6 Best Japanese Beer Brands You Must Try (Ranked)

If you’ve ever worked in Japan, you’ll know this:

After a long week, nothing beats going out for drinks with colleagues.

These sessions are a big part of Japanese work culture — a chance to relax, unwind, and (sometimes surprisingly) see a completely different side of people.

But let’s get to the important part:

The beer.

Here are 6 of the best Japanese beer brands, ranked based on my personal preference.

1. Yebisu

My number one.

Originally from Hokkaido, Yebisu is a premium lager with:

• Rich malty flavour
• Smooth, slightly creamy texture
• Aromatic hops

Perfect with food — especially sushi.

Alcohol: ~5%
Slightly more expensive, but worth it.

2. Sapporo Black Label

A very balanced and easy-drinking beer.

• Light and smooth
• Minimal bitterness
• Clean finish

A great everyday beer.

Alcohol: ~5%

3. Asahi Super Dry

Probably the most famous Japanese beer.

• Crisp, dry finish
• Strong aftertaste
• Very refreshing

Best with:

• Grilled meats
• Heavier dishes

(Personally, I don’t think it pairs as well with sushi as some suggest.)

Alcohol: ~5%

4. Orion Beer

A lighter, more refreshing beer from Okinawa.

• Very smooth
• Light flavour
• Easy to drink

Perfect for:

• Hot weather
• Light meals

Alcohol: ~5%

Kirin Larger Beer

A slightly sweeter and more flavourful lager.

• Smooth
• Mild sweetness
• Low bitterness

Great if you don’t like overly bitter beers.

Alcohol: ~5%

The Premium Malt’s

A high-quality beer — but not my personal favourite.

• Strong malty aroma
• Slightly more carbonated
• Rich flavour

Best paired with:

• Meat dishes

Alcohol: ~5.5%

Which Japanese Beer Is Best?

This always comes up:

Sapporo vs Asahi?

For me:

• Sapporo = smoother, easier to drink
• Asahi = sharper, more intense

It comes down to preference.

Final Thoughts

Japanese beer is all about:

• Balance
• Drinkability
• Pairing well with food

Whether you prefer something light like Orion or rich like Yebisu,
there’s something for everyone.

If you’re visiting Japan, try as many as you can —
they’re everywhere from convenience stores to restaurants.

If you enjoyed this please like, share, subscribe all that good stuff and most importantly have yourself a great day!

Please check out out my other blog posts related to Japan:

• Guide to buying a house in Japan
• Top 10 Unique Japanese festivals
• 10 Popular Japanese foods you must try
• 10 Love hotels you should visit in Tokyo