MITSUYA CIDER: Why Japan’s Classic Soda Has Been Loved for Over 140 Years

MITSUYA CIDER is a carbonated drink manufactured and sold by the major beverage company Asahi Soft Drinks Co., Ltd.
It is known as one of Japan’s leading clear sweetened carbonated soft drink brands.
In Europe, “cider” often refers to an alcoholic drink made from apples, but in Japan, “cider” refers to a sweet, non-alcoholic carbonated drink.
The origins of MITSUYA CIDER date back to 1884, to natural carbonated mineral spring water discovered in Hirano, Tadamura, Hyogo Prefecture.
In 1907, it was released under the name Mitsuya-Jirushi Hirano Champagne Cider.
At the time, carbonated drinks were still unusual in Japan, and its sweet taste made it popular as a drink that evoked Western culture, to the point that production could not keep up with demand.
Its taste and production methods have been refined throughout its long history, but the brand’s core identity of a clear and refreshing taste remains unchanged even today.
One key feature of its flavor is the use of filtered water known in Japanese as “polished water.”
Water that is carefully filtered through multiple processes, including activated charcoal and microfilters, supports its clean finish.
Another reason it has enjoyed such long-lasting support is that it contains no preservatives or colorings.

MITSUYA CIDER has long been loved in Japan as a drink that evokes a sense of “clean, cool refreshment that leaves you feeling clear-headed.”
Here, we introduce three reasons why MITSUYA CIDER continues to be loved.

Here are a few simple recipes you can quickly make at your hotel while traveling.

The ingredients are all easy to find at convenience stores and supermarkets.
Enjoy them with friends or family during your hotel stay.
For those who enjoy alcohol, cocktails made with MITSUYA CIDER instead of soda water are also recommended.

In addition to its standard products, MITSUYA also offers a variety of other series.
Seasonal limited-edition flavors also appear from time to time, so one of the pleasures of visiting Japan is being able to encounter different flavors depending on when you come.

MITSUYA CIDER can be purchased in all kinds of places throughout Japan.
For a 500 ml plastic bottle, the price is generally around 140 to 180 yen, although this varies by store and region.
A large 1.5 L size is also sold, making it convenient for sharing at a hotel.
The main places where you can buy it are as follows.

One place where you can experience the efforts of the Asahi Group, which manufactures MITSUYA CIDER, is the Super Dry Museum in Ibaraki Prefecture.
The main exhibit centers on the beer brand Asahi Super Dry.
In addition, it is a popular facility where visitors can experience Japanese craftsmanship and beverage culture with all five senses through displays about quality and freshness and the ingenuity behind the production process.
Along with exhibits introducing the brand’s history and the background of its development, visitors can also enjoy immersive video experiences and tours of the production process.
If you are 20 or older, you can also enjoy tasting freshly made beer from the factory.
Another appealing point is how easy it is to visit, as it is about an hour by train from major Tokyo stations such as Shinjuku Station and Shibuya Station, making it easy to fit into a sightseeing plan.
It is a spot well worth visiting for anyone who wants to experience Japan’s spirit of craftsmanship.

MITSUYA CIDER is a symbol of Japan’s sparkling-drink culture, with a history spanning more than 140 years.
Its clear and refreshing taste, commitment to safety and reliability, and continued evolution with the times are all reasons why it has remained so widely loved.
If you spot it at a convenience store or vending machine during your trip to Japan, be sure to pick up a bottle and give it a try.