Even though BicCamera’s tax-free prices are already very competitive, savvy travelers know there is always room to save a little more. Simply present this coupon at checkout and your carefully chosen Japanese sake, whisky, and even snack pairings can receive an extra 3% discount on top of the tax-free price. Used together, the savings add up quickly and make your purchase even more worthwhile.

One small note to keep in mind: some extremely rare limited-edition bottles or specific items may be excluded from this additional discount. To avoid any surprises at the register, it is a good idea to show the coupon to store staff and confirm eligibility before completing your purchase.

Step into BicCamera’s liquor section and you are immediately greeted by rows of impressive refrigerated cases filled with Japanese sake. When it comes to the most frequently requested brand among overseas visitors, there is no debate. Dassai sits firmly at the top. Unlike many other retailers, BicCamera usually carries a wide range of Dassai bottles, from approachable entry-level options to premium selections.

That said, there is one legendary bottle everyone should keep an eye out for: Dassai Umeshu (Plum Wine). Its popularity is so extreme that it often sells out the moment new stock arrives. Even during our visit, the shelf was completely empty. If you happen to spot it in store, do not hesitate. This is very much a buy-now-or-regret-later bottle.

Beyond Dassai, BicCamera staff also recommend several lesser-known sake picks that only seasoned drinkers tend to know about. These bottles are chosen based on different tastes and occasions, and offer a chance to bring home something a little more unique than the usual souvenirs.

(Note that the coupon above does not apply to Dassai and select other brands, so be sure to check with staff before purchasing.)

Hailing from Fukui Prefecture, BORN (梵) is a prestigious sake brand often served at Japanese state banquets. Its appeal lies in its exceptionally smooth, refined texture and gentle fruit-forward aroma, with none of the harsh alcoholic bite that newcomers often worry about.

For anyone trying Japanese sake for the first time, this is an ideal starting point. It is approachable, elegant, and very easy to enjoy, the kind of bottle that can instantly change how you think about sake.

If you are choosing a bottle as a gift for elders or business contacts, Otokoyama from Hokkaido is a reliable, no-fail option. This sake leans toward a classic dry (karakuchi) profile, with a clean, crisp finish that appeals to more mature palates.

Just as importantly, it is often sold with an elegant presentation box, making it look polished and substantial. It is the kind of gift that feels appropriate and impressive the moment it is handed over.

Looking to step off the typical tourist trail? These two brands are longtime favorites among Japanese locals. Hatsumago, brewed in Yamagata Prefecture, stays true to the traditional kimoto method, resulting in a rich, full-bodied flavor with real depth.

Dewazakura, on the other hand, is celebrated for its beautifully aromatic ginjo profile. Light, elegant, and refreshingly floral, it feels like enjoying a drink beneath blooming cherry trees. Both are popular choices for evening drinks among seasoned sake lovers in Japan.

Tucked away here are two fantastic recommendations: Gazan and Sansou. These limited releases are specially brewed by a long-established sake brewery in Aichi Prefecture and are not something you will find at regular supermarkets or airport shops.

Gazan is a junmai daiginjo, while Sansou is a daiginjo. Both are known for delivering exceptional value for money, offering refined, premium flavors at surprisingly approachable prices. For collectors and sake fans who enjoy hunting down rare, store-exclusive bottles, these two are well worth adding to your list.

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In recent years, Japanese whisky has surged in global value and popularity. Thanks to its strong sourcing network, BicCamera’s buying team has managed to secure several standout bottles that are genuinely worth collecting. Below are a few notable picks that have caught the attention of whisky fans and collectors alike.

This is an exceptionally rare limited-edition whisky. Produced by Kameda Distillery, a rising name from Niigata Prefecture, the 2025 Nagoya Edition is released as a single-cask or very small-batch bottling.

For collectors who enjoy discovering Japan’s emerging distilleries, this kind of limited label, rarely seen on the open market, carries strong appeal and long-term collectible value. It is the sort of bottle that feels as meaningful to own as it is to open.

In an era dominated by no-age-statement releases, an 18-year label stands out. The Kurayoshi Pure Malt Whisky 18 Years is especially prized for its long barrel aging, which delivers a beautifully balanced profile of honey, vanilla, and gentle smokiness, followed by a lingering finish.

Considering the age statement, its price remains relatively reasonable, making it an excellent choice as a well-earned treat or a thoughtful addition to a personal collection.

