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After warnings of methanol poisoning UK Foreign Office (FCDO) This week, potential travelers may be questioning the safety of drinking alcohol Liquor In Japan,
FCDO adds methanol toxicity guidance to travel Advice Pages for Japan, Ecuador, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Uganda and Russia on Tuesday.
Japan could welcome more than 437,000 British visitors in 2024, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation.
The island nation is famous for its sake (rice wine), beer and whiskey, which are popular drinks among holidaymakers.
Here’s everything travelers need to know about drinking alcohol in Japan and staying safe from methanol poisoning.
Read more: Methanol poisoning: Why travelers are at risk, and how to reduce the dangers
What is Foreign Office advice?
On October 21, the FCDO updated its travel advisory for Japan to warn travelers about the risk of methanol poisoning.
It said, “There has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcohol.” drink Popular travel destinations around the world containing methanol.
“Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic beverages by taste or smell.”
The FCDO advises travelers to “seek immediate medical attention if you or anyone traveling with you develops symptoms of methanol poisoning after drinking alcohol.”
Is it safe to drink alcohol in Japan?
According to FCDO advice, there is a “risk of beverage adulteration and credit card fraud” when traveling in Japan.
Risks are higher in Japanese nightlife districts, with high-risk areas in Tokyo identified by FCDO as Kabukicho, Roppongi, Shibuya and Ikebukuro.
It advises holidaymakers not to accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended.
It is generally not illegal to drink alcohol in public places. However, the FCDO says that some alcohol restrictions apply in specific areas on certain days, for example, on New Year’s Eve. For more information, visit FCDO’s Japan advisory page,
Read more: Foreign Office extends warning over methanol poisoning to eight new countries