Located in the heart of Shinjuku, Isetan Shinjuku is a flagship store of the renowned Mitsukoshi Isetan Group. While it’s well-known for fashion, the must-visit spot for food lovers is the B1 food floor a hub of culinary trends. One standout is the impressive Japanese alcohol section. When visiting in person, you’ll be surprised by the depth of selection: from sake and shochu to domestically produced wines, the area feels more like a specialty shop than a department store.

In the sake and shochu section, you’ll find a carefully curated lineup of premium bottles from breweries across Japan. Each label offers a taste of its region’s unique character just holding a bottle evokes the spirit and landscape of its origin.

One standout feature is the “ISETAN CRAFT BEER BAR,” offering an impressive selection of around 220 craft beers from both Japan and abroad. The variety is astonishing especially for a department store. Browsing by eye-catching labels and picking one on a whim is all part of the fun here. Sometimes, the beer you choose by instinct turns out to be an unexpected new favorite an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime discovery.

At the tasting counter, you can sample a rotating selection of craft beers each week. Let the staff know your preferences—like “something with mild bitterness” or “a more aromatic style” and they’ll carefully guide you to the perfect choice. It’s the kind of thoughtful, attentive service you’d expect from a top-tier department store, making it an ideal place even for first-time craft beer explorers.

Seijo Ishii is a premium supermarket chain born in Tokyo, with a strong presence throughout the greater Tokyo area. With locations in major hubs like Ueno and Shinjuku Stations, it’s conveniently accessible even between travel transfers making it a perfect stop for travelers on the go.

Inside the store, you’ll find a wide array of carefully curated products handpicked by expert buyers from rare international seasonings to famous regional Japanese specialties. The alcohol section is especially popular, offering everything from sake and shochu to canned beers and chuhai in the refrigerated area. It’s an ideal spot to grab something delicious and distinctly Japanese to enjoy during your travels.

What truly stands out is the wine selection. At larger locations, you’ll find up to 700 varieties ranging from prestigious Bordeaux labels to affordable daily wines in the ¥1,000 range, and even premium champagnes. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just looking for a casual bottle, Seijo Ishii offers something for every palate and occasion.

One must try is the store’s own line of “Seijo Ishii Original Wines.” Since 2022, their “Rittō Nouveau,” released each November, has become a seasonal highlight, reflecting Seijo Ishii’s distinctive taste and creativity. With a wide selection of cheese and prosciutto to pair, why not host a cozy little wine party back at your hotel for a memorable night during your stay in Japan?

“Nandemo Sakeya Kakuyasu” is a nationwide chain of liquor specialty stores in Japan. With convenient locations in major city centers like Nishi-Ikebukuro (pictured), Akihabara, and Shinjuku, it’s easy to stop by during your travels making it a go-to destination thanks too its wasy access and wideselection.

Inside the store, wines, sake, shochu, and more are neatly organized by category, making it easy for even first-time visitors to find exactly what they’re looking for. English signage throughout the store ensures a stress-free shopping experience for international travelers. You’ll also find unique selections like “Made in Japan” labels and limited-edition seasonal bottles you won’t easily come across anywhere else.
For example, in spring you’ll find seasonal showcases featuring only “sakura-flavored” drinks. From the bottle design to the delicate floral aroma, every detail captures the essence of the season, adding a touch of springtime charm to your journey through Japan.

One standout recommendation is the store’s private label Japanese wine, “YAMANASHI NOUVEAU.” Made with native Japanese grape varieties, both the red and white versions are known for their light, fresh taste perfectly complementing Japanese cuisine. Priced at just ¥2,200 (tax included) for a 750ml bottle, it offers excellent value. The 2024 edition has already sold out, and many are eagerly awaiting its return in November 2025.

With over 110 years of history and 27 locations across Japan, Vinos Yamazaki is a specialty wine store known for its commitment to direct import. Their team visits vineyards and production sites firsthand checking the grapes, fields, and winemaking process to ensure only wines they truly believe in make it to their shelves.

Opened in 2021, Vinos Yamazaki Ginza Store serves as the flagship location of the brand and is a must visit in Tokyo. Set in one of the city’s most upscale shopping districts, the store features a stunning central chandelier and a luxurious, salon like atmosphere that perfectly matches its surroundings. It’s the kind of place that invites you to step in while strolling through Ginza and many find themselves instantly captivated by its elegant charm.

Beyond the exceptional wine selection, what really sets this store apart is its innovative use of video enhanced POP displays. Each wine shelf features a QR code that, when scanned with your smartphone, plays a short video introducing the wine’s flavor profile and the story behind how it was sourced often filmed directly in the production region. For international visitors who may struggle with Japanese explanations, this visual, intuitive approach is a game changer. It’s not just about selling wine it’s about sharing the passion and story behind each bottle, making the wine selection process all the more engaging and memorable.

If you’re looking for the perfect bottle to gift someone special, tax-free shops are a great option to consider. Located in a prime spot with direct access from Ginza Station, the Lotte Downtown Duty Free Ginza Store offers unbeatable convenience ideal for dropping by in between shopping stops.

Inside, you’ll find an elegant lineup of international liquors whisky, wine, brandy, and spirits all beautifully displayed with meticulous care. The refined ambiance invites you to take your time and truly enjoy the experience of selecting the perfect bottle. Thoughtful lighting and tasteful displays create a calm, upscale atmosphere where you can shop at your own pace in complete comfort.

