehensive framework doesn’t just prohibit minors from drinking—it holds multiple parties accountable for preventing underage alcohol consumption.

The law specifically prohibits:

Minors (under 20) purchasing alcoholic beverages
Minors consuming alcohol in any location, public or private
Adults selling or providing alcohol to minors
Parents or guardians allowing minors to drink
Establishments serving alcohol to underage customers

This multi-level approach means that both the minor who drinks and the adult who provides the alcohol face legal consequences. The law recognizes that preventing underage drinking requires shared responsibility across society.

Age Requirements for Alcohol Purchase in Japan

You must be 20 years old on the actual date you wish to purchase or consume alcohol. Japan uses standard age counting—you turn 20 on your birthday, not before. Some countries use different age-counting systems, but Japanese law is based on your actual birth date.

Key points about age requirements:

Minimum legal age: 20 years old
Age calculation: Based on your birth date (Western age system)
Application: All alcoholic beverages without exception
Jurisdiction: Entire country of Japan
Who it applies to: Everyone, including foreign tourists

The age of majority in Japan was lowered from 20 to 18 in 2022 for most civil matters like voting and marriage. However, the legal age for drinking alcohol and smoking remained at 20 due to public health concerns about youth development.

Legal Drinking Age in Japan, What Every Tourist Needs to Know in 2025

Penalties and Consequences for Underage Drinking in Japan

Japan enforces alcohol laws seriously with real consequences for violations. Both minors caught drinking and adults who provide alcohol face penalties.

For Minors Under 20

If caught drinking while under 20 years old, minors face:

Police detention and questioning
Criminal fines
Parental notification
Notation on criminal record
School or university disciplinary action
For tourists: possible deportation and future entry bans

Japanese police take underage drinking violations seriously. Foreign tourists receive no special treatment—ignorance of the law is not an acceptable excuse.

For Adults Who Provide Alcohol to Minors

Adults face more severe consequences than minors themselves. Penalties include:

Criminal prosecution
Fines starting at ¥10,000 (approximately $70 USD)
For businesses: license suspension or revocation
For repeat offenders: significantly higher fines
Possible imprisonment for serious violations
Business closure for establishments that systematically violate laws

Retailers, restaurant servers, bartenders, friends, and family members can all face prosecution for providing alcohol to someone under 20.

Parental Responsibility

Parents and guardians who allow minors to drink—even in their own homes—face legal consequences. The law applies in all settings, including private residences. Japanese authorities believe parents play a crucial role in preventing underage drinking.

ID Requirements and Age Verification in Japan

Japan uses multiple systems to verify age and prevent illegal alcohol sales. As a tourist, you must understand ID requirements.

Acceptable Identification for Tourists

For foreign visitors, your passport is the primary accepted form of identification:

Passport: Always carry your original passport (not a copy) when visiting bars, restaurants, or purchasing alcohol
International driver’s license: May be accepted at some locations but passport is more reliable
Residence card: Only for foreign residents with legal residence status

Japanese residents can use driver’s licenses, residence cards (zairyu cards), My Number cards, or Japanese passports.

Age Verification at Different Venues

Convenience stores (konbini): When purchasing alcohol, you’ll typically see a touchscreen prompt asking you to confirm you’re 20 or older. While this relies on self-reporting, staff may request ID if you appear young. Many stores now use ID scanners.

Vending machines: Some alcohol vending machines require IC card verification, age confirmation buttons, or facial recognition technology to prevent underage purchases.

Bars and izakayas: Staff will request ID if you appear under 20. Many establishments check IDs at the entrance, especially in nightlife districts like Shibuya and Roppongi.

Restaurants: Family restaurants allow minors but strictly enforce age verification for alcohol service.

Clubs and nightlife venues: Most check IDs at the door and may refuse entry to anyone appearing underage or unable to provide valid identification.

Tourist Tip: Always Carry Your Passport

When planning to drink in Japan, always carry your original passport. Establishments have the right to refuse service without proper identification. A photo or copy is not acceptable—you need the physical document.

Where Can Tourists Legally Drink in Japan?

For tourists 20 and older, Japan offers numerous places to enjoy alcoholic beverages legally.

Public Drinking Laws

Japan allows public drinking in most areas. You can legally consume alcohol:

In parks and public spaces
On streets (in most neighborhoods)
On trains (except during certain commuter hours)
At outdoor festivals and events
On beaches and at picnic areas

Some specific neighborhoods have temporary public drinking restrictions during certain hours, though these are rare and typically unenforced. This makes Japan very different from countries like the United States, where open container laws prohibit public alcohol consumption.

Popular Drinking Venues for Tourists

Izakayas: Traditional Japanese pubs serving food and drinks. Perfect for experiencing authentic drinking culture.

Karaoke boxes: Private rooms where groups can drink while singing. Very popular social activity.

Beer gardens: Seasonal rooftop venues (especially during summer) offering all-you-can-drink packages.

Bars and clubs: From upscale cocktail bars to dance clubs, major cities offer diverse nightlife.

Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart sell alcohol 24/7 in most locations.

Vending machines: Available in some areas, though becoming less common in tourist areas.

