Japanese Beer Guide: The Real Difference Between Beer, Happoshu & 'Third Beer

Planning to enjoy a cold beer while traveling in Japan? Great choice! But before you grab a can from the convenience store or order a pint at the izakaya, you should know: not all "beer" in Japan is created equal.

 

In fact, there are three main categories of beer-like beverages in Japan:

• Beer (ビール)
• Happoshu (発泡酒)
• "Third Beer" or New-Genre Beer (第3のビール / 新ジャンル)

This quick guide breaks down the key differences so you can choose what best suits your taste — and budget!

 

1. Real Beer (ビール) – The Classic

This is the real deal. Japanese beer that meets the legal definition of beer under Japan’s Liquor Tax Law.

• Ingredients: Made with at least 50% malt, hops, and water
• Flavor: Rich, full-bodied, and aromatic
• Price: Most expensive of the three, due to higher taxes

Popular Brands:

• Asahi Super Dry
• Kirin Ichiban
• Sapporo Black Label
• Suntory The Premium Malt’s

🟢 Best for: Beer lovers who want quality and flavor

2. Happoshu (発泡酒) – Low-Malt Beer

Happoshu looks and tastes like beer but uses less malt — or substitutes other ingredients.

• Ingredients: Less than 50% malt, often mixed with rice, corn, or starch
• Flavor: Lighter, less bitter than regular beer
• Price: Cheaper than beer due to lower taxes

 

Popular Examples:

• Kirin Tanrei
• Sapporo Mugi to Hop (earlier versions)
• Suntory Hon-Nama

🟠 Best for: Light drinkers and budget-conscious travelers

3. “Third Beer” (第3のビール) – New-Genre Beer

This is not technically beer — it’s either made with alternative ingredients (like soy protein) or it’s a mix of happoshu and spirits (like shochu).

• Ingredients: No malt, or includes added alcohol
• Flavor: Very mild, easy to drink, low bitterness
• Price: The cheapest option

Popular Examples:

• Suntory Kinmugi (金麦)
• Kirin Nodogoshi Nama (のどごし〈生〉)
• Sapporo Mugi to Hop

🔵 Best for: Beginners, casual drinkers, or those who want to save money

Quick Comparison Table

Where to Try Them

• 🏪 Convenience Stores: Try a variety from ¥100–¥250
• 🍻 Izakayas: Ask your server — many offer all three types
• 🛒 Supermarkets: Great for larger cans or packs if you're drinking at your hotel or Airbnb

💡 Tip: Labels don’t always say “Happoshu” or “Third Beer” in English, so check the fine print in Japanese or use a translation app!

Final Thoughts

Japan’s unique beer categories can be confusing at first, but that’s part of the fun. Whether you're here for the rich flavor of traditional beer or looking for something light and budget-friendly, there's a perfect can waiting for you.

 

So next time you raise a glass in Japan, you'll know exactly what you're drinking.
Kanpai! 🍻

🧠 Frequently Asked Questions about Japanese Beer

❓1. Best Japanese Beer for Tourists

If you're visiting Japan and want to try a few beers that are both delicious and easy to find, here are some top picks for first-timers:

• Asahi Super Dry – Crisp, clean, and Japan’s best-selling beer. Great with sushi or grilled meat.
• Kirin Ichiban – Mellow bitterness with a smooth finish. A good balance for any meal.
• Sapporo Premium – Slightly richer and fuller than the others, perfect with ramen or yakitori.
• Suntory The Premium Malt's – A more premium choice with a floral aroma and creamy foam.
• Yebisu – A bit more malty and full-bodied. Great if you enjoy European-style lagers.

🧳 These beers are widely available in convenience stores, supermarkets, izakayas, and even vending machines in some areas.

❓2. Is Third Beer Actually Beer?

Despite its beer-like appearance and taste, "third beer" (also called "new genre beer") is not technically beer under Japanese law.

 

There are two common types:

1. Made from non-malt ingredients, such as soy protein or pea extract
2. A mix of low-malt beer and spirits, like shochu

Because of its alternative ingredients and production method, it falls into a different tax category. That’s why it’s significantly cheaper.

 

🍻 So is it beer? Legally, no. But flavor-wise, many tourists won’t notice a big difference — especially when it's ice cold on a hot summer day.

❓3. Why Is Japanese Beer So Light?

Japanese beer tends to be lighter and crisper than many Western craft or European beers. Here’s why:

• Flavor profile fits the food – Japanese cuisine is delicate and subtle, so heavy beers would overpower the meal.
• 🍜 Designed to be refreshing – With Japan’s hot and humid summers, a light lager is the perfect thirst-quencher.
• 🍺 Lager culture – Major Japanese breweries focus on pale lagers, which are easier to drink in volume (think: izakaya binge nights).
• 💡 Tax incentives – Over the years, breweries have crafted lighter beers and low-malt alternatives to avoid high beer taxes.

🎯 Bottom line: Japanese beer is designed for refreshment, not complexity — perfect for easy, sociable drinking.