Popular Japanese Drinks You Must Try in Japan

Japan has so many amazing drinks with unique flavors. With new products being available in Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores weekly there is too much to try! Before you have had a chance to try it, it might have already disappeared from the shelves. However there are a few drinks that have remained popular throughout the years and always available, let’s check out these 10 popular original Japanese drinks!

Ramune

Ramune is probably one of the most famous Japanese drinks mainly due to the unique bottle and the unique flavors it comes in. Of course among the more popular flavors are fruity ones like strawberry, peach and grape but there are also some crazy flavors like wasabi, chili oil and kimchi! You can read about crazy flavors here or check out our YouTube video in which we tried them out! It often appeared in anime and manga as well which contributed to its popularity. It was invented in 1872 which makes it one of the oldest Japanese sodas. The marble inside the bottle is what makes it unique, pushing it down to open to bottle has proven to be a challenge to many people!

Pocari Sweat

Pocari Sweat is, as the name suggests, a drink that restores all electrolytes and nutrients that are lost when sweating. In short, it’s a sports drink from Japan, invented in 1980! Japanese people also swear by drinking Pocari Sweat when they’re down with the flu. The drink is available in pet bottles, cans, and even in powder form.

Calpis

Calpis was invented in 1919 and was inspired by Mongolian fermented horse milk drink. It was Japan’s first lactic acid drink. You can choose to mix it with anything you like which is what made it so popular! Some popular combinations are Calpis mixed with water, carbonated Calpis soda, or fruity lemonades, especially strawberry and melon.

Mitsuya cider

Mitsuya cider is interestingly enough not an alcoholic beverage but it’s just a carbonated soft drink, first sold in 1884. People have described the flavor of Mitsuya cider as a mix of sprite and ginger ale but seasonal flavors are available as well.

Canned coffee

Canned coffee is an original Japanese invention from the 1970’s. You can especially find these drinks in vending machines both hot and cold and black or sweet! Of course you can also find canned coffee at convenience stores.

Matcha

Matcha (green tea powder) is used in many different kind of drinks, unsweetened and sweet, tea or milky latte and super popular outside of Japan as well, you can even order a matcha latte at Starbucks! The bitter sweet drink is not only available in cafes but also in bottles in Japanese convenience stores.

Mugicha

When people think of Japanese tea, green tea is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Actually mugicha, or roasted barley tea, is just as popular! At many restaurants you get a glass of water but sometimes mugicha is served instead, you can also get a bottle at the supermarket or convenience store. Since it’s an acquired taste, quite bitter and unusual it’s not always loved by tourists but you should give it a try anyway!

Melon Soda

The green melon soda catches the eye of any tourist visiting Japan for the first time. Sweet and yet fresh it’s loved by many! It’s so popular that it’s available everywhere, even at chain stores like Burger King, Mc donald’s and karaoke!

Yakult

Yakult is Japan’s most successful probiotic drink, invented 1930 is available in Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores and even in supermarkets all over the world! In some countries, Japan India and Brazil it’s even being sold door to door!

Qoo

Qoo was invited in 1999 and marketed towards children and teenagers. The brand is actually owned by Coca-Cola but the drinks are non-carbonated and have fruity flavors. It’s popular all over Asia but not so much in other countries, although it was available in Germany for a while!

What drink did have you tried? Which one would you like to try and which one are you scared of trying? Let us know in the comments below!

Looking to take a sip of some of Japan’s unique and tasty drinks? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat sends the latest Japanese snacks, drinks, sweets, noodles, and more right to your door straight from Japan!

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Originally published September 30, 2018