Travel2Japan Volume 1, Summer, 2013 | Page 10

Above, sampling sake from Ehime province in Matsuyama City. Below, Snake Awamori (Habu) is very potent alcohol with the added bite of a pit viper in the bottle Only available in Okinawa. Beer still ranks as the most popular alcoholic beverage followed by sake and then shochu. To toast before you drink, say “Kanpai”, literally ‘Dry the Glass’ or ‘Bottoms Up’.