Festivals (matsuri): Outdoor events where beer and sake vendors are common.

Japan’s Strict Drunk Driving Laws

Japan enforces some of the world’s strictest drunk driving regulations. Tourists must understand these laws to avoid serious legal trouble.

Zero-Tolerance Blood Alcohol Limit

Japan’s legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.03%—significantly lower than most countries. For comparison:

Japan: 0.03% BAC
United States: 0.08% BAC
United Kingdom: 0.08% BAC
Australia: 0.05% BAC

One standard drink is often enough to exceed Japan’s limit. The practical rule: if you drink any alcohol, do not drive.

Drunk Driving Penalties

Penalties for drunk driving (called “inshu unten” in Japanese) are severe:

Fines up to ¥1,000,000 (approximately $7,000 USD)
Imprisonment up to 5 years
Immediate license suspension or revocation
Criminal record
For tourists: deportation and permanent entry ban

Passenger Liability

Japan holds passengers accountable too. If you ride as a passenger with a drunk driver knowing they’ve been drinking, you face penalties. This includes:

Passengers: up to 2 years imprisonment or ¥300,000 fine
Those who provide vehicles to drunk drivers: up to 3 years imprisonment or ¥500,000 fine
Those who provide alcohol to someone who will drive: up to 3 years imprisonment or ¥500,000 fine

Tourist Transportation Advice

Japan’s excellent public transportation makes avoiding drunk driving easy:

Use trains and subways (extensive networks in all major cities)
Take taxis (readily available and relatively affordable)
Use rideshare apps like Uber or local services
Walk—many entertainment districts are pedestrian-friendly
Stay at hotels near nightlife areas

Japanese drinking culture assumes you won’t drive. Most people take public transportation to drinking venues specifically because driving afterward isn’t an option.

Japanese Drinking Culture and Etiquette for Tourists

Understanding cultural norms enhances your drinking experience in Japan and shows respect for local customs.

Essential Drinking Etiquette

Never pour your own drink: Wait for others to pour for you, then reciprocate. This practice shows mutual respect and attentiveness.

Use both hands when serving superiors: When pouring for someone older or higher status, use both hands on the bottle as a sign of respect.

Say “Kanpai!”: Wait for everyone to have drinks before toasting together. “Kanpai” means “cheers” in Japanese.

Keep others’ glasses full: Pay attention to companions’ glasses and refill them before they empty. This shows consideration.

Receive drinks with both hands: When someone pours for you, hold your glass with both hands.

Pace yourself: Japanese drinking sessions often last hours. Moderate your consumption to avoid embarrassment.

Social Drinking Customs

Nomikai (drinking parties): Common for building relationships with colleagues and friends. These after-work drinking sessions are important social events.

All-you-can-drink (nomihoudai): Many establishments offer fixed-price unlimited drinking for 2-3 hours. Popular with tourists and locals.

Otoshi (table charge): Many bars serve a small appetizer with your first drink and charge ¥300-500. This is standard practice.

Last train awareness: Most trains stop running between midnight and 1 AM. Plan your departure accordingly or prepare to take expensive taxis.

Types of Alcoholic Beverages in Japan

Sake (nihonshu): Traditional rice wine, served hot or cold depending on quality and season.

Beer (biiru): Extremely popular. Major brands include Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo, and Suntory.

Shochu: Distilled spirit made from various ingredients (sweet potato, barley, rice). Stronger than sake.

Japanese whisky: World-renowned quality. Brands like Yamazaki, Hibiki, and Nikka are globally acclaimed.

Chuhai: Canned cocktails mixing shochu with fruit flavors. Very popular and available at convenience stores.

Umeshu: Sweet plum wine, often served with ice or soda.

Comparing Japan’s Drinking Age to Other Countries

Japan’s legal drinking age of 20 is higher than most countries globally:

Age 18: Australia, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, China, Brazil, Mexico, and most of Europe

Age 19: South Korea (changed from 20 to 19 in 2023), Canada (in some provinces)

Age 20: Japan, Iceland, Paraguay, Thailand

Age 21: United States, India (varies by state), Sri Lanka, Indonesia

Japan shares the 20-year age requirement with very few countries, making it more restrictive than most popular tourist destinations. The age reflects Japan’s approach to protecting youth development and aligns with traditional concepts of adulthood.

Until 2022, age 20 marked full legal adulthood in Japan. While the age of majority was lowered to 18 for voting and marriage, authorities kept the drinking and smoking age at 20 based on health research about youth brain development.

