Job Discussion Forums

[lalalateda]

Hi. I'm getting ready to come to Japan for the first time for a teaching job. I was wondering what the price of liquor, beer and wine are like? I'm particularly fond of whiskey. Should i pick up a few bottles duty free on the way? Is the local drink reasonably priced?

Thank you for answering my seemingly unimportant query.

[David W]

Tell us where you are from and might be a bit easier comparing prices. For me as an Australian, beer is expensive here while spirits (including imported) are cheap. Wine is reasonable.

[lalalateda]

I'm from the states so if i remember correctly duty free bottles of whiskey sell for around 20-25 US dollars.

Cheers.

[Brooks]

beer costs more than in the US. At convenience stores they don`t sell by the six pack. You buy beers individually. Beer can go for $1.60-$1.70, or easily over two bucks.
It depends on the beer you buy.
Happoshu beer is cheaper, even when it is in 500 ml cans.
A Sapporo Draft One would sell for 178 yen for 500 ml so that would be $1.50

I bought a Heineken yesterday and that was 205 yen (taxis included).
So that was $1.72 for a can.
The yen is about 118/119 to the dollar and may head south more.
I read it could go to 140 or 150 yen by sometime next year.

Wine is fairly priced. I have seen Polish vodka sell for about 650 yen which is a good price.

[Glenski]

[Synne]

Itll depend on whether you enjoy good whiskey or whiskey that'll just do the trick.

A huge bottle larger then a 2/6 at most liquor shops can be picked up for 1,800 yen on sale to about 2,500 yen, around 20 bucks.

Mind you its the taste that would clean an engine.

Enjoy!

[markle]

You can get a bottle of 12 yr old Macllan Single malt Scotch for @ 3,000 yen or @$US 24
therefore I have acquired a taste for Scotch that I could never afford back home.