Produced by Sakurao Distillery in Hiroshima, this Sherry Cask expression stands out with its deep amber color. On the palate, it delivers classic sherry-driven notes of raisins, cocoa, and dark fruits, wrapped in a rich, rounded mouthfeel.

If you gravitate toward sweeter, fuller-bodied whiskies, this is a bottle you should not pass up. It is an especially satisfying choice for slow sipping and dessert-style pairings.

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Beyond traditional sake and whisky, a new favorite among travelers has clearly emerged: fruit liqueurs. Topping the popularity charts is yuzu liqueur, which has become so in demand that some locations, including the Yurakucho branch of BicCamera, even feature a dedicated yuzu liqueur section.

These fruit-based drinks strike a pleasant balance between gentle sweetness and refreshing acidity, with a light alcohol presence that makes them especially approachable for those who do not usually drink much. Yuzu may be the star, but you will also find mango, apple, natsumikan citrus, and many other flavors on the shelves. Take a bottle back to your hotel, add a few ice cubes or a splash of soda, and you have the perfect, easygoing nightcap to end the day.

After choosing your favorite bottle of Japanese sake, take a moment to browse the accessories nearby. To help recreate the full sense of a Japanese drinking ritual at home, BicCamera stocks a surprisingly refined selection of sake ware. You will find everything from hand-cut Edo Kiriko sake cups to traditional wooden masu cups, each adding a different mood to the drinking experience. If you are buying alcohol as a gift, pairing it with a set of elegant sake cups instantly makes the present feel more thoughtful and complete.

You may also come across senjafuda, personalized name stickers traditionally used as calling cards or good-luck charms in Japan. Customized with names or short phrases, they make for a uniquely Japanese keepsake that goes beyond standard souvenirs. Combined with a bottle of sake or whisky, they turn your purchase into a memorable, personal memento of your trip.

There is also a delightful surprise hidden here, one that you can only experience at the BicCamera Yurakucho store: a custom-made wooden plaque inspired by the traditional senjafuda style. These charming plaques capture a distinctly Japanese aesthetic, and you can choose from original designs and even have your name engraved on them.

Each plaque costs just 1,000 yen including tax, and the turnaround is impressively fast. Orders are usually ready within the day. Whether you display it on your home bar as a decorative accent or keep it as a personal souvenir from your trip, it is a meaningful keepsake. Place your order after buying your drinks, browse the rest of the store, and pick it up on the way out. It is a small but memorable way to put the perfect finishing touch on your Japanese liquor shopping experience.

Before you start filling your basket, there are a few important points to keep in mind. First, always check the duty-free allowance for bringing alcohol back home to avoid unexpected taxes at customs.

Also note that alcohol consumed in Japan is not eligible for tax-free shopping. Only items you are taking out of the country qualify for tax exemption. If you plan to enjoy a drink at your hotel, that purchase cannot be tax-free. The good news is that BicCamera also stocks a wide range of snacks and mixers, making it easy to buy everything in one stop.

When you are ready to check out after choosing your bottles, there are a few important details about tax-free processing and packing to keep in mind.

First, alcohol purchases at BicCamera are handled at a dedicated liquor checkout counter and cannot be combined with payments for electronics or drugstore items on other floors (though food on the same floor may be purchased together). This means your purchase at the liquor counter must reach 5,000 yen before tax in a single transaction to qualify for tax-free shopping.

It is also important to remember that tax-free items must be taken out of Japan. If you plan to buy a few bottles to enjoy at your hotel the same night, be sure to check out separately and pay the tax-included price for those items. Mixing items intended for consumption in Japan with tax-free purchases could violate tax-free rules, so separating your transactions will help you shop with confidence and avoid any issues.

As for transportation concerns, there is no need to worry. BicCamera staff are professionally trained and will automatically provide free bubble-wrap packing at checkout, securely cushioning each bottle so it can be safely placed in your checked luggage. If you are buying multiple bottles, paid cardboard boxes are also available in store for added protection.

Finally, if you are a serious liquor enthusiast, it is well worth setting aside time to visit the Kichijoji branch of BicCamera. This location features a dedicated, high-spec liquor specialty shop with an especially impressive selection. They even offer tasting services, allowing you to sample before you buy and confirm the flavor suits your taste. It is one of the best ways to shop with total confidence and avoid any regrets.

(Note: Products and prices shown in this article are as of January 2026.)

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