Tokyo | How does Ira Cola, a trendy cola brand based on centuries-old traditional Chinese medicine, capture the hearts of tourists?

If you're visiting Shibuya, don't miss a visit to this craft cola shop. The story begins in 1954, when Ryotaro Ito opened a Tokyo pharmacy, producing and selling Chinese herbal medicines, naming it Ira Yakuko. Originally a simple shop selling Chinese herbal medicines, his grandson unexpectedly turned it into a lucrative business. Takahide Kobayashi, a graduate student in agricultural life sciences at the University of Tokyo and a former employee of a major advertising agency, is so passionate about cola that he claims to have traveled to over 20 countries to try different cola options, even calling himself Cola Kobayashi. One day, he had a sudden whim: what if he could create a Chinese herbal cola using his grandfather's century-old recipe? After over two years of experimentation, Ira Cola was born. It started as a mobile food truck, selling at various events in Tokyo. Business flourished, prompting the opening of this shop in Shibuya. The Chinese herbal formulas are displayed on the table, unobstructed, and the medicine cabinets and signage retain the hallmarks of Ira Yakuko. Cola syrup with milk, Kampo cola with lemon slices—unexpected variations have helped cola fans turn their hobby into a business. Kampo cola has become a popular and exciting drink among young people, and this year it also made its debut in Taiwan, opening a branch in Zhongshan District. 📍Address: Takei Building, 5-29-12 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001 🚗A five-minute walk from Shibuya Station #SeptemberGoodPlaces2025