When traveling in Japan, many people want to grab a cold beer from the convenience store and enjoy it at the hotel.
But once you step into the store, you might feel overwhelmed—so many cans, so many choices! Which one should you pick?
Here’s a guide to some of the most popular and widely loved Japanese canned beers you can easily find at any convenience store.
Classic Japanese Beers You Can’t Go Wrong With
- Kirin: Ichiban Shibori
Features: Brewed using only the first-press wort (“Ichiban Shibori method”), this beer delivers a refined balance of malt richness and crisp refreshment. Made from 100% malt with a refreshing hop aroma, it offers smooth drinkability and authentic beer flavor.
ABV: 5%
Price: ~¥237 / 350ml
- Sapporo: Black Label
Features: Known for its perfect balance of rich malt flavor and refreshing finish, plus its creamy foam. Using a special malt called “Umami-lasting malt,” it delivers a clean yet flavorful taste that never gets old. Often called the “perfect draft beer.”
ABV: 5%
Price: ~¥237 / 350ml
- Asahi: Super Dry
Features: Japan’s best-selling beer. Famous for its dry, crisp, and sharp finish, this beer delivers instant refreshment with every sip. A pioneer of the “Karakuchi” (dry) style, it’s the go-to choice for many locals and travelers alike.
ABV: 5%
Price: ~¥237 / 350ml
Affordable but Delicious Choices
- Asahi: Hon-Kirin
Features: A beer-like drink with bold richness and smooth bitterness, brewed with German hops and long, cold aging for clarity and drinkability. At 6% ABV, it offers stronger satisfaction while staying easy to drink.
ABV: 6%
Price: ~¥198 / 350ml
- Suntory: Kinmugi
Features: Brewed with carefully selected “luxury malt” and natural water, this beer-like beverage is known for its smooth balance of malt umami, hop aroma, and gentle bitterness. Great as a food-pairing drink.
ABV: 5%
Price: ~¥198 / 350ml
A Touch of Luxury
- Kirin: SPRING VALLEY Hojun 496
Features: A craft beer with a rich, complex flavor and clean finish. Made with 1.5 times the usual malt and five varieties of hops, it has citrusy notes, deep malt richness, and a beautiful golden color.
ABV: 6%
Price: ~¥269 / 350ml
- Asahi: Shokusai
Features: A premium beer featuring a full-open can design that creates fine foam upon opening. Brewed with rare French hops and select malts, it combines a rich aroma, deep body, and crisp finish—almost like draft beer at a pub.
ABV: 5.5%
Price: ~¥283 / 340ml
New Rising Stars
- Asahi: THE BITTER-IST
Features: Designed for beer lovers who enjoy bitterness. Brewed with unique hops like Talus and Hallertauer Hersbrucker, plus Asahi’s signature yeast strain, it offers refreshing bitterness with a dry aftertaste.
ABV: 6%
Price: ~¥237 / 350ml
- Kirin: Hare Kaze
Features: A 100% malt beer with a smooth body and refreshing citrus aroma from rare “IBUKI” hops. Simple, well-balanced, and food-friendly, with a soft mouthfeel and clean taste.
ABV: 5%
Price: ~¥235 / 350ml
For When You Want the Taste Without the Buzz
Asahi: Zero (Non-Alcoholic)
Features: Brewed like real beer and then fully de-alcoholized with Asahi’s original “Brew-Zero method.” Delivers authentic malt flavor and satisfying depth while keeping 0.00% alcohol. A must-try for those who want the beer taste without alcohol.
ABV: 0%
Price: ~¥181 / 350ml
Tip: Prices may vary, and you’ll usually find them cheaper at supermarkets than convenience stores.
My Personal Favorite
Honestly, my all-time favorite is Asahi Super Dry. It’s the king for a reason—the taste and smoothness are unmatched.
That said, I don’t drink much alcohol these days for health reasons. When I still crave beer, I go for Asahi Zero. Unlike older non-alcoholic beers, this one is surprisingly close to the real thing—highly recommended!
There are countless Japanese beers out there, but if you’re unsure, start with these picks. Cheers! 🍻
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