
It turns out that Cherry blossom Pepsi tastes as lovely as it looks.
This isn’t a sponsored post, but in the interest of full disclosure, we feel it’s only right to state that we were fortunate enough to get hold of this new Pepsi free of charge through TokyoTreat. The drink is of course also available from other online and brick-and-mortar stores.
Since we first heard about Pepsi’s unique spring release, we’d been waiting for the chance to get our hands on the pretty-looking soft drink. As of today, it’s on sale in limited quantities, and we were lucky enough to get one from TokyoTreat as part of their monthly box of Japanese sweets and beverages. We’re happy to say Sakura Pepsi really does taste as good as it looks.
▼ Snack time! Underneath all these chips and chocolates is the beautiful Sakura Pepsi.
▼ The label on the drink stands out immediately with its bright pink blossoms and the word “Sakura” presented on a black background.
▼ The colour of the drink is a gorgeous blushing shade of pale pink.
▼ Even the bottom of the bottle resembles a pink flower!
After admiring the pretty packaging, it’s time to crack the lid and pour the fizzy drink out for a taste.
Straight away, we can smell the distinctive Pepsi aroma. However, there’s the added pleasure of a slight floral cherry fragrance, which suits the pretty colour of the drink.
With our first sip, the flowery aroma reaches the nose before the liquid hits the tongue, giving a full hit of sakura flavour as the drink goes down. It’s surprising and delicious at the same time. The Pepsi cola flavour is there in abundance, acting as the familiar base on which to carry the sakura flavour, and while the closest thing we could liken this to would be cherry cola, it’s miles away from any we’ve ever tasted. It’s distinctly floral, with just a slight sour cherry note.
Given the flavour and its pretty appearance, we’re sure we’ll be seeing plenty of these at picnics during the upcoming hanami cherry blossom viewing season!
If you’re in Japan, the Pepsi Sakura is available at stores around the country during spring for 140 yen (US$1.20). If you’re outside of Japan, you’re in luck because online stockists are also carrying it, including the aforementioned TokyoTreat, who are bundling the drink in their monthly box for anyone who signs up to their Premium Plan before March 31.
Follow Oona on Twitter for all the latest in limited-edition Japan releases and information about new openings and restaurants around Tokyo.
Photos & video © RocketNews24











World’s first-ever Sakura Pepsi coming to Japan this March
We try Starbucks Japan’s new sakura Frappuccino and latte【Taste Test】
Pepsi’s new Japan Cola has a special ingredient: one of Japan’s most delicious sweets seasonings
New sakura cherry blossom Coca-Cola bottle available only in Japan
Does Starbucks Japan’s new sakura drink for cherry blossom season 2024 taste as good as it looks?
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Studio Ghibli releases new Totoro coin purses…but who’s the blue character?
Tokyo’s Giga Mart lets visitors “steal” from a convenience store… if cameras don’t catch you
Japan’s new Calpis pudding: The right call for summer, or tampering with purin perfection?
Hiker needs to be rescued from Mt. Fuji two times in two days, but system is working as intended
Can instant TKG from Don Quijote really recreate Japan’s beloved raw-egg-on-rice dish?
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Starbucks Japan adds shaved ice desserts to the menu at select locations
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan reacts to Donald Trump’s “Islamic Republic of Japan” remark
Japanese airport rebrands itself as “Sushi Airport” to attract foreign tourists
Three new starter Pokémon Jets to fly in Japan, first begins carrying passengers this month
Studio Ghibli theme park’s new dessert is a drinkable version of Hayao Miyazaki’s pilot daydream
Solid gold Hedorah kaiju from the Godzilla series is now available to pre-order
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Coca-Cola Japan unveils new cherry blossom sakura design bottle for 2018
Sakura Cola coming to Japan, sounds as wondrous as the cherry blossoms themselves
Suntory releases new Pepsi soft drinks only available in Japan
The Japan-exclusive Pepsi for fried chicken is here, but is it good?【Taste test】
We try the new sakura Frappuccino from Starbucks Japan【SoraNews24 Taste Test】
Starbucks Sakura Frappuccino blooms in Japan 【Taste Test】
We try Starbucks Japan’s new Sakura Frappuccino drinks for cherry blossom season 2019
We try the sakura macaron and cherry blossom iced drink from Lindt Japan
Pepsi Japan teases new limited-edition flavour with clever marketing
We try the new Sakura Blossom Cream Frappuccino and Latte from Starbucks Japan
Starbucks Japan adds new sakura Frappuccino and cherry blossom drinks to the menu
Shake Shack Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom drinks for 2019
Pepsi Japan to release its “most refreshing” cola ever
Coca-Cola Japan releases milk tea with cherry and sakura blossom flavours for spring
Starbucks Japan’s sakura Frappuccino and latte make us see the cherry blossoms in a new light
Sakura Lindor: A Lindt chocolate you can only buy in Japan