A true highlight here is the selection of premium Japanese whiskies. Globally renowned labels like Yamazaki and Hakushu are available, often presented in elegant wooden boxes or branded gift packaging making them perfect for special occasions. Whether as a

LAOX is a downtown duty-free store with locations in key Tokyo tourist hubs like Ginza and Akihabara. Along with its convenient access, the store offers multilingual support and a smooth tax-free process, making it an easy and welcoming shopping destination for international travelers.

One standout location is LAOX Grand Stage, which specializes in premium Japanese whisky. Here, you’ll find globally sought-after labels like Yamazaki and Hakushu, each presented in elegant boxed packaging that immediately conveys a sense of quality when you pick it up. These whiskies are popular choices as gifts or personal keepsakes and with tax-free pricing, they offer both luxury and value in one.

Speaking with the staff, they confirmed that Yamazaki and Hakushu remain the top favorites among shoppers. Depending on the timing, these bottles can sometimes be out of stock, so if you spot them on the shelf, don’t miss the chance. You’ll also find eye-catching items like miniature sake bottles packaged in wooden barrels and unique souvenirs that are sure to become unforgettable travel mementos.

Widely known as an electronics retailer, BicCamera has numerous locations across Tokyo’s major districts like Ikebukuro, Yurakucho, and Shinjuku. While it may seem like a home appliance store at first glance, it actually offers a surprisingly wide range of souvenirs including food, cosmetics, and yes, even alcohol. Take a stroll through the store and you’ll find an impressive selection of sake and craft beer, all neatly organized. The depth and quality of the lineup might just surprise you.

At the spacious BicCamera Shinjuku East Exit Store, the alcohol section is a definite highlight often drawing the attention of both domestic and international shoppers. According to the staff, one of the most popular picks is Dassai, a renowned sake from Yamaguchi Prefecture. Known for its elegant aroma and crisp, clean taste, it's a favorite among sake fans worldwide. Another standout is Hakkaisan from Niigata an enduring classic that remains a must-have on any sake lover’s list.

Don’t miss the craft beer section either. One standout is Yona Yona Ale, known not only for its refreshing flavor but also for its playful, eye-catching packaging which makes it as fun to pick up as it is to drink.

What makes shopping here even more appealing for international visitors is the additional savings: on top of tax-free pricing, you can get an extra 3% off by using a coupon. Just show it at checkout no complicated steps required making it an easy and smart way to save.

Known worldwide among travelers, Don Quijote is a popular discount store where you can find a wide array of affordable and uniquely Japanese products all in one place. At larger locations like the MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya Main Store in the heart of Shibuya, the alcohol section alone is a sight to behold, with shelves packed to the brim and rows upon rows of bottles that can feel almost overwhelming in the best way.

From regional sake and Japanese whiskies to an impressive variety of craft beers and umeshu (plum wine), the shelves are packed with a diverse lineup of alcoholic drinks sourced from all across Japan.

One must-try item is Japan’s unique alcoholic beverage: canned chuhai. Made by mixing distilled spirits with soda water and fruit juice, it’s light, refreshing, and generally lower in alcohol content making it a great choice even for those who don’t usually drink. It’s an easy, fun way to toast your journey and soak in the local flavor.

A favorite among beginners to canned chuhai is Suntory’s “Horoyoi” series. With fruity flavors like peach, white grape, and iced tea sour, it’s easy to choose based on taste or even just by the cute and colorful packaging. Each can is priced in the ¥100 range, making it fun and affordable to grab a few and enjoy a tasting session at your hotel.

Offering a wide selection of wines and whiskies from around the world, this shop is known for its extensive lineup and the joy of choosing from countless options.

A long-established local favorite with over 70 years of history. Known for its wide-ranging selection, from rare hidden gems to the latest trending items.

A nationwide drugstore chain that offers more than just medicine—its alcohol section is surprisingly well-stocked too.

■ Legal Drinking Age in Japan
By law, alcohol cannot be purchased by anyone under the age of 20 in Japan. This rule applies to tourists as well, and some stores may ask to see your passport or a valid ID to confirm your age.

■ Important Notes When Using Self-Checkout
Self-checkout machines have become increasingly common in Japan, and many stores now allow alcohol purchases through them. However, you’ll be prompted with an age verification screen typically asking, “Are you over 20 years old?” which you must answer to proceed with the purchase.

■Looking to Buy Alcohol as a Gift?
Discount stores and some supermarkets may not offer gift wrapping or decorative box options. If you're choosing sake or whisky as a present for someone special, department stores or specialty shops are your best bet for a more polished, gift-ready purchase.

■Alcohol Duty-Free Limits in Japan
When returning home with alcohol purchased in Japan, international travelers are allowed to bring up to three bottles of 760ml or less duty-free under current Japanese customs regulations. If the total value of all goods including alcohol exceeds ¥200,000 (approximately USD 1,300), additional duties and consumption tax may apply, so it’s important to keep track of your spending.

Note: A revision to the tax system is scheduled for November 2026, which may change the current duty-free conditions. Be sure to check the latest information before your trip.

Tokyo is a city where you can experience both the tradition and trends of Japanese alcohol culture all in one place. Whether you're browsing slowly at a high-end specialty store or popping in for a quick purchase between sightseeing stops, shopping for alcohol here becomes part of the journey itself. The eight spots featured in this guide aren’t just about buying drinks—they offer immersive experiences that connect you to the story behind each bottle. Discover your own special find while savoring the unique flavors and cultural richness that only Japan can offer.