Iyoshi Cola and More Japanese Sodas to Try this Summer!
Karina Ikedo
If you’re curious about unique sodas, Japanese sodas offer a refreshing taste experience, unlike anything you’ve tried before! Some hit that sweet spot in the most unexpected ways, making every sip a fun surprise. Iyoshi Cola and other gourmet sodas level up your cola game with their smooth, delicious flavors.
In Japan, sodas are not just about the typical carbonated drinks. They take things to a whole new level. Let’s dive into some of Japan’s most interesting, high-end sodas making waves right now!
Iyoshi Cola
Iyoshi Cola is a craft cola from Kobayashi Kola, founded in Tokyo’s Shimo-Ochiai district in 2018. The flagship store feels like a research lab filled with spices and aromas. Cola is served in a clear pouch with soda water poured over freshly made syrup. The soda bubbles burst, and spices sink, adding a fun touch to each drink.
The first sip surprises with citrus freshness and a lingering coffee-whisky aroma. Iyoshi Cola adds a fruity twist to classic cola with a smooth, creamy vibe and less fizz. It’s sweet yet balanced, and the cool, retro bottle design matches the experience.
Founded by cola enthusiast Takahide Kobayashi, who discovered a 100-year-old cola recipe online. Iyoshi Cola took over two years of trial and error to perfect. Inspired by his grandfather’s traditional medicine craftsmanship, Kobayashi uses old tools for his experiments.
Tomo Cola
Tomo Cola is a creative, refreshing twist on craft cola! It doesn’t just make its own Japanese drinks; it helps people across Japan create unique versions. Run by a former perfumer, Tomo Cola blends herbs, spices, and rare fruits for a one-of-a-kind flavor experience. The brand supports local communities in Japan, helping them craft regional colas with full rights to their creations.
Tomo Cola has launched local projects like Gifu Cola and Kuma Cola, each with a distinct taste. Whether it’s their original cola or a regional creation, Tomo Cola celebrates Japan’s diverse flavors in a fizzy, fun way!
Kihada Cola
Kihada Cola from Nara mixes tradition with a fizzy twist! This unique cola is inspired by the Kihada tree, which has been used in Japanese medicine. The creators of Kihada Cola transformed the ancient tree’s essence into a refreshing, all-natural cola with a modern twist. Packed with bold flavors and a smooth finish, it blends the sweet with the tangy while staying true to its roots!
Izumo Spice Lab
Izumo Spice Lab is where spice lovers and cola enthusiasts meet for a flavor explosion like no other! Founded by Kentaro Yamada, Izumo Spice Lab creates bold, natural, and exciting drinks inspired by his global spice adventures.
Teaming up with Hiroya Nakano, they worked with local farmers to revitalize land and create four unique cola syrups. Each syrup has a special blend of spices and fruits. Their signature Craft Cola comes with 10 spices and three zesty citrus fruits.
Izumo Spice Lab is all about keeping things natural—no chemicals or pesticides! They grow most of their ingredients locally, using traditional farming methods to keep things fresh and flavorful. It’s a fun, creative, and delicious way to support local farming and bring a little spice to your life!
Can’t make it out here, but do you want to try some exclusive Japanese sodas? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, drinks, snacks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest Japanese drinks directly from Japan!
Toba Toba Cola
Toba Toba Cola is a special drink from the tiny island of Kikaijima in Kagoshima. It’s run by Nao and Keith, who met in Singapore in 2012, and their cola has a unique twist! Inspired by Singapore’s herbal drinks, they use local ingredients like island citrus fruits, raw brown sugar, and hand-ground spices. Even better, many of these fruits would go to waste. But Toba Toba Cola is all about reducing food loss and supporting local farmers.
This cola mixes 14 spices with a secret kola nut extraction method, giving it a smooth and mellow flavor. It’s the perfect refreshing sip, blending tradition, innovation, and a little eco-friendly magic in every drop!
Why should you try drinks like Iyoshi Cola?
People should try these unique Japanese sodas because they’re a fun, refreshing dive into Japan’s wild and innovative flavor culture! From gourmet sodas inspired by ancient trees to herbal and spice-infused brews, each sip is an adventure. The creative ingredient combos and quirky packaging make these drinks extra special.
Whether you’re a soda fan or just curious about Japan, these drinks will take your taste buds on a ride. Try them, and you’ll never see soda the same way again! Have you tried one of these unique Japanese sodas from our list? What’s your favorite Japanese soda? Let us know in the comments below!
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