Bottoms-Up: Top Japanese Beers to Satisfy Your Rice Cravings

Thanks to Dutch sailors in Edo-Japan and German brewers in Meiji-Japan, Japanese beer exists. Every 2 out of 3 people drink beer there regularly - they even had vending machines of it for a time and numerous cameos in manga throughout the centuries.

Drinking is a very big part of the culture, with beer available 24/7 wherever you may be. Tourists that are heavy drinkers would love it - corporate meetings, friendly gatherings, you name it. Having such a love for the brewed beverages, one wonders what's best. Here are 4 top beers in Japan according to over millions of votes on beeradvocate.com.

Orion Premium Draft Beer

Brewed by Orion Beer Co., Ltd. This Okinawan rice beer is frothy and full of carbonation. Its flavor is dense and dry, but refreshingly citrus. It pairs best with white meats like fish, pork, and chicken - replacing white and pink wines if you want. They're very popular in Australia, occasionally dubbed the title of "Champagne Beer".

Kirin Toretate Hop

Brewed by Kirin Brewery Company, Limited This winter beer is special to Japan. Every year there is an event held for the release of their newest flavor. It has a brilliant gold color to it, usually, and a fresh taste - though every year is different based on the hops of that season. They celebrated their 10 year anniversary this year.

Duggan's #5 Sorachi Lager

Brewed by Cool Beer Brewing Co. Known well in South Ontario, this beer is loved for its strong flavor of lime, lemon, and white pepper. It's a malt made from hops and rice with a straw color to it. You can buy the brand regularly in bottled six-packs, 275ml each.

Koshihikari Echigo Beer

Brewed by Uehara Shuzou Co. Ltd. It has a soft, sweet, rice taste and smell to it with a light gold color of its liquid. It's made by the oldest company of craft beers and is available year-round. This goes great with faint in flavor foods - not just because is only about $6 per bottle of 500ml.

Try them yourself and be your own judge. Kampai!