If you’ve been to a summer festival (matsuri) in Japan, you have definitely seen the colorful glass bottles of Ramune. Locals have a deep nostalgia for this sweet, fizzy drink. The name “Ramune” is actually a Japanese phonetic derivation of the word “lemonade.”
Why is there a marble inside?
The design of the Ramune bottle is what makes it unique. Known globally as a “Codd-neck bottle,” this design was once common around the world in the late 19th century.
The glass bottle uses a glass marble and a rubber ring to hold in the carbonation. In the days before screw caps and pull-tabs, the pressure from the CO2 gas pushed the marble against the seal to keep the drink fizzy.
Japan is one of the very few places in the world that still uses this traditional bottling system, which is why travelers find it so fascinating and nostalgic.
How to Open a Bottle of Ramune
The plastic seal suggests that you drink this beverage cold.
Make sure not to throw the green cap as it is used to open the bottle.
Once you push the plastic cap in, the marble is pushed down; wait for 5-6 seconds till the fizz has settled before you take a sip! The marble rattles as you drink straight from the bottle.
If you haven’t yet tried Ramune, keep an eye out for this yummy drink! Usually available for about 150 yen, its a must-try on your trip to Japan.
