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If you're looking to buy sake at Narita Airport, you're in luck! The airport offers a variety of duty-free shops selling Japanese sake, wines, and spirits. Fa-So-La, with over 80 shops across the airport's terminals, is a popular choice for travellers looking to purchase sake and other liquors. The outlet in Terminal 2 features a tasting bar, allowing shoppers to sample a range of beverages, including sake, before purchasing. However, it's important to be cautious when purchasing duty-free alcohol at Narita Airport if you have a connecting flight, as some countries have restrictions on carrying duty-free liquids onboard.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ability to buy sake | Yes, from multiple duty-free shops and liquor stores |
| Ability to sample sake before buying | Yes, at Fa-So-La DUTY FREE Liquor & Tobacco Main Bldg. in Terminal 2 |
| Ability to buy sake at a good price | Yes, but prices vary depending on the brand and quality |
| Recommended brands for first-time buyers | KIKUSUI, Hasegawa Saketen, and junmai daiginjo |
| Best place to buy sake | Fa-So-La, which has the largest number of shops and the greatest range of products |
| Ability to take purchased sake on connecting flights | Depends on the country and airport of transit; not allowed when transiting through Singapore to Australia or the US |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy sake at Narita Airport
If you're looking to buy sake at Narita Airport, you're in luck! The airport has a wide variety of sakes available for purchase, with options to suit all tastes and preferences. Here are some of the best places to buy sake within the airport:
Fa-So-La Duty-Free Liquor & Tobacco (Terminal 2)
Fa-So-La is a popular duty-free store located in Terminal 2 of Narita Airport. It offers a unique and charming shopping experience for travellers looking to buy sake. The store may appear compact at first glance, but it houses a spacious and refined tasting bar. Here, you can sample a wide range of sakes, whiskies, and Japanese liquors like shochu, allowing you to make an informed purchase. Fa-So-La's tasting bar provides a quiet and intimate setting away from the busy terminals, making it a relaxing spot to browse and sample sakes before buying.
Terminal 1 Fa-So-La TAX FREE ASAKUSA ANNEX
If you're in Terminal 1, head to the Fa-So-La TAX FREE ASAKUSA ANNEX. Here, you'll find a variety of Japanese sakes and spirits, including a rice shochu that has been barrel-aged, offering a smooth and superior flavour similar to fine whisky. Each limited-edition bottle is numbered, making it a unique souvenir to share with friends and family back home.
Terminal 2 Duty-Free Liquor Shop
Terminal 2 also has a duty-free liquor shop that offers sake sampling before buying. This shop is a great option if you want to try before you buy and experience different varieties of sake.
In addition to these dedicated liquor stores, you can also find sake at various souvenir shops throughout the airport. With the increasing popularity of Japanese wines and spirits among global visitors, Narita Airport has expanded its selection to include a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including sake. So, whether you're looking for a last-minute gift or a special bottle to savour at home, Narita Airport has you covered!
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Buying sake at Narita Airport duty-free
Sake is a popular drink in Japan, and its popularity is growing among foreign visitors. If you are looking to buy some sake at Narita Airport, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that there are duty-free shops at the airport that sell sake and other alcoholic beverages. In particular, the Fa-So-La duty-free liquor store in Terminal 2 has been recommended for its unique charm and spacious tasting bar, where you can sample a variety of options, including sake, whisky, and Japanese liquor, before purchasing. This can be a great way to confidently select a bottle to take home as a gift or souvenir.
However, it is worth being cautious if you plan to purchase duty-free alcohol and have a connecting flight, particularly if you are transiting through countries such as Singapore, Australia, or the USA. Some travellers have reported having their duty-free sake confiscated during security screening when connecting through these countries, as they do not permit duty-free liquids from previous sectors. In such cases, it is recommended to purchase duty-free alcohol on your last connection before your final destination or to have room in your carry-on luggage to accommodate the liquid.
If you are not transiting through any of the mentioned countries, you may have better luck with purchasing duty-free sake at Narita Airport. Another recommended store is Hasegawa Saketen, which has several locations in Tokyo and offers a great selection of sake and liquor from all over Japan, including award-winning bottles.
Additionally, when purchasing sake at Narita Airport, it is important to consider the different varieties and indications of flavour. Generally, negative numbers on sake bottles indicate a sweeter flavour, while positive numbers reflect dryness. With so many unique options available, you can easily find a bottle or two to take home as souvenirs or gifts for loved ones.
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$8.99 $13.87
Sake tasting at Narita Airport
Narita International Airport is one of the two airports serving the greater Tokyo area and is the predominant international airport in Japan, accounting for approximately half of the country's international traffic. The airport has witnessed a continuous rise in foreign visitors, with tens of thousands of people passing through Narita each day.
For those looking to purchase sake at the airport, there are multiple duty-free shops selling a variety of Japanese sakes sourced from different regions across the country. Fa-So-La is the largest duty-free retailer at the airport, with over 80 shops spread across the first, second, and third terminals.
