The season’s almost over, but it’s never too late to indulge in a summer favorite. That’s right, I’m talking about kakigōri or shaved ice. This refreshing summer treat can be enjoyed almost anywhere in Tokyo, with cafes and restaurants serving their own flavors, mixes and concoctions. This year, I decided to go international and tried five shops of different origins.
Himitsudō
Flavor: Pumpkin Cream Caramel
Price: JPY 900
Location: Yanaka Ginza (Google Maps)
Business Hours: 10:00-16:00; Closed on Mondays
Yanaka Ginza is not just known for cats and Showa flavors, it’s also where you can find the wildly popular Himitsudō! Using tennnen gori or natural ice and generous servings of fresh ingredients, they attract long queues all year round. Their strawberry flavor is a sure win, but kabocha lovers will find their pumpkin cream caramel divine!
Sciroppo
Flavor: Tiramisu
Price: JPY 700 (Small); JPY 900 (Big)
Location: Sasazuka (Google Maps)
Business Hours: 12:00-15:00; Closed on Tuesdays
Speaking of charming districts, Sasazuka’s Sciroppo makes it to this list with its combination of natural ice from Fuji and Italian flavors. I had a cup full of tiramisu kakigōri bursting with rich coffee and cocoa flavors.
Sulbing
Flavor: Chocolate Snowflakes Sherbet
Price: JPY 1,300
Location: Harajuku (Google Maps)
Business Hours: 10:30 – 20:00
Korea’s popular chain store is now in Harajuku with its crazy delicious ice treats. Chocaholics out there will love their Chocolate Snowflakes Sherbet with generous servings of chocolate that melt in your mouth and linger. This is one shaved ice treat you shouldn’t miss out on.
*If you’re planning to head to Korea, then definitely visit Subing. You’ll get a bigger serving for the same price.
Ice Monster
Flavor: Mango Sensation
Price: JPY 1,550
Location: Harajuku (Google Maps)
Business Hours: 11:00-21:00
Hailing all the way from Taiwan and making a name for itself in sweets district Harajuku, Ice Monster’s flagship flavor is Mango Sensation. This kakigōri has a distinct texture and large chunks of mango in it. A quick word for Filipinos, though, these mangoes are not from the Philippines, so don’t expect them to be as sweet as ours.
Sarap Bussan
Flavor: Halo-halo
Price: JPY 750
Location: Akabane (Google Maps)
Business Hours: 12:00-22:00
You didn’t think I’d end this list without my country’s very own, did you? Sarap Bussan is a Filipino store in Akabane that has, yes, you got it: halo-halo, the Filipino version of sweet shaved ice. Bursting in colors and flavors, halo-halo is layer after layer of shaved ice, jackfruit, bananas, sweet beans and gelatin, drizzled with condensed milk and topped with ice cream. Yes, you have to try it!
While these stores are a hit in summer, they’re open all-year round. So anytime you find yourself craving a refreshing sweet treat, head to one of these shops and get your fill.
