How Expensive Is Alcohol In Japan?

Question

Is it expensive to buy alcohol in Japan like it is in America? I know that over here in the States, the government has a pretty big sin tax on them, which makes out (about average) $25 for a 5th of liquor. I have no idea if Japan has that kind of system going on.

Answer 1

Liquor is substantially cheaper in Japan. Beer is substantially more expensive. A case of beer might cost you the equivalent of USD 40 or so, whereas a fifth of Johnny Walker (my favorite) might only be USD 10. Try to avoid getting mixed drinks in restaurants as they're really watered down and are relatively expensive.

Answer 2

Beer in Japan is slightly more expensive than in the U.S. A can of Kirin would cost between U.S$0.80~2.00 depending on its kind of brew. Not so sure about whisky as I've never bought any in the U.S.

There is a shop called Yamaya, where you can find a wide variety of liquors at very reasonable price. You might want to check that place out. They are a chain stores by the way.

Answer 3

I'm not 100% familiar with spirit prices, nor with what a "5th of liquor" is, although you can get gut-rot whisky (Nikka brand for example) for under 1,000 yen, or US$9 or so, for 750 ml.

Real beer in a can is 300 yen for 500 ml, beer-like alcohol is 200 yen for 500 ml or less at 4-5.5% alcohol by volume, and chuhai (fizzy alco-pops) are nasty, nasty things even less than 200 yen a go and often up to 7% alcohol.

Even cheap restaurants will charge you at least 400 yen for roughly a pint, going up to 600-800 yen at bars.

Answer 4

Shochu is taxed very lightly as it considered the working man's beverage. Beer is heavily taxed as it was traditionally considered a luxury. However the breweries have discovered a loophole whereby they brew a beer-like beverage that is taxed at the same rate as sake. At one time imported whiskey had the highest taxes, but the distilleries lobbied to have it reduced to the same rate as domestic whiskey for the sake of GATT compliance. That's why Johnny Walker or whatever doesn't have the huge price tag it used to.