Cream Soda in Japan: An Interesting History!

Bright, bubbly, and full of charm, Japanese cream soda is more than just a sweet drink. Its colorful look and creamy sweetness has won hearts for over 100 years. From early soda fountains to retro cafés and trendy dessert shops, this fizzy treat continues to stir up sweet memories across generations in Japan!

What is cream soda?

Cream soda is a sweet, fizzy drink made by mixing soda water with a syrup, usually melon-flavored in Japan. It’s bright green and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which slowly melts and blends with the soda, creating a creamy, refreshing taste. It looks just as good as it tastes, colorful, bubbly, and fun to enjoy! It is seen as a retro drink in Japan because many adults remember having it as kids, especially in the summer. It’s usually served in a tall glass with a cherry on top, making it feel like a fun and special treat.

While it exists in other countries, the Japanese version stands out for its unique melon flavor and eye-catching presentation. Whether you’re at a retro kissaten (Japanese-style café) or a modern dessert shop, it brings a touch of nostalgia and joy with every sip. It’s the perfect beverage to have to help you cool down on a warm summer’s day!

What’s the difference between Japanese and American cream soda?

Japanese and American cream sodas each offer a unique experience. In the U.S., people enjoy a sweet, smooth soda with a strong vanilla flavor, usually clear or light brown. In Japan, cafés serve a bright green beverage with refreshing melon syrup. They top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that slowly melts into the fizzy soda, creating a creamy, dreamy delight.

The Japanese version looks fun and colorful, while the American one delivers rich vanilla flavor. The creamy ice cream adds a smooth texture to the Japanese soda, making it feel like a special dessert. Both surprise your taste buds in their own special way!

How did cream soda become a staple drink in Japanese cafes?

Cream soda has been loved in Japan for over 100 years. It first appeared in the early 1900s at the Shiseido Pharmacy in Ginza, Tokyo. The founder, Arinobu Fukuhara, had returned from the U.S. and brought back the idea of a “soda fountain.” He started serving soda water with ice cream, a new and exciting drink at the time. People were amazed by the taste and look of this fizzy, creamy treat.

By 1922, it was on the menu at the Shiseido Parlor, one of Tokyo’s most stylish cafés. At first, only rich people could afford it. However, after World War II, the economic situation in Japan changed quickly. More people started going to cafés and department stores and were keen on spending money! The beverage became easier to find in coffee stores, and families across Japan began enjoying it.

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Why is cream soda still popular in Japan today?

In the 1960s and 1970s, it became a symbol of fun and youth. Cafés served it in tall glasses with bright green melon soda, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a cherry on top. It looked delicious and felt like a special treat. Kids loved it, teenagers ordered it on dates. The drink appeared in manga, movies, and posters. For many, it became a happy memory of summer and growing up.

Even today, this fizzy drink feels like a special treat. It brings back memories of childhood and peaceful, simpler days. Many people connect it with the Taisho era (1912–1926), a time known for its stylish charm and artistic flair. Due to this, it is often seen as a classic “retro” drink. Its bright colors, creamy top, and sweet, fizzy taste continue to bring joy with every sip.

In recent years, this beverage has made a big comeback. Retro-style cafés or Taisho-era cafes across Japan have added it back to their menus. Some shops use the classic melon flavor, while others try new ideas like strawberry, grape, or blue soda. The tall glass, creamy scoop of ice cream, and cherry on top still make them fun to look at, snap photos of, and enjoy

Where can I try cream sodas in Japan?

Cafe Soiree, Kyoto

At Cafe Soiree in Kyoto, trying cream soda feels like a fun trip back in time with its retro atmosphere. This old café, open since 1948, offers six bright flavors like melon, strawberry, and lemon. Each drink has a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the fizzy soda, making it creamy and sweet. In addition to their soda range, their jelly punch is also a must-try. The cozy, soft blue-lit space makes it a great place to relax and enjoy these classic treats.

Kissa Nikai, Tokyo

At Kissa Nikai in Tokyo, you can enjoy a creative and refreshing take on the beverage. Their signature drink blends fizzy ramune with yogurt ice cream and blueberry sauce. The retro atmosphere adds to the charm. Their menu includes fun options like raspberry float and banana caramel float, along with seasonal flavors like sakura and black tea. It’s a perfect stop to hop by in the cozy Yanaka neighbourhood.

Why do people like Japanese cream soda so much?

Japanese cream soda plays a meaningful role in the country’s café culture and everyday memories. They remind people of childhood summers, cozy kissaten visits, and the joy of sharing a colorful treat with friends or family. These beverages became symbols of fun and comfort, especially during the Taisho and Showa eras. Their eye-catching look, fizzy sweetness, and creamy topping continue to bring smiles to people of all ages. 

Today, cafés across Japan keep the tradition alive, offering both classic and seasonal versions that invite people to slow down and enjoy the moment. Cream sodas remain a beloved part of Japanese life, full of flavor, color, and memories that never fade. What’s your favorite drink to have during summer? Let us know in the comments below!