Water in Japanese Culture: Why Are There So Many Flavors?
Karina Ikedo
When you’re thirsty, you will likely pull out something that looks like water without thinking twice. But this is Japan! Many tourists have purchased what looks like a bottle of mineral water in Japanese stores but have been either highly amused or disappointed.
But if you’re one of those who dislikes water or has a sweet tooth, this can be your savior. From peach to tea and yogurt, water comes in all flavors in Japan. So, if you want to be amazed, pop into a store to pick up your bottle. Let’s look at some of the best-flavored waters that Japan has come up with over the years.
Why did flavored water become popular in Japan?
In Japanese offices and schools, it’s often looked down upon to be drinking juices or sodas. Some people even mentioned that their seniors complained about them drinking juice or coffee during a meeting. Japan’s got you covered if you’re worried about getting sharp stares from colleagues or classmates!
The packaging is like a typical water bottle, so you can sip your favorite drink without piercing looks. No one wants others to know what they drink, probably more so at the workplace. Who would’ve thought there was such fantastic reasoning behind coming up with these flavored waters?
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Is flavored water healthy to drink?
People in Japan tend to be very health-conscious, so they try to enjoy Japanese drinks containing low or zero sugar. Most Japanese flavored waters have no added sugar, or they use natural sweeteners. They are also super refreshing and hydrating. Some even have vitamins and minerals for that added health kick!
Where can I buy flavored water?
You can buy flavored water at most Japanese supermarkets, convenience stores, and vending machines. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson have many flavored waters. They may have different brands and flavors, so it’s worth checking their drink sections—major supermarket chains such as AEON, Ito Yokado, and Seiyu also stock flavored water. Look in the beverage aisle where the bottled drinks are found, and choose your favorite refreshing flavor!
Even Japanese drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Daikokuten usually have a good selection of drinks, including flavored waters. Exploring different stores to find the flavors you like best is a good idea!
What are some notable flavors?
There are so many flavors available in Japan these days that it’s impossible to cover all of them. So here are the most popular and unique ones for you to try!
Suntory Natural Mineral Water Premium Morning Tea Milk
It might look like a bottle of water, but this drink tastes like milk tea. It’s made by the one and only Suntory, one of Japan’s largest beverage distributors. The aroma of fragrant tea hits you as soon as you open the bottle. The taste is sugary and surprisingly colorless, yet it has the flavor and texture of Japanese tea. This weird and unique drink was even sold out in Singapore and Japan when it launched in 2017.
If you’re wondering how this magic happens, they add lactose and whey minerals, which are transparent milk-derived ingredients. An insanely rich scent is created by extracting the scent of black tea using a unique manufacturing method. And it seems that the trend of fooling our brains and taste buds isn’t stopping soon in Japan.
Yogurina & Suntory Natural Mineral Water
Yogurt-flavored water has been on the shelves since 2015, and it’s a big hit in Japan. Clearly, some people prefer yogurt-flavored water over plain, boring water.
The yogurt water is flavored with whey cultures from Hokkaido milk, which give it an undeniably yogurt tang. It’s not unpleasant if you’re into that sort of thing. Unlike most unique water flavors, which disappear after a short run, it can still be found throughout the country.
I Lohas White Peach Water
Coca-Cola has launched the first sugar-free flavored water under the brand I Lohas in Japan. I Lohas adds white peach from Yamanashi Prefecture to the water, giving it a rich aroma and flavor. You can find it in most supermarkets, vending machines, and convenience stores in Japan. It is the perfect drink in the hot summer days.
Why is flavored water important in Japan?
People enjoy drinking flavored water because it’s a refreshing alternative to plain boring water. The subtle flavors guarantee people to enjoy these drinks without the heaviness of sugary drinks.
Japanese flavored waters are not as sweet as juices but have distinct flavors. The flavors are strong enough to make it flavorful, natural, and subtle. Many flavors are unavailable in other countries, so give them a try! Have you tried flavored water from Japan before? Do you have a favorite one? Let us know in the comments below!
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