Where To Find Kombucha In Japan

Kombucha, while huge in the western world, is difficult to find in Japan.

Which is ironic, given that it is a Japanese word for kelp tea (kombu = kelp, cha = tea).
However, Japan’s kombucha is not at all what you are probably used to. It is earthy and bitter, with none of the carbonation or sourness that comes with the western version.

[For the purposes of this article, “kombucha” will be referring to the western version.]

Given that there are so few companies that actually make kombucha, knowing where to buy it is quite difficult.

Below is the rundown of the brands that produce kombucha and where you can find it.

Kombucha Ship 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_lqCzfpnoh/

Kombucha Ship, the largest kombucha maker in Japan, uses only organic and pesticide-free ingredients in their products. It is not bottled, but rather sold in a keg and distributed by restaurants throughout the country.

The company is part of Oizumi Factory, a large corporation that has been around for more than 100 years. Apart from kombucha, their other businesses include real estate, salons, and farmers markets.

You can find their kombucha at over 40 shops and restaurants throughout the country.

Where to find:

• In Tokyo: https://oks-kombuchaship.com/shop/#tokyo
• Outside of Tokyo: https://oks-kombuchaship.com/shop/

My favorite places in Tokyo among the list above:

• Saido (high-end vegan food at a reasonable price; in Jiyugaoka)
• Vegan Store (all-vegan grocery store; in Asakusa)
• Trueberry (high-quality smoothies and healthy eats; in Omotesando, Nakameguro, and Shibuya)

Culture and Leaf 

Culture and Leaf is the first RTD (ready-to-drink) kombucha company of Japan. Along with kombucha, it makes fruit vinegar and Manuka honey lemonade.
Their branding is quite modern, with typography that clearly caters to the millennial generation.

The booch comes in three flavors: lavender chamomile, ginger cinnamon, and peppermint.

Where to find:

• Seijo Ishii (chain high-end grocery store with nationwide locations)
• Natural Lawson (chain convenient store with nationwide locations)

Wow Kombucha

Wow-Food Inc., established in 2015, is a small Japanese beverage company that makes various fruit juices.
They launched their kombucha line in May 2020, making it one of the newest companies in Japan to make kombucha.

It comes in three flavors: ginger & lime, pomegranate & apple, and mixed berry.

Compared to Culture and Leaf, I found their kombucha to be a touch more fizzy and satisfying. Plus, it’s about 60 yen cheaper. Win-win!

Where to find:

• Seijo Ishii (chain high-end grocery store with nationwide locations)
• Select Family Mart locations (chain convenient store)

Elle Cafe 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrO0TD7nToU/

Elle Cafe, part of Elle Magazine, is a health-and-wellness-focused cafe in Aoyama. The menu has gluten-free, vegan, and low carb options.

It took them two years to develop their kombucha, which comes in three flavors: pomegranate and berry, passionfruit and ginger, and, lychee and rose.

In addition to the cafe, there is also a deli next door that sells cold-press juices, smoothies, power bowls, and of course, kombucha.

How to get there:

7-minute walk from Omotesando station, or 15-minute walk from Shibuya station.

Address:
5 Chome-51-8 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001

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