A unique feature of the Fa-So-La DUTY FREE Liquor & Tobacco Main Bldg. in Terminal 2 is its refined and spacious tasting bar. Here, shoppers can enjoy a quiet and intimate tasting experience, sampling a range of beverages, including sake, whisky, and shochu, free of charge. This allows customers to make informed and confident purchases.
The rise in foreign tourism has contributed to the growing popularity of sake among international visitors. Brands like KIKUSUI are making sake more approachable by investing in education and accessibility. As a result, more people are developing an interest in different brands and flavours of sake, often taking advantage of complimentary tasting experiences at the airport.
When purchasing sake at Narita Airport, it is important to consider any connecting flights and the associated regulations. Some countries, such as Australia and the USA, do not permit duty-free liquids from previous sectors, so it is advisable to purchase sake on the last connection before your final destination.
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Sake confiscated during transit
Yes, you can buy sake at Narita Airport. Terminal 2 houses a duty-free liquor shop, Fa-So-La, which offers a unique tasting bar where shoppers can sample a range of options, including sake, whisky, and shochu, before buying. Narita International Airport is the first taste of Japan for many visitors, and the rise in the popularity of sake among foreign visitors has been promising for local breweries.
When travelling with sake, it is important to be aware of the regulations regarding liquids. As of 2025, the TSA and most international airports only allow carry-on liquids up to 3.4 ounces (100ml). This means that travellers need to plan ahead when deciding how to pack and declare their sake. If you are transiting through another airport, any liquids over 100ml may be confiscated. For example, if you are travelling to the UK from Narita, and have to change planes in Munich, your sake is likely to be confiscated there. To avoid this, you should put any liquids over 100ml in your checked luggage.
When packing sake, it is important to pack it securely to avoid damage. Use bubble wrap or foam sleeves for basic protection, and consider specialised bottle protectors for high-value bottles. Seal the caps with plumber's tape to prevent leaks. Keep bottles upright and place them in the centre of your luggage, surrounded by soft items like clothes for extra cushioning.
If you are shipping nama sake, include temperature logs and submit expedited clearance requests to maintain quality during transit. Attach all documents to the outside of the shipping container in a waterproof pouch to streamline the customs process.
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Best type of sake to buy at Narita Airport
If you're looking to buy sake at Narita Airport, you're in luck! The airport has a variety of shops that sell Japanese sake, selected from areas all around Japan. Here are some recommendations for the best type of sake to buy:
KIKUSUI
KIKUSUI is a popular brand of sake that can be found at Narita Airport. The brand has invested in education and has made sake more approachable for foreign visitors. If you're looking for a well-known and accessible brand, KIKUSUI is a great option.
Hakkaisan Awa
Hakkaisan, one of Japan's most famous breweries, has introduced a new sparkling variety of sake called Awa. It is made using a natural secondary in-bottle fermentation process, resulting in a clear, elegant, and pleasantly fizzy drink. If you're looking for something unique and elegant, Hakkaisan Awa is a perfect choice.
Rice Shochu
This particular variety of rice shochu has been barrel-aged, resulting in a superior flavour and smoothness similar to fine whisky. Each limited bottle is numbered, making it a special treasure to share with friends and family. If you're looking for a premium and unique sake experience, rice shochu is an excellent option.
Complimentary Tastings
When it comes to finding the best type of sake to buy, Narita Airport offers a unique advantage. The Fa-So-La DUTY FREE Liquor & Tobacco shop in Terminal 2 houses a refined and spacious tasting bar. Here, you can sample a wide range of sakes before purchasing. This complimentary tasting experience allows you to explore different brands and flavours and make an informed decision about which sake best suits your taste preferences.
So, whether you're looking for a well-known brand like KIKUSUI, a unique sparkling variety like Hakkaisan Awa, or a premium barrel-aged rice shochu, Narita Airport offers a diverse range of sake options to choose from. Don't forget to take advantage of the complimentary tastings to find your favourite!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy sake at Narita Airport.
Fa-So-La is a duty-free shop with the largest number of shops and the greatest range of products at Narita Airport. It has over 80 shops across the first, second, and third terminals. Terminal 2's Fa-So-La DUTY-FREE Liquor & Tobacco Main Bldg. houses a refined and spacious tasting bar offering a quiet and intimate tasting experience.
Yes, sake is sold at multiple duty-free stores in the airport.
If you are transiting through Singapore, Australia, or the USA, do not buy duty-free alcohol at Narita Airport as it will be confiscated. However, if Dubai is your connecting airport, you should be able to bring duty-free alcohol from Narita Airport onboard.
If you are a first-timer, you can buy any brand of sake as you will likely not be able to tell the difference between good and great sake. You can also buy junmai daiginjo, which is available for 1200-1500 yen.
