Shaved ice in Japan: Kakigoori parlors near your base

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. Wataboshi (near Zama and Atsugi)
Offers tasty kakigoori made from natural ice from Mt. Yatsugatake. Among various options, Tiramisu for 950 yen is the most popular and must-sample.

Location: 1-24-12 Higashi-Kasugaya, Ebina City, Kanagawa Pref.
Hours: 11:30 a.m. - 7 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. Brooklyn ToGo (Sasebo)
American sweets shop Brooklyn ToGo offers popular fluffy shaved-ice with three different flavors - Quatro Chocolate Almond, Strawberry milk Espuma and Matcha Sweet-beans - with condensed milk for 750 yen.

Location: 6-14 Sakae Town, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Pref.
Hours: noon - 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.