The Ultimate Guide to the Best Japanese Beers

If you’re looking to explore the best Japanese beers, you’re in for a treat. Japan’s beer culture is rich with diversity, blending centuries-old brewing traditions with cutting-edge craft innovation. From smooth, crisp lagers to bold IPAs and sweet potato ales, Japanese brewers are making waves in the global beer scene. Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned beer lover, this guide highlights ten of the top Japanese beers worth trying—each rated for taste, aroma, appearance, design, and overall drinkability.

Ready to discover your next favorite Japanese brew? Kanpai!

10 individual japanese beers: 3 bottled and 7 cans in a line photographed head on.

Jump to:

1. Asahi Super Dry – Japan’s Iconic Lager for a Reason
2. Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Beer IPA – A Bold Craft IPA Experience
3. Karuizawa Beer Alt – A Japanese Take on German Altbier
4. Natural Roots Studio Jam Dankness – A Tropical Session IPA
5. Natural Roots Studio Japanese West Coast Pils – A Modern Lager Twist
6. Karuizawa Beer Weiss – A Smooth, Fruity Wheat Beer
7. OH!LA!HO Amber Ale – Comforting and Balanced
8. Orion Beer – Okinawa’s Light and Easy Lager
8. Orion Beer – Okinawa’s Light and Easy Lager
9. Coedo Beniaka – A Sweet Potato Ale with Depth
9. Coedo Beniaka – A Sweet Potato Ale with Depth
10. Coedo Shikkoku – A Silky Smooth Black Lager
Final Thoughts on the Best Japanese Beers
FAQ
Pairing

1. Asahi Super Dry – Japan’s Iconic Lager for a Reason

Can of Asahi Super Dry next to a glass of golden lager with a thin white head

As one of the most widely recognized and loved beers from Japan, Asahi Super Dry easily earns its place among the best Japanese beers. We appreciated its ultra-clean, crisp finish and how effortlessly it pairs with just about any food—from sushi to karaage. It’s refreshing without being watery, with just enough zip to keep it interesting. While it's a mass-produced beer, there’s a reason it has global appeal—it’s consistent, quaffable, and always hits the spot when you're after something light and reliable.

Taste: Crisp, ultra-dry finish with mild bitterness. Perfect with sushi, tempura, or fried dishes.
Aroma: Light malt and grain; subtle but clean.
Appearance: Bright golden with minimal head retention.
Design: Sleek silver label with modern appeal.
Drinkability: Incredibly refreshing and versatile—great for any occasion.
Score: 7/10

2. Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Beer IPA – A Bold Craft IPA Experience

Kanazawa Hyakumangoku IPA can with a glass of amber-hued beer and light foam

This bold, small-batch IPA from Ishikawa is one of the best Japanese beers for those who appreciate complexity and balance in a hop-forward brew. We were impressed by the layered flavor profile—bright citrus and pine up front, with a slightly toasted caramel backbone that gave it depth without being too sweet. The bitterness is assertive but not overpowering, and the aroma alone is enough to draw you in.

Taste: Bright citrus and pine blend with caramel malt for balance.
Aroma: Resinous and punchy with grapefruit and orange peel.
Appearance: Deep amber with a fleeting, foamy head.
Design: Traditional Japanese art-inspired label with green and gold hues.
Drinkability: A bold, hop-forward IPA perfect for adventurous palates.
Score: 7.5/10

3. Karuizawa Beer Alt – A Japanese Take on German Altbier

Karuizawa Alt beer can beside a glass of dark amber ale with a creamy head

This altbier from Karuizawa is one of the best Japanese beers for those who love a malt-forward brew with a clean finish. We really appreciated how it balanced depth and drinkability—it’s rich without being heavy, with just enough hop bitterness to keep things crisp. The caramel and roasted malt flavors are smooth and comforting, making it a great transitional beer between lighter lagers and darker ales.

