Following methanol poisoning warnings from the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) this week, prospective travellers may be questioning the safety of drinking alcohol in Japan.
The FCDO added methanol poisoning guidance to travel advice pages for Japan, Ecuador, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Uganda and Russia on Tuesday.
Japan welcomed over 437,000 British visitors in 2024, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation.
The island nation is famous for its sake (rice wine), beer and whisky, which are hit beverages with holidaymakers.
Here’s everything travellers need to know about drinking alcohol in Japan and how to stay safe from methanol poisoning.
Read more: Methanol poisoning: Why travellers are at risk, and how to reduce the dangers
What is Foreign Office advice?
On 21 October, the FCDO updated its travel advice for Japan to warn travellers of the risk of methanol poisoning.
It said: “There has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular travel destinations around the world.
“Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell.”
The FCDO advise travellers to seek “urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with shows the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.”
Is it safe to drink alcohol in Japan?
According to FCDO advice, “there is a risk of drink spiking and credit card fraud” while travelling in Japan.
Risks are higher in Japanese nightlife districts, with high-risk areas in Tokyo identified by the FCDO as Kabukicho, Roppongi, Shibuya and Ikebukuro.
It advises holidaymakers not to accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended.
Generally, drinking alcohol in public places is not illegal. However, some alcohol bans apply in specific areas on certain days, for example, New Year’s Eve, say the FCDO. For more information, visit the FCDO’s Japan advice page.
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