Essential Tips for Tourists Visiting Japan

For Tourists Under 20

If you’re under 20, you cannot legally drink in Japan regardless of your home country’s laws. Plan accordingly:

Enjoy Japan’s excellent non-alcoholic beverages: green tea, coffee, soft drinks, and unique flavored drinks
Focus on other cultural experiences: temples, shrines, anime districts, traditional arts
Try alcohol-free izakayas or family restaurants
Remember that attempting to drink underage can result in deportation and future entry bans

For Tourists 20 and Older

Before your trip:

Memorize “Legal age is 20” and be prepared to show ID
Research drinking customs and etiquette
Plan transportation that doesn’t involve driving
Consider staying in hotels near nightlife areas

During your visit:

Always carry your original passport when drinking
Respect local customs and drinking etiquette
Never drive after consuming any alcohol
Be aware of last train times
Try local specialties like sake, Japanese whisky, and shochu
Visit traditional izakayas for authentic experiences

Nightlife districts for tourists:

Tokyo: Shibuya, Roppongi, Shinjuku, Kabukicho
Osaka: Dotonbori, Namba, Umeda
Kyoto: Gion, Pontocho
Fukuoka: Nakasu, Tenjin

Alcohol Availability and Pricing

Convenience stores: Cheapest option. Beer from ¥200-500, sake from ¥300-1,000, chuhai from ¥150-300.

Izakayas: Beer ¥500-800, sake ¥600-1,000, cocktails ¥700-1,200. Many offer nomihoudai (all-you-can-drink) for ¥2,000-3,000.

Bars and clubs: Higher prices. Cocktails ¥800-1,500+, cover charges ¥500-2,000.

Vending machines: Similar to convenience store prices where still available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Japan’s Drinking Age

Q: Can 19-year-olds drink in Japan if they’re legal in their home country?

No. Japan’s legal drinking age is 20 for everyone, regardless of nationality or home country laws. A 19-year-old American, European, or Australian cannot legally drink in Japan even though they might be legal at home.

Q: What happens if tourists under 20 get caught drinking in Japan?

Tourists face fines, police detention, potential jail time, deportation, and bans on future entry to Japan. Your home country’s embassy cannot override Japanese law. The violation remains on your record.

Q: Do convenience stores in Japan actually check ID?

Yes, especially if you appear young. While self-reporting buttons exist, staff frequently request ID from young-looking customers. Many stores now use electronic ID scanners. Don’t assume you can buy without verification.

Q: Can parents let their teenage children drink at home in Japan?

No. Parents who allow minors to drink—even in private homes—face legal penalties. The law applies everywhere without exception.

Q: What ID do tourists need to buy alcohol in Japan?

Your passport. Always carry your original passport when planning to purchase or consume alcohol. Copies, photos, or foreign driver’s licenses are generally not accepted. Establishments can refuse service without proper identification.

Q: Is public drinking legal in Japan?

Yes, for those 20 and older. You can drink in parks, on streets, and in most public spaces. Japan is much more permissive about public alcohol consumption than countries like the United States. However, you still must be 20 to drink anywhere.

Q: How strict are Japan’s drunk driving laws for tourists?

Extremely strict. Japan’s 0.03% BAC limit means one drink often exceeds the legal limit. Penalties include heavy fines, imprisonment, deportation, and permanent entry bans. Never drive after drinking any amount of alcohol.

Q: Can I drink on trains in Japan?

Yes, if you’re 20 or older. Drinking on trains is socially acceptable and common, especially on long-distance trains and during non-rush hours. Many travelers enjoy beer or chuhai during train journeys.

Key Takeaways for Tourists

Understanding Japan’s alcohol laws ensures you enjoy your visit without legal trouble:

Legal drinking age: 20 years old, no exceptions
ID requirements: Always carry your passport
Age verification: Expect to show ID even if you look older
Drunk driving: Never drive after any alcohol consumption
Public drinking: Legal for those 20+ in most areas
Cultural etiquette: Learn basic drinking customs
Penalties: Serious consequences for violations, including deportation
Transportation: Use public transit or taxis when drinking
Availability: Convenient access at stores, restaurants, and bars
Experience: Rich drinking culture with unique beverages

The Bottom Line: Respecting Japan’s Alcohol Laws

Japan’s legal drinking age of 20 reflects the country’s commitment to youth health and development. The Minor Drinking Prohibition Law creates a comprehensive framework with real penalties for violations. For tourists planning to experience Japan’s renowned drinking culture, understanding and respecting these laws is essential.

If you’re 20 or older, Japan offers incredible drinking experiences—from traditional izakayas and sake breweries to world-class whisky bars and vibrant nightlife districts. The country’s rich alcohol culture includes unique beverages, important social customs, and memorable experiences. However, these pleasures come with responsibilities: carry proper identification, never drink and drive, and respect cultural etiquette.

If you’re under 20, remember that Japan’s laws apply to you regardless of your home country’s regulations. Attempting to drink underage can result in deportation, fines, and future entry bans. Instead, focus on Japan’s countless other attractions and save the drinking experiences for when you’re legally able to enjoy them.

Whether you’re exploring Tokyo’s neon-lit entertainment districts, relaxing in a traditional izakaya in Kyoto, or enjoying a beer garden in Osaka, understanding Japan’s alcohol laws ensures your visit is both enjoyable and legal. Respect the age requirements, follow local customs, and drink responsibly to make the most of your Japanese adventure.

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Japan’s drinking age laws and is intended for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations may change, and specific circumstances may affect how laws apply. If you face legal issues related to alcohol consumption in Japan, consult with a qualified attorney familiar with Japanese law. Always verify current regulations before traveling.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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