Iyoshi Cola:

Tokyo’s Original Craft Cola Experience

5 Chome-29-12 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001

May 4, 2025

When you think of Tokyo’s drink scene, your mind might go straight to matcha lattes or canned coffee — but hidden in the backstreets of Jingumae is something a little more unexpected: craft cola. Not just any craft cola, though — Iyoshi Cola, a brand with a unique origin story.

Iyoshi Cola was founded by Kola Kobayashi, a self-proclaimed cola enthusiast with an unexpected connection to traditional medicine. His grandfather owned and operated a traditional medicine factory, the kind of place filled with roots, herbs, and time-tested remedies. After his grandfather passed away, Kobayashi was going through his belongings when he noticed something surprising — many of the tools left behind could also be used to make cola. This sparked his curiosity, and after months of experimentation and tinkering, Iyoshi Cola was born.

From Farmers’ Markets to Brick-and-Mortar Shops

Kobayashi began his journey humbly, selling his homemade cola out of a food truck at the Aoyama Farmers Market. From those early days, Iyoshi Cola has grown into something much bigger — now operating two physical locations in Tokyo.

The first is located in Shimo-Ochiai, tucked along the Kanda River, and is open only during cherry blossom season. During this short window in early spring, visitors can sip cola beneath the blooming sakura, at the original location of his grandfather’s factory. The second, more accessible location is in Jingumae, near Harajuku and Omotesando. If you’re visiting Tokyo outside of sakura season, this is the place to go. 

A Shop That Smells Like History

Walking into the Jingumae location feels like stepping into a carefully preserved memory. The space is modest but atmospheric, with dark wood interiors and shelves lined with apothecary-style jars and vintage cola memorabilia. The scent of warming spices — cinnamon, cloves, citrus peel — fills the air, echoing the founder’s roots in traditional medicine.

Just outside the shop is a small vending machine that sells Iyoshi Cola in both glass bottles and cans, but the real experience happens inside. The staff encourages customers to order it fresh, and it’s easy to see why.

Two Flavors, One Carefully Crafted Experience

The shop keeps things simple: the menu has just two items — the Original Cola and the Japan Edition, but most first-timers opt for the classic.

When you order at the counter, the drink is prepared in front of you with a kind of understated ceremony. A small plastic pouch is filled with ice, the cola syrup, a splash of soda water, and a slice of lemon. A few spices are added to finish it off, and you're handed a drink that feels more like a potion than a soda.

The taste? The cola flavor is definitely there, along with the punch of the spices, but without the artificial syrupiness you get from commercial brands. It’s refreshing and complex — the perfect drink to enjoy as the weather starts to warm up. 

Take It Home (Or Find It Around the City)

Can’t get enough? Iyoshi Cola also sells their handmade syrup bottles, so you can recreate the experience at home. Just add soda water and ice, and you're good to go.

If you can’t make it to the shop — or just want a convenient way to grab a bottle — look out for the canned and bottled versions at select stores around Tokyo. They're especially popular in natural food stores and specialty grocers.

Iyoshi Cola isn’t just a drink — it’s a blend of craftsmanship, family history, and cultural fusion. It’s a little story in a glass, told through spice, aroma, and careful preparation. Whether you're a soda aficionado, or just curious about Japan’s growing craft beverage scene, this is a stop worth making.