During summer months, you can find sweets joints and cafes serving kakigoori virtually everywhere in Japan. The followings are some of the most popular and highly rated joints in the region. Visit one or more and enjoy the traditional treats.

1. Tamura Koori Hanbaiten (near Misawa)

Tamura Koori Hanbaiten is a long-established ice dealer. It offers popular fluffy shaved-ice made from local Mishima spring water with various syrups for 300 yen during summertime.

• Location: 8-5-16 Konakano, Hachinohe City, Aomori Pref.

• Hours: Mon. - Fri. Noon -10 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

• Tel: 0178-22-1549

2. Jindinro Lalaport Ebina (near Zama and Atsugi)

Sample Mango Kakigoori for 540 yen. The unique fluffy milk-flavored shaved-ice, topped with rich mango sauce lets you enjoy the authentic taste of Taiwanese shaved ice.

• Location: Lalaport Ebina 3F, 13-1 Ougicho, Ebina City, Kanagawa Pref.

• Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

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3. Hinode-en (near Yokosuka and Zama)

The popular tea shop in Hayama Town offers kakigoori in various tea flavors. Among more than 10 options, macha or toasted tea kakigoori with sweet beans and milk for 825 yen are popular.

• Location: 1413-212 Nagae, Hayama-cho, Kanagawa Pref. (30-min. drive from Yokosuka Naval Base)

• Hours: Thu. - Tue.10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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4. MELANGE De SHUHARI Creperie (near Iwakuni)

They make quality ice for kakigoori using pure water. Tiramisu, made from coffee syrup and mascarpone cheese sauce, is one of the most popular kakigoori.

• Location: 9-19 [3F] Hondoori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Pref. (5-min. walk from Hondoori Station of Hiroden Line)

• Hours: 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

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5. Aizengama No. 1210 (near Sasebo)

Hasami-yaki pottery shop Aizengama No. 1210 has a café offering strawberry milk and espresso kakigoori ices for 650 yen in the summer. The espresso kakigoori features a fresh shot over fluffy milk-flavored shaved ice. The bitter yet rich, sweet flavor is sure to refresh and reenergize you!

• Location: 1210 Yumutago, Hasami Town, Higashi Sonogi-gun, Nagasaki Pref.

• Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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Popular versions of shaved ice

• SHIROKUMA: originated in Kagoshima Pref.: Shaved ice with condensed milk, small colorful mochi, fruits, and sweet bean paste, along with orange, cherry, pineapple, and raisins on top.

• Yukiusagi: originated in Komazawa, Tokyo: Shaved ice with sake and sugar syrup, served on New Year’s Day.

• Ujikintoki: originated in Okayama Pref.: Shaved ice made up of matcha syrup and sugar, along with sweet beans.

• Sudamari koori: originated in Yamagata Pref.: Shaved ice with vinegar, soy-sauce and strawberry syrup.

• Akafuku goori: originated in Mie Pref.: Shaved ice with sweet bean paste, rice cake, and matcha syrup on top.

• Zenzai: originated on Okinawa: Popular kakigoori dessert on the island. Sprinkle shaved ice on sweet beans.

• Cobalt Ice: originated in Kumamoto Pref.: Shaved ice with bright blue syrup made from honey and condensed milk.

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