Who would have thought that Japan had its very own craft cola maker? Well it does, and his name is Takahide Kobayashi. He was ambitious enough to create Japan’s first craft cola brand: Iyoshi Cola. Mr. Kobayashi uses recipes that are over 100 years-old to make its authentic cola concoctions.
Iyoshi Cola opened its very first store in February this year along Kanda river in Shimo-ochiai. It is only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The line up is usually pretty long, so be ready to wait before you can actually sip on your carefully crafted cola drink!
In the specialty store, you can choose between their soda-based or milk-based cola drinks. They also sell craft cola syrup bottles (1,200 ~ 3,350 yen) made from real kola nuts. If you buy the syrup, all you have to do is add some sparkling water or lemonade to make your very own cola drinks at home. What is really impressive is that the cola factory is located inside the shop, so depending on the timing, you can actually see some of the cola-making process!
I tried their recommended item for first-timers, which is the soda-based craft cola. I really liked watching the staff preparing the drink. The craft cola was served in a bag that featured the brand logo, a red kingfisher. In the drink they obviously used kola nuts, but they also used many spices, such as vanilla, cinnamon and black pepper. They also put some citrus fruit inside the bag, and I could actually feel and taste the fruit peels while drinking the soda!
Iyoshi Craft Cola (500 yen)
I am usually not a cola drinker so my opinion might be biased, but I found this drink very refreshing and flavorful compared to well-known manufacturers’ products. Just make sure to stir it well or the first sip might be very sweet! If you are a cola-lover, I am sure you will truly enjoy Mr. Kobayashi’s craft cola; it is worth a try!
A few meters away from Iyoshi Cola is SANUKIYA, an anmitsu (Japanese dessert) specialty store. I highly recommend you stop there for a sweet treat before or after you try the craft cola! This would be the perfect combo to beat the Japanese summer heat!
Iyoshi Cola
Opening hours: Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays from 13:00 to 17:00
Website: click here
Address: 3-44-2 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
Contact: info@iyoshicola.com
