Yes, tourists can absolutely drink alcohol in Japan, and it is a significant part of the local social culture. The legal drinking age is 20 (note: this is higher than the general age of adulthood, which was lowered to 18). Japan is famous for its Izakayas (Japanese pubs) where you can enjoy sake, shochu, and world-class Japanese whiskies. One unique aspect of Japanese law is that public consumption is generally legal; you can legally drink a beer on a park bench or a "strong zero" on the street, provided you are not causing a disturbance. However, there are strict "zero-tolerance" laws regarding drinking and driving—even one small drink can put you over the legal limit, and passengers in the car can also be held liable for allowing a drunk person to drive. In 2026, some major tourist hubs like Shibuya in Tokyo have implemented permanent bans on public street drinking during certain evening hours and holidays (like Halloween) to manage large crowds, but generally, tourists will find Japan to be a very welcoming and permissive environment for moderate alcohol enjoyment.