partying in japan... for somebody under 20

[okitasan]

My friend and I are going to Japan together this summer (we are both 18), and I read that the enforcement of checking IDs when purchasing alchohol is quite lax, and that if you look like you are 20, then you are 20.

Is this true? Would I be able to buy alchohol at a convenience store, order it at a restaraunt, or go into a nightclub without being carded? Thanks.

[PopCulturePooka]

I'd dare say... yes.

[lv426]

Seriously, cool. Its weired for me being in the UK to go to another contry where you have to be 21 to do anything, its 18 over here. A friend who went last year said he got a fake ID, is it worth getting one cos I want to go to some clubs and karaoke bars.

[PopCulturePooka]

Dude they hardly check ID's of Japanese there, let alone foreigners. I wouldn't waste your money on fake ID's. Wont be much good anyway, if a place DID card you (rare rare rare, I'm a baby face to end all baby faces and after two years in Japan and a lot of booze, I was never carded once) they will ask for a passport or gaijin card, both things you do not want to have fake.

[GaijinPunch]

Buying booze in the convenient store is pretty easy. Getting into clubs these days is a bit trickier. They've gotten quite a lot of heat from the cops the last 5 years, so some clubs require an ID check. There's tons of bars you can get into though.

[Gord]

i've been to a few bars and bought a LOT of alochol, and never carded at all, I'm 19, but alot of the purchasing was done when I was 18. I'm from BC, so the legal age is 19, so I don't feel too bad. If you really want to get drunk, most vending machines let anyone buy alochol from them, I've seen some that require a sake card, but they seem to be uncommon

[lv426]

Whats a gaijin card, obviously something to do with being a foigner. Er... Buying beer from a vending mashine or shop is all verywell (had a friend who used to get alcohol from shops for his dad when he was 14), but I want to go to some clubs. How often do they ask for your passport or *gaijin* card?

[okitasan]

Thanks for you responses :D

What kind of alchohol can you get from vending machines? Just beer? or can you get harder liquor?

[PopCulturePooka]

Whats a gaijin card, obviously something to do with being a foigner. Er... Buying beer from a vending mashine or shop is all verywell (had a friend who used to get alcohol from shops for his dad when he was 14), but I want to go to some clubs. How often do they ask for your passport or *gaijin* card?
A Gaijin card is an ID card that every non-Japanese living in Japan must have on them at all times. If your are holidaying you must have your passport at all times.

Did you read my post lad? Hehe I said in two years, and a lot of drinking, I was never carded anywhere.

[budd]

http://www.jref.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10202&highlight=clubbing
http://www.jref.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4059&highlight=clubbing
i got carded at womb everytime i went

[blade_bltz]

I'm 18 but I definitely don't look 20 (more like 16). I sure hope all you guys are right!! >_<

[isayhello]

I'm 18 but I definitely don't look 20 (more like 16). I sure hope all you guys are right!! >_<
Same with me... I'm going there too, but no one will let me in anywhere... I look like I'm 12 or something... :okashii: damn that!

[Martialartsnovice]

Well, I guess it isnt that hard, then for me. Being 17, and looking like Im in my late 20's-early 30's. I probably could get bashed without being carded

[mangaman]

I'm a bit too old to get "carded" but I've never ever seen anyone checked anywhere at anytime in the Kansai area. I've been out with underage people at izakayas and it was no problem although we were in a group. You would have to look super super young to get stopped at the door. Don't forget we look several years older than the average Japanese the same age. Also most places want the business and they don't want the hassle of checking IDs of foreigners, basically they don't care unless you cause a problem.