Japanese Kakigori: Take A