November 24, 2019
By Haruka Mishima
The History of Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is one of most famous drinks in the world, so a lot of people know it and drink it. However, I think most people don’t know the history. I also didn’t know much before I visited the Coca-Cola factory in Kyoto. I will tell you about the history a little bit. Coca-Cola was invented in 1886 by Dr. John S Pemberton, who was a pharmacist in Atlanta, Georgia, the USA. In the beginning, Coca-Cola could only be drunk at his shops. Later, Coca- Cola was sold in bottles. Then, people could drink it everywhere. The taste of Coca-Cola has not changed from 1886 to today. It is about 130 years, a long time!
In the Factory
・WELCOME ZONE １F
You can buy Coca-Cola’s souvenirs. There were a lot of kinds of goods such as key chains, pens and so on. They were very cute.
・WELCOME ZONE 2F
You can watch a short movie about the area and tour with an introduction. Moreover, you can drink Coca-Cola and some other drinks for free. You can enjoy taking pictures.
・STUDY ZONE (Theater)
You can watch a movie about history with 3D.
・STUDY ZONE (Time Tunnel)
You can see old bottles and soft drinks in Japan. I have never seen a lot of those things. It was very interesting and fun.
・STUDY ZONE (FACTORY VIEW)
You can see the manufacture of soft drinks. However, you cannot take pictures at this zone.
・CHALLENGE ZONE
This place is like a Coca-Cola museum. You can take pictures, answer quizzes and so on.
English
Some zones have English translation. However, the guides cannot speak English. The company is thinking about using English voice guidance in the future. In my opinion, you can enjoy the tour without understanding the language.
My Report
I visited Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan. It was so fun to learn, drink and see the factory. Also, there were a lot of contents. One of my favorite things that I could see was a lot of different countries’ Coca-Cola bottles. I didn’t know that taste is not different all over the world. I was very interested in the information I learned. I recommend people to visit there!
Details
Website: https://www.ccbji.co.jp/plant/kyoto.php
Usual Open Days:
Tuesday to Sunday (Monday is a closed day, but substitute holiday is open day. It is closed New Year’s holiday and may have temporary closure.)
Scheduled Tour Hours:
①10:00 ②12:30 ③14:30 ④16:30 (Saturday, Sunday, and holiday from March to September or spring and summer vacation)
Please check the daily schedule on the website. https://www.ccbji.co.jp/plant/reserve/calendar?f=kyoto
Execution Time: About 90 minutes
The Number of People:
From 2 people to 50 people (People are not welcome to enter alone.)
Reservation:
You can make an appointment on the day before or up to two months in advance. Applications will be accepted in order of receipt. Reservations and inquiries are only on the phone.
Phone number: 0774-43-5522 / +81 774-43-5522
(From 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Access:
Address: Sinarami 128, Tai, Kuse Gun Kumiyama Cho, Kyoto Fu, 613-0036, Japan
＜Bus and Taxi>
・It takes about 20 minutes from Kintetsu Kyoto line Okubo station by bus. You should ride No. 25 or 26B. Then, get off the bus at Shintamaki station.
・It takes about 20 minutes from Keihan Line Nakasyosima station by bus. You should ride No. 25. Then, get off the bus at Shintamaki station.
・It takes about 30 to 45 minutes from JR Kyoto station by taxi.
・It takes about 15 minutes from Kintetsu Okubo station or Keihan Line Nakasyosima station by taxi.