Travel Japan Shochu: Distilled Spirits

Shochu: Japan distilled Spirits



Shochu, or Japan distilled spirits, can be described as “Japanese Vodka” because it is commonly made from barley, or “mugi“; sweet potatoes, or “imo“; and rice, or “kome”. More unusual sources of the drink are brown sugar, “sato”, buckwheat, or “soba”. As you travel Japan, try tasting some of these spirits and you will find them quite delicious mixed with a variety of drinks.

Although most famous in the southern Japan- Kyushu and Okinawa, really, shochu can be found almost anywhere in Japan. The Okinawa shochu is made from rice and is called awamori, stored and aged in caves. It can also be found in the Niigata area where rice is grown. One of my favorites is the Kumamoto “shiro” made from rice. I enjoy drinking vodka at home, usually neat or mixed with ice and water, and sometimes with chilled cranberry juice, but in Japan shochu can be mixed and drunk much more ways. A relative of mine in Kumamoto loves his barley based spirit mixed with warm water o-yu

Other combinations include: neat, on the rocks, with ice and water “mizu-wari”, sometimes with ice, water and pickled plum, called ume-shochu, and even with oolong tea or with citrus-quite popular.


The spirit is known in Korea as soju, which is somewhat similar to Japanese ones, but tends to be a bit sweeter in taste(Jinro, Chum Charam). In China it is called baijyu. I recently tasted Moutai, possibly a barley-based spirit that was served to President Nixon on his visit to China, but found it extremely harsh and difficult to drink. The Chinese love the drink, however.

Some believe the drink is good for the health, a preventive of heart disease and diabetes. If the sweetness of sake is difficult to stomach, try a high ball made from shochu-I think you’ll like it.

Japanese Truck Stops

Japanese Truck Stops: A Curious Phenomenon


Driving along the expressway in Japan and have to use the bathroom- or get the sudden hunger pang? Why don’t you pull over and experience the truck stops scattered throughout Japan. I have, and let me tell you it’s quite an experience.

First, the bathrooms. Large and roomy, with many urinals and stalls-walk in and wonder-where is the familiar western toilet with the seat? Well, there are just a few-the ADA ones. The rest require you to squat over a slot in the floor with a hood on one end. So which is the right way to use it? Face the hood and do your thing. When you’re finished and go to the sink to wash your hands, there is liquid soap, but guess what? No paper towels to wipe your hands. So you walk over to the hand dryers and turn the unit on-the blast of air will almost blow your wig off your head-seriously! You’re lucky if you get a heated one-especially in winter. Bring your own handkerchief to wipe your hands. Forgot your handkerchief-buy some in the 100-Yen store.

Next let’s talk about the vending machines. They look like normal vending machines, but with attitude! How about hot latte coffee or cocoa in a can? Feeling hungry? How about a hot Japanese oden stew in a can? Or how about hot french fries, or hot dogs, or fried rice balls?  Your 3G cell phone running out of juice?  Try plugging in to a cell phone vending machine.  Feeling tired? Try a cold bottled vitamin drink.

Looking for something more substantial to eat, or looking for an omiyage gift or souvenir of your trip? Walk a few steps further, through the automatic glass doors, and lo and behold, you will be in a large souvenir shop/konbini(convenience store). If you are looking for the local seasonal food or gift, you are sure to find it here. You might even be able to get to sample the product before purchase.

Japanese truck stops are a must see on your trip to Japan.