Taste: Rich malt body with subtle hop bitterness for balance.
Aroma: Roasted malt, chocolate, and hints of toffee.
Appearance: Deep amber with a slightly hazy pour and creamy head.
Design: Features Mt. Asama in warm sunset tones.
Drinkability: Great for sipping slowly and savoring.
Score: 8/10

4. Natural Roots Studio Jam Dankness – A Tropical Session IPA

Natural Roots Jam Dankness can next to a glass of hazy golden IPA with a frothy head

This standout session IPA is one of the best Japanese beers for hop lovers and a surprising delight even for those typically hesitant about IPAs. We loved how it delivers vibrant tropical fruit flavors—think mango, pineapple, and citrus—without the heaviness or overpowering bitterness some IPAs bring. Its crisp body, juicy aroma, and restrained hop finish made this beer incredibly crushable. It’s the kind of IPA you can sip all afternoon and still want another.

Taste: Mango, pineapple, and a crisp dryness with just enough bitterness.
Aroma: Bright and juicy with dank citrus highlights.
Appearance: Golden and hazy with a persistent frothy head.
Design: Sleek and minimalist for a modern craft vibe.
Drinkability: Light-bodied and super refreshing—ideal for long sessions.
Score: 9/10

5. Natural Roots Studio Japanese West Coast Pils – A Modern Lager Twist

Can of Natural Roots West Coast Pils with a glass of clear pale beer and a white head

This West Coast-style pilsner is among the best Japanese beers for lager lovers looking for something unique—and it quickly became one of our personal favorites. We loved its crisp, clean finish and the delicate balance between floral hops and gentle bitterness. It's refreshing like a classic pilsner but has just enough personality to stand out from the crowd. The high carbonation and subtle complexity make it the kind of beer you keep reaching for.

Taste: Clean and dry with floral hop notes and a slightly bitter finish.
Aroma: Lemon zest, fresh-cut grass, and subtle herbs.
Appearance: Clear pale yellow with a long-lasting white head.
Design: Clean and contemporary, reflecting its crisp taste.
Drinkability: Highly accessible—pairs beautifully with Japanese street food.
Score: 9/10

6. Karuizawa Beer Weiss – A Smooth, Fruity Wheat Beer

Karuizawa Weiss beer can next to a cloudy golden wheat beer with a fluffy white head

This German-inspired wheat beer is one of the best Japanese beers for summer sipping and fruity beer lovers—and we genuinely enjoyed its soft, creamy texture and bright, banana-forward profile. It’s refreshing without being too sharp, and the balance of sweetness and spice makes each sip feel full and satisfying. We especially loved how well it paired with light snacks and sunny afternoons—this one’s a real mood-lifter.

Taste: Creamy and slightly tart with classic banana and clove notes.
Aroma: Sweet, fruity banana and warm, spiced clove—inviting and well-rounded.
Appearance: Cloudy golden yellow with a fluffy, well-retained white head.
Design: Understated and elegant, matching the beer’s smooth character.
Drinkability: A summer favorite. Rich and fruity, though the sweetness makes it better suited for one or two glasses.
Score: 8/10

7. OH!LA!HO Amber Ale – Comforting and Balanced

OH!LA!HO Amber Ale can beside a glass of deep amber beer with a smooth head

For those who enjoy rich malts without overwhelming hops, this is one of the best Japanese beers in the amber ale category. We really appreciated its smooth, mellow profile—there’s a warmth to it that makes it feel comforting and familiar. The subtle caramel sweetness and nutty undertones are nicely balanced by a gentle bitterness, making it both flavorful and easy to drink. It’s the kind of beer that feels right at home on a chilly evening or alongside a hearty meal.

Taste: Smooth caramel and nutty malt with mild bitterness.
Aroma: Earthy and sweet, with notes of toffee and roasted grain.
Appearance: Clear amber with a creamy, well-formed head.
Design: Rustic and inviting, staying true to its small-batch, craft beer roots.
Drinkability: Balanced and approachable—great with food or on its own.
Score: 8/10

8. Orion Beer – Okinawa’s Light and Easy Lager

Orion Beer can with a glass of pale golden lager.

8. Orion Beer – Okinawa’s Light and Easy Lager

A true everyday brew, Orion is one of the best Japanese beers for easy, beach-ready refreshment. While it's light and crisp like an Asahi, Orion has just a touch more character. Its high carbonation and gentle sweetness give it a refreshing, quaffable quality that’s perfect for hot summer days. It's well-balanced, simple without being bland, and one of those beers you can reach for again and again.

Taste: Light-bodied with a mellow malt sweetness and a clean, dry finish.
Aroma: Soft grain and mild malt; clean and subtle.
Appearance: Bright, pale gold with excellent clarity.
Design: Classic and breezy—evokes the easygoing charm of Okinawa.
Drinkability: Highly carbonated and ultra-refreshing. A go-to for warm weather and casual meals.
Score: 7.5/10

9. Coedo Beniaka – A Sweet Potato Ale with Depth

Coedo Beniaka can next to a glass of reddish-amber ale with a creamy head

9. Coedo Beniaka – A Sweet Potato Ale with Depth

Coedo’s Beniaka is one of the most unique and best Japanese beers for craft lovers who want something memorable. That said, we found it a bit too sweet for our tastes—its dessert-like richness makes it more of a one-glass wonder than an everyday brew. Still, if you're into malty, full-bodied beers with a touch of sweetness, this one’s definitely worth a try.

Taste: Deep caramel malts meet roasted sweet potato for a complex, earthy-sweet flavor.
Aroma: Warm notes of honey, toffee, and yam.
Appearance: Reddish amber with a creamy, velvety head.
Design: Elegant and artisanal, reflecting its premium nature.
Drinkability: Rich, warming, and best enjoyed slowly—an ideal after-dinner or seasonal beer.
Score: 6/10

10. Coedo Shikkoku – A Silky Smooth Black Lager

Coedo Shikkoku can beside a glass of black lager with ruby highlights and a tan head

While this one wasn’t our favorite due to its rich, espresso-heavy profile and deep coffee vibes, fans of dark, roasted beers might feel differently. If you enjoy stouts, schwarzbiers, or other dark lagers, Coedo Shikkoku could easily earn a spot on your list of the best Japanese beers.

Taste: Roasted malt, bittersweet dark chocolate, and smooth espresso notes.
Aroma: Smoky and bold, with coffee bean and cocoa undertones.
Appearance: Jet black with subtle ruby hues and a dense tan head.
Design: Sleek, minimalist, and striking.
Drinkability: Surprisingly light in body for its bold flavor, but still very rich. Best for sipping, not sessions.
Score: 6/10

Final Thoughts on the Best Japanese Beers

From the crisp and iconic Asahi Super Dry to the flavorful and inventive Coedo Beniaka, the best Japanese beers offer a little something for everyone. Whether you’re craving a refreshing lager or exploring bold new craft flavors, Japan’s brewing scene continues to impress with its creativity and quality.

Which of these best Japanese beers are you excited to try next? Share your favorites in the comments and don’t forget to kanpai!

FAQ

What is the most popular Japanese beer?

Asahi Super Dry is the most popular Japanese beer, both in Japan and internationally. Known for its ultra-dry finish and crisp drinkability, it’s a go-to lager that pairs perfectly with a wide range of Japanese dishes.

Are there good craft beers from Japan?

Yes, Japan has a rapidly growing craft beer scene. Breweries like Coedo, OH!LA!HO, and Natural Roots Studio are producing some of the best Japanese craft beers, ranging from unique sweet potato ales to hoppy IPAs and malty amber ales.

What is the best Japanese beer for beginners?

For beginners, Orion Beer and Asahi Super Dry are great starting points. They're light, easy to drink, and pair well with many foods. If you’re open to something with a bit more flavor, Natural Roots Studio West Coast Pils is also an approachable choice with a modern craft twist.