New and exciting drinks are something that every person who visits Japan looks forward too. For those wanting non-alcoholic versions of their favourite drinks, Japan’s leading beverage companies have got us covered!
Non-Alcoholic Beer
Zero-alcohol beer, also known as non-alcoholic beer or “near beer,” is gaining popularity in Japan. Here are some of the most popular options.
Asahi
Asahi Zero is a non-alcoholic beer exclusively available in the Kansai Region.
Asahi Zero is my favourite non-alcoholic beer in Japan, available in individual cans or 6 packs and in either 355ml or 500ml cans!
- Most Japanese Supermarkets and Convenience Stores
- 355ml -108 ¥ OR 500ml - 198 ¥
▶Suntory
Suntory’s All Free is described as an “Ultra-Crisp, Ultra-Light and Ultra Refreshing” beer, with zero calories, carbs or alcohol.
It comes in cans or bottles, individually or in 6 packs.
- Most Japanese Supermarkets and Convenience Stores
- 355ml Can -108 ¥ OR 330ml Bottle - 280 ¥
▶Kirin
Kirin has a few different non-alcoholic beers on the market. Kirin Karada Free (キリン カラダFree), and Kirin Green Free Non-Alcoholic Beer. Both have very different tastes! Green Free has more of a craft beer feel to it.
- Most Japanese Supermarkets and Convenience Stores
- 355ml Can -111 ¥ OR 6 Pack 1000¥
▶Top Valu
Top Valu’s non-alcoholic beer is called Beer Taste, and yes, it does taste pretty close to the real thing!
- Aeon Supermarket
- 350ml Can - 80 ¥
Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
Non-alcoholic cocktail flavours are plentiful in Japan and I highly reccomend trying them all!
▶Suntory
Suntory’s Non-aru Kibun range is by far the biggest on the market, and are all 0% alcohol, zero calories and zero sugar!
By far one of my favourite Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Japan. Cassis & Orange is a very popular flavour in Japan, but Suntory’s version has the best taste!
Japan is renowned for its diverse selection of gins, so it’s great to have the option of enjoying a non-alcoholic version.
White Sour is a blend of shochu (a Japanese distilled spirit) and a sour mix, offering a refreshing and tangy flavour. While I personally didn’t enjoy the White Sour drinks, my husband loved them! It comes down to personal preference.
You can’t go wrong with a Lemon Sour, especially during Summer in Japan. As far as non-alcoholic drinks in Japan go, Lemon Sour is your base from which to explore (unless of course, you don’t enjoy lemon).
Yet another fruity yet delicious Non-alcoholic drink in Japan. This is another of my favourites from the Suntory Non-Aru range.
Made with Kyoho Grapes, this non-alcoholic cocktail is a must-try if you enjoy grape soda! It was really refreshing and a nice change from the many citrus flavoured non-alcoholic drinks available.
Suntory Non Alcoholic Umeshu (Plum Wine) is said to capture the traditional essence of Umeshu. After sampling many different varieties and brands of Umeshu in Japan, I would advise you to not get your hopes too high with this one. Although it is still delicious, owing to the plums being sourced from Wakayama Prefecture, a renowned plum-producing region, I did not experience the same flavours as with regular Plum wine.
Non-Aru Sakaba Lemon Sour is designed to evoke the experience of enjoying a traditional lemon sour in a bar or pub setting. It does differ from the flavours of their regular non-alcoholic Lemon Sour, so both are worth trying and in my opinion, the Lemon Sakaba tastes better!
- Most Japanese Supermarkets and Convenience Stores
- 355ml Can -110 ¥
▶Asahi
Suntory’s Style Balance series features seven flavours of non-alcoholic drinks, including many popular flavours that other brands sell.
Flavours in this range include:
- Lemon Sour
- Grapefruit Sour
- Yuzu Sour
- Chardonnay Sparkling
- Highball
- Apple Sparkling
- Cassis Orange
- Some Japanese Supermarkets (Aeon, Coop)
- 355ml Can -120 ¥
▶Top Valu
As the market for Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Japan expands rapidly, budget-friendly brands like Aeon’s Top Valu have released their versions of popular flavours.
Top Valu Non-Acoholic Cocktails include:
- Lemon Sour Taste
- Cassis & Orange
- Umeshu (Plum Wine)
- White Sour Taste
Top Valu’s website does say that some flavours were discontinued in June this year, so I am not sure how long these will still be found in supermarkets.
- Aeon Supermarket
- 350ml Can - 86 ¥
Non-Alcoholic Wine
If you like the taste of Wine, there are a few non-alcoholic wine options available, although significantly less than for beer.
▶Suntory
Suntory offers the classic red, white, and sangria wine flavours. These are well worth trying!
- Most Japanese Supermarkets and Convenience Stores
- 355ml Can -110 ¥
▶Choya
Choya is a well-known Japanese brand specializing in umeshu, a traditional Japanese plum wine. For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, Choya has two products available.
Choya offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic carbonated plum wines in cans, typically available from June to September. While their non-alcoholic soda still captures the essence of plum wine, the alcoholic version is more enjoyable. They also sell 700ml bottles of Choya Ume Non-alcohol.
- Most Japanese Supermarkets and some online retailers
- 355ml Can -110 ¥
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Kiwi Mum living in Kansai. I love to travel with my family and share our adventures through photography and writing.
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