Drinking Age and ID Checks in Japan: What Visitors Should Know

Japan's drinking age is 20, even though adulthood now starts at 18, and this guide explains what that means for visitors ordering a drink or buying alcohol.

Published October 20, 2026 at 12:58 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. Since April 2022 the age of adulthood for civil purposes has been 18, but the drinking age stayed at 20. Visitors under 20 should not expect to be served, and adults may be asked to show age ID in shops or bars. Carry a passport or photo ID, and check current rules.

The short answer on age

The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. The Wikipedia article on legal drinking ages lists Japan at 20 and adds a note that the age of majority was lowered to 18 as of April 2022, but that the drinking age stayed at 20. This means a person aged 18 or 19 is an adult for many purposes, yet cannot legally drink alcohol.

For travelers, the rule is easy to remember: if you are under 20, alcohol is off the menu while you are in Japan, no matter what the rules are in your home country. That applies to bars, restaurants, shops and festivals alike. Visitors who are 20 or older can order a drink freely, subject to the usual courtesy and local rules, and many people find the experience of a relaxed evening out one of the pleasures of a trip.

Why 18 and 20 both appear

The confusion comes from a change in civil law. The Ministry of Justice explains that an amendment to the Civil Code passed on June 13, 2018 and took effect on April 1, 2022. It lowered the civil age of adulthood from 20 to 18, which affects matters such as entering contracts on your own and the end of parental authority. The age had been 20 since the Civil Code was enacted in 1896, so the change was the first revision in well over a century. The same reform also set the minimum marriage age for women at 18, matching the men's age. Its stated aim was to let 18- and 19-year-olds make their own life choices and take part in society.

The ministry's page does not discuss drinking, because alcohol is governed by separate rules. That is why 18- and 19-year-olds are adults in the Civil Code sense but still cannot legally drink. The Wikipedia entry on legal drinking ages confirms this split, and shops and bars generally continue to apply the age of 20 for alcohol. If you are unsure, ask staff or check the current official guidance.

Buying alcohol in shops

In Japan alcohol is sold in supermarkets, liquor stores and convenience stores, and shops may ask customers to confirm that they are 20 or older. The way this is done varies. Some retailers may ask the buyer to tap a confirmation prompt on a screen, while others may have staff check age ID. Because practices differ from shop to shop and may change, treat any specific procedure as something to confirm on the spot.

If you look young for your age, expect to be asked, and do not take it personally. Staff are following a rule meant to prevent underage drinking. Carry a passport or another photo ID with your date of birth, and have it ready. If a shop asks for ID and you do not have it, the sale may be refused, so it helps to carry ID when you plan to buy alcohol.

Ordering in izakaya, bars and restaurants

The Go Tokyo guide to food and drink describes izakaya, the casual Japanese pubs, and notes that most apply a seating charge and serve a small dish before you order. The seating charge is a common practice, so it is worth looking for a note about it on the menu. The guide adds that more restaurants now have English-language menus, which helps when you are choosing a drink.

Bars and restaurants may ask for ID if staff are unsure of a customer's age, and policies differ by venue. The guide names sake, shochu and chuhai, a fruity mixed drink, as popular choices in yokocho, the narrow drinking alleys. Beer is the most commonly consumed category, according to the Wikipedia article on alcohol in Japan, which says that most beer is pale lager at about 5 percent alcohol by volume.

Drinking in public and good manners

The Go Tokyo guide says that drinking in some public places may be allowed, but that rules and expectations differ by region. It advises drinking responsibly and with consideration for those around you. At cherry blossom picnics, festivals and parks, check signs and local notices, and follow the lead of the people around you.

On trains and in busy areas, quiet and tidy behavior is the norm. Take your empty cans and bottles with you or use the designated recycling bins where available, and keep your voice down at night in residential areas. The guide also notes that bars and restaurants typically do not allow indoor smoking and that tipping is not customary, which are useful related points for a night out.

Carrying ID and what to bring

Bring a passport or another form of photo ID that shows your date of birth when you plan to drink or buy alcohol. A clear photo of the passport page on your phone is a handy backup, but some venues may require the original, so treat the copy as a convenience and check what each place accepts. Official guidance on carrying a passport or residence card can change, so check the Immigration Services Agency page for current rules.

Residents should carry their residence card and any other ID they use day to day. If a venue refuses service because you cannot prove your age, a polite response is the best approach. Venues have their own policies, and staff are usually applying them consistently. Having ID on hand makes the experience smoother for everyone.

Planning for travelers under 20

Visitors under 20 can still enjoy Japan's drinks culture in other ways. Non-alcoholic options are widely available, and many izakaya and restaurants offer soft drinks and tea. Group dinners are a good chance to try dishes that are paired with drinks without ordering alcohol. If your group includes someone under 20, do not hand them a drink at the table, since serving alcohol to minors may cause problems for the venue.

Rules and enforcement can change, and this guide shares general information; rules change, so confirm details with the official agency or provider before you act. If you are traveling with a group that includes people of different ages, set expectations early so that nobody feels left out when the drinks arrive. A little planning makes an evening out relaxed and enjoyable for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal drinking age in Japan?

The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. Japan lowered its civil age of adulthood to 18 in April 2022, but the drinking age stayed at 20, according to the Wikipedia article on legal drinking ages. Visitors under 20 should not expect to be served alcohol.

Will I be asked for ID when buying alcohol?

You may be. Shops and bars can ask customers to confirm that they are 20 or older, and the method varies, from a screen prompt to staff checking ID. Carry a passport or photo ID, and check current rules, since procedures differ by venue.

Can 18-year-olds drink in Japan since adulthood is now 18?

No. The Ministry of Justice says the Civil Code lowered the age of adulthood to 18 from April 1, 2022, but drinking is governed by separate rules and the drinking age remains 20. Check current rules if you are unsure.

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