The Most Popular Beer in Japan, Ranked

Choose the beer you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 7, 2024 06:30
Beer enthusiasts often find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer variety of options available, especially in a country like Japan where local breweries and international brands clash for market dominance. Having a clear, updated list of the most popular beers can simplify choices for both new tasters and seasoned aficionados alike. It allows users to focus on quality and public preference, saving time and enhancing their drinking experience. This site offers a dynamic list where everyone’s opinions count. By casting your vote for your top beers, you help others in the community make informed decisions based on collective approval. The constantly changing rankings reflect real-time shifts in taste and popularity, ensuring the list remains both current and reliable. Your participation not only shapes this list but also guides newcomers who are eager to dive into the world of Japanese beer.

What Is the Most Popular Beer in Japan?

  1. 1
    84
    votes
    Asahi Super Dry
    森 康哲 / Yoshinori Mori · CC BY 3.0

    Asahi Super Dry

    Asahi Breweries Ltd.
    Asahi Super Dry is considered the most popular beer in Japan. It is known for its clean, crisp taste and is often enjoyed with Japanese cuisine.
    Asahi Super Dry is a highly popular beer in Japan known for its crisp, clean taste and refreshing flavor. It was first introduced by Asahi Breweries Ltd., one of the largest beer producers in Japan.
    • Beer Type: Lager
    • ABV (Alcohol By Volume): 5.0%
    • Color: Pale gold
    • Aroma: Subtle malt and hop notes
    • Body: Light to medium
  2. 2
    25
    votes

    Kirin Ichiban

    Kirin Brewery Company, Limited
    Kirin Ichiban is a beer made from 100% malted barley, giving it a rich, full-bodied flavor. It is also a popular beer in Japan and is often enjoyed with sushi.
    Kirin Ichiban is a premium Japanese beer made with carefully selected ingredients and a unique brewing process. It is known for its exceptional smoothness and clean taste, making it a popular choice among beer enthusiasts. The beer has a rich golden color with a mild and refreshing aroma. Kirin Ichiban is brewed using only the first press of the wort, which gives it a distinctively pure flavor. The result is a well-balanced beer that perfectly complements a wide range of cuisines.
    • Alcohol Content: 5%
    • Ingredients: Barley malt, hops, rice
    • Color: Golden
    • Aroma: Mild and refreshing
    • Brewing Process: First press brewing
  3. 3
    26
    votes
    Suntory Premium Malts is a popular beer in Japan that is made with carefully selected ingredients and a unique brewing process. It is known for its smooth, refreshing taste.
    Suntory Premium Malts is a popular beer in Japan known for its smooth and crisp taste. It is a craft beer produced by Suntory, one of Japan's leading alcoholic beverage companies. The beer is made using carefully selected malt and hops, resulting in a high-quality and refreshing drinking experience.
    • Alcohol Content: 5.5%
    • Beer Type: Lager
    • Color: Golden
    • Flavor Profile: Crisp, smooth, and malty
    • Ingredients: Malt, hops, water, yeast
  4. 4
    21
    votes

    Sapporo Premium Beer

    Sapporo Breweries Ltd.
    Sapporo Premium Beer is a well-known beer brand in Japan that is brewed using the finest hops and barley. It has a light, crisp taste that is perfect for any occasion.
    Sapporo Premium Beer is a popular beer in Japan known for its smooth and crisp taste. It is a refreshing lager with a rich and slightly sweet flavor that is enjoyed by many beer enthusiasts. Sapporo Premium Beer has a golden color and a balanced aroma, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a classic and satisfying beer experience.
    • Alcohol Content: 5%
    • Ingredients: Malt, Hops, Water, Rice
    • Type: Lager
    • Color: Golden
    • Aroma: Balanced
  5. 5
    10
    votes
    Yebisu is a premium beer brand in Japan that is known for its complex, rich flavor. It is made using high-quality ingredients and a unique brewing process.
    Yebisu is a renowned beer in Japan known for its rich flavor and smoothness. It is a premium lager beer that has gained popularity among beer enthusiasts for its distinct taste and high quality. Yebisu is often described as having a malty and crisp character with a slight bitterness that is well-balanced.
    • Style: Premium Lager
    • Alcohol Content: 5.0% ABV
    • Ingredients: Malted Barley, Hops, Water, Yeast
    • Color: Golden Amber
    • Aroma: Malty, Floral, Slightly Fruity
  6. 6
    11
    votes

    Asahi Black

    Asahi Breweries, Ltd.
    Asahi Black is a dark beer that is popular in Japan. It has a rich, smooth taste with hints of caramel and coffee. It is often enjoyed during the colder months.
    Asahi Black is a popular beer in Japan known for its rich and smooth taste. It is a dark lager with a distinctive roasted malt flavor and a slightly sweet finish. Asahi Black is often enjoyed by beer enthusiasts looking for a more robust and satisfying beer experience.
    • Beer Style: Dark Lager
    • Alcohol Percentage: 5%
    • Color: Dark brown to black
    • Malts Used: Roasted barley, Munich malt, caramel malt
    • Hops Used: Cascade, Styrian Golding
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    Orion Beer
    Seragaki@Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Orion Beer

    Orion Breweries Ltd.
    Orion Beer is a popular beer brand in Okinawa, Japan. It has a light, refreshing taste that is perfect for the hot and humid climate of the region.
    Orion Beer is a popular Japanese beer known for its refreshing taste and smooth finish. It is classified as a lager and has gained a significant following both in Japan and internationally.
    • Type: Lager
    • Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 4.7%
    • Ingredients: Water, malted barley, hops, rice
    • Color: Light gold
    • Aroma: Mild maltiness with hints of hops
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    Coedo is a craft beer brand in Japan that is known for its unique flavors and colorful packaging. It has a range of beers that are inspired by traditional Japanese ingredients and flavors.
    Coedo is a popular craft beer brand in Japan known for its unique and flavorful brews. This brewery takes its name from the Kawagoe region, also called Koedo, which is famous for its traditional architecture and culture. Coedo beers are meticulously crafted using high-quality ingredients and traditional brewing techniques, resulting in a range of well-balanced and enjoyable flavors.
    • Type: Craft beer
    • Alcohol By Volume (ABV): Varies by beer, typically between 5% and 8%
    • Color: Ranges from pale gold to deep amber
    • Flavor Profile: Varies depending on the beer, with options ranging from light and citrusy to rich and malty
    • Availability: Widely available in Japan and select international markets
  9. 9
    8
    votes

    Hitachino Nest

    Hitachino Nest Brewery
    Hitachino Nest is another craft beer brand in Japan that is known for its unique flavors and brewing techniques. It has a range of beers that are inspired by traditional Japanese ingredients and flavors.
    Hitachino Nest is a renowned Japanese craft beer brand known for its unique and flavorful brews. It offers a wide range of beer styles, with each beer boasting exceptional quality and taste. One particular standout from the Hitachino Nest lineup is the Hitachino Nest White Ale, an award-winning Belgian-style wheat beer that has gained global recognition for its distinct character and smoothness.
    • Beer Style: Belgian-style wheat beer
    • Alcohol Content: 5.5%
    • Color: Pale golden
    • Aroma: Fruity with hints of citrus and spices
    • Taste: Smooth, refreshing, and balanced
  10. 10
    1
    votes

    Echigo Beer

    Echigo Beer Co., Ltd.
    Echigo Beer is a craft beer brand in Japan that is known for its high-quality ingredients and brewing process. It has a range of beers that are inspired by the region of Niigata, where it is brewed.
    Echigo Beer is a popular craft beer brand in Japan known for its high quality and unique flavors. It is crafted by Echigo Beer Co., Ltd., a renowned brewery located in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. Echigo Beer offers a range of styles, appealing to various beer enthusiasts. Its commitment to using locally-sourced ingredients, traditional brewing techniques, and a focus on exceptional taste has contributed to its popularity in the Japanese market.
    • Alcohol by Volume (ABV): Varies depending on beer style (e.g. 4.5% - 7.0%)
    • Beer Style: Various styles including lagers, ales, stouts, and more
    • Ingredients: Locally-sourced malt, hops, yeast, and water
    • Brewing Location: Niigata Prefecture, Japan
    • Flavor Profiles: Ranges from crisp and refreshing to rich and complex

Missing your favorite beer?

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Ranking factors for popular beer

  1. Consumer preferences
    This includes factors such as taste, flavor, and brewing techniques of the particular brand. Beers that are widely accepted and enjoyed by a majority of consumers will be ranked higher.
  2. Availability
    A popular beer must be easily accessible and widely available for purchase in stores, bars, and restaurants throughout Japan.
  3. Brand recognition and reputation
    How well-known and respected a beer brand is within Japan. A popular beer brand should have a strong presence in consumers' minds and be synonymous with good beer.
  4. Awards and recognition
    Beers that have won national or international awards or competitions would be considered popular as they are recognized for their quality and taste.
  5. Price
    The popularity of a brand may also be influenced by the price point. Brands that offer good value for money and are competitively priced may be more popular than more expensive alternatives.
  6. Advertising and promotion
    Brands that invest in advertising and promotion campaigns to raise awareness and increase their visibility will be more popular among consumers.
  7. Online reviews and ratings
    The opinions of consumers play a crucial role in determining a beer's popularity. Platforms like Untappd and RateBeer allow users to rate and review beers, providing valuable insights into their popularity.
  8. Cultural influences
    Japanese consumer preferences can be influenced by factors such as tradition, regional specialties, and food pairings. Beers that align with Japanese culture and cuisine may be considered more popular.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular beer in Japan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or beer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1752 views
  • 204 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each beer once every 24 hours. The rank of each beer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular beer in japan

Japan is known for its unique culture, delicious cuisine, and love for beer. The country has a rich history of brewing some of the finest beers that are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. When it comes to the most popular beer in Japan, there are several brands that come to mind. The Japanese beer industry is dominated by major players such as Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo. These brands have been around for decades and have established themselves as household names in Japan. However, there are also many other popular local and regional beers that are gaining popularity among beer enthusiasts. With so many options to choose from, it's no wonder that Japan is considered a beer lover's paradise.

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