Drinking in Japan
 

I've checked on the internet, and it says that the drinking age in Japan is 20. When I and my friends go there this July, we will all be 18 (actually, I will be turning 18 whilst there) - will there be any trouble in getting into bars or clubs, or do they actually care. Is getting a 'novelty ID' for £10 worthwhile?

i went to japan when I was 17 and I had no problems whatsoever, you wont have any problems. evev if you do, there are vending machines that sell beer.
I wouldnt bother with the fake id. enjoy your trip:D

The legal age of drinking and smoking is 20, but as was pointed out there are vending machines selling alcohol etc. lots of underage people drink and smoke in Japan. Clubs may be a problem, but it depends on how old you look.

Thanks for the advice - beer in vending machines! Makes you realise how special Japan is, as that would be a disaster in the UK.

Also (this is related to vending machines), my economics teacher said that his friend, who lived in Japan, saw these vending machines in seedy parts of Tokyo where you could buy underwear worn by young girls!

Is this true? (- I am not asking because I want to buy any, but because I am disgusted and amazed)

i would hope that it isnt true.. that would just be disturbing.. as for the vending machines.. they actually vend beer? years ago when smoking was allowed in buildings they had cigarette vending machines.. but ive never seen a beer one.. thats just O_o crazyy

there is a strong roumer about vending machine panties, altough iv never seen any of those machines. From the amount of people iv heard mentioning them (search google to source more info) then thers got to be somthing to it.
i wouldnt buy any either, just take a pic of the machine for proof of its existance

they no longer have beer vending machines, but you can buy beer at any corner store.

They dont card for most clubs, but for the nicer high end clubs, you'll have to be 20.
And even some clubs require guys to be 23 and the girls they dont even card =P

My girls 18 and she walked right past a bouncer and the guy wanted me to be 23 to get into Feria one night, i was like i know so many underaged people in there right now... let me in and i wont start any trouble im fricken almost 22.

there are still vending machines for beer. there is even a vending machine that have shochu and wine in it, but not very common.

I know the rumour about the panties, it's kinda an urban myth. You can however buy used panties at certain seedy places like in Kabuki-cho and you can buy porn from vending machines that are usually located on dark country roads.

Yes there's still beer vending machines. But not in Tokyo.

Yes there's still beer vending machines. But not in Tokyo.

I only have one question about the beer VM's...
Is the beer cold? or warm? Cuase warm beer kinda sux. ~_~

Sucks to be me, I like my cider.
As with most other countries, I don't think Japan has cider, but I have no idea whether they do or not.

But anyway, I take it it would be cold, like soft drink vending machines here.

Yes it is cold from the vending machines. Also I never came across cider when I was there, but I am sure foriegn shops would stock it, and maybe some of the bigger bars and English type pubs etc in the bigger cities.

yes there are cider, in stores but I don't know about pubs or bars...

Well that's certainly not true. Find a back alley away from parks, zoos, and other places children hang out. The beer vending machines are plentiful in Tokyo.

I think alot of the vending machines were volantarilly taken out in 2000 or so. Yes I've seen alcohole vending machines in Tokyo, but they usually cater to the whino ojisan. Go to Chiba and there are far more vending machines in more less seedy areas.

Excellent, thanks you two.

That's good for me to hear. When I go to Japan I'll be 22, but my friend I'm taking with me will only be 18 and I don't know what I'd do if I wanted to go to some clubs and she couldn't get in. >_<

Does any country respect this silly "driking law"? I mean! I've been to England, France, Germany and Brasil and I have bought alcohol being underaged, so don't worry about it cause no matter where you go you'll be able to buy whatever you like despite not being the age you're supposed to be.


Why'd they take out vending machines? =S

It seems that the US is just about the only place that does care!