Popular Japanese Drinks You Must Try in Japan

Japan has so many amazing drinks with unique flavors. There is too much to try, with new products available in Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores weekly! However, there are a few drinks that have remained popular throughout the years and are 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 its unique bottle and unique flavors. 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! It also often appeared in anime and manga, contributing to its popularity. It was invented in 1872, which makes it one of the oldest Japanese sodas. The marble inside the bottle 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 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 have the flu. The drink is available in pet bottles, cans, and powder form.

Calpis

Calpis was invented in 1919 and was inspired by a 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

Interestingly enough, Mitsuya cider is not an alcoholic beverage but 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 also available.

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Canned coffee

Canned coffee is an original Japanese invention from the 1970’s. You can 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 kinds of drinks, unsweetened and sweet, tea or milky latte, and is 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.

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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! You get a glass of water at many restaurants, 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 try it 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, McDonald’s, and karaoke!

Yakult

Yakult is Japan’s most successful probiotic drink, It was invented in 1930 and 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 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!

Why are Japanese drinks so good?

Japanese drinks are really cool! They have lots of different flavors and are very tasty. People in Japan have been making drinks like tea and sake for a long time, and they are really good at it. Japanese drinks are special because they use really good ingredients and pay a lot of attention to how they are made!

So when you drink a Japanese drink, it’s like you’re trying something someone spent a lot of time making just for you! Have you ever had Japanese drinks before? Which ones would you like to try? Let us know in the comments below!