Once you're over 20, buying alcohol in Japan becomes surprisingly easy. You can get drinks from:

• Convenience stores (コンビニ - konbini) open 24/7
• Supermarkets (スーパー - suupaa)
• Restaurants and bars
• Some vending machines (自動販売機 - jidouhanbaiki), though they're getting harder to find

You'll need your passport for ID - it's the most reliable option. At convenience stores, you'll see a screen asking you to confirm your age. Tourist areas tend to check IDs more strictly, but enforcement varies by location.

Here's something interesting I've noticed while residing in Japan - while the laws look strict on paper, actual enforcement for tourists tends to be more relaxed than in places like America. But don't get too comfortable - vendors take huge risks selling to underage customers. Even a first offense brings fines starting at ¥10,000 (USD $70).

For tourists, your passport is the only legally recognized form of identification in Japan. I know it's tempting to just carry a photocopy, but trust me - bring your actual passport. It's not just about buying drinks; Japanese law requires all foreign visitors to carry their passport at all times (or residence card if you live in Japan).

I've noticed ID checking varies wildly depending on where you're drinking:

Most visitors tell me they're surprised by how relaxed ID checking feels here. At convenience stores, you'll typically just touch a screen confirming your age. But don't get too comfortable - some places take checking very seriously.

Here's something most guidebooks won't tell you - while police rarely stop foreigners, they have the right to request your passport anytime. Without it, you might end up taking an unexpected trip back to your hotel for verification. Thankfully, Japan's incredibly low crime rate means carrying important documents is generally safe.

For casual spots like izakayas or restaurants, ID checks are pretty rare unless you look particularly young. Though I've noticed tourist areas tend to be more careful about checking.

Important note: Even though enforcement seems casual in many places, always carry your passport. I've seen simple drink purchases turn into lengthy ordeals when tourists couldn't prove their age.

Let me tell you about buying alcohol in Japan - it's surprisingly convenient! After living here for years, I still get amazed at how easy it is to grab a drink, whether it's 3 PM or 3 AM.

The entertainment districts of Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Roppongi have plenty of spots catering to foreigners.

For buying bottles, these are my go-to places:

• リカーマウンテン (Rikaa maunten – Liquor Mountain)
• やまや (Yamaya) - amazing selection of sake and imported drinks
• ドン・キホーテ (Don Quijote) - reasonable prices, huge variety
• ビックカメラ(bikku kamera - Bic Camera) - great for tax-free shopping

Something that still surprises my foreign friends - unlike many countries, Japan lets you buy alcohol 24/7. Trust me, this makes life much easier when you're craving a cold one after a long day of sightseeing!

Your best friend for buying drinks will be コンビニ (konbini - convenience stores), open 24 hours a day. These places are everywhere and offer:

• Everything from beer to 日本酒 (nihonshu - sake)
• Great prices - usually ¥200-300 for a beer
• Easy self-checkout with age verification
• Famous chains like 7-11, Lawson, and Family Mart

Those famous alcohol vending machines you might have heard about? They're getting harder to find, but you can still spot them in Tokyo and Osaka. They usually stock beer and sake from specific brands.

I remember my first izakaya experience - the prices shocked me! A beer costs about double what you'd pay at a convenience store. But don't let that stop you. You'll quickly learn the magic phrase "とりあえずビール" (toriaezu biiru - "For the meantime, I'll have a beer").

Here's how to drink without breaking your wallet:

• Look for big chain izakayas with picture menus
• Find budget spots serving drinks for ¥400-500
• Try 飲み放題 (nomihoudai - all-you-can-drink deals)

Don't let Japanese language stop you from enjoying Japan's drinking scene. These Japanese phrases have saved me countless times:

1. Essential expressions:

• "すみません" (sumimasen - excuse me)
• "乾杯" (kanpai - cheers)
• "お勘定お願いします" (okanjou onegaishimasu - bill please)

Trust me on this - speaking louder won't help and actually offends people. I've found a smile and respectful gestures work much better when communication gets tough.

Most places in big cities now have picture menus or English translations. If you're stuck, just ask "英語のメニューありますか?" (Eigo no menu arimasu ka? - Do you have an English menu?).

Let me share something that happened to a friend - he thought he could drive after "just one drink" in Japan. That nearly cost him $10,000 and his visa status. Safety isn't just a suggestion here; it's crucial for enjoying Japan's drinking culture.

Never drive after drinking – Japan's drunk driving laws are brutal, with a blood alcohol limit of just 0.03%. Here's what I recommend instead:

• タクシー (taxi) - clean, safe, everywhere
• Late-night fares jump between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• City cabs take cards, but carry cash in rural areas

Here's a clever Japanese solution I love - if you drove somewhere, use 代行 (daiko) service. Two drivers show up - one drives your car home while another follows. Brilliant, right?

I keep these numbers saved in my phone, and you should too:

• 警察 (Police, English available): 110
• 救急車 (Ambulance/Fire): 119
• Japan Visitor Hotline: 050-3816-2787 (24/7 help in English, Chinese, Korean)
• Tourist Information: 03-3201-3331 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily)

Important: Your hotel's front desk can be a lifesaver if you need medical help.

Understanding Japanese drinking customs took me years to master. Here's what I wish someone had told me:

Never pour your own drink - It's all about mutual service here. Hold your glass with both hands when someone pours - it shows respect.

Pace yourself - Nobody likes the loud drunk foreigner. Trust me, being labeled a heavy drinker in Japan is bad news. It's totally fine to:

• Say "もう結構です" (mou kekkou desu - I'm good, thanks)
• Sip slowly
• Keep that glass full to avoid refills

Food and drinking go hand in hand here. You'll always get おつまみ (otsumami - snacks) with drinks. I learned this helps prevent getting too drunk too fast.

Business drinking can be tricky. While some drunkenness is seen as a social lubricator, don't lose your composure. I've seen too many cases where 60% of problem drinking involves businessmen feeling pressured to keep up with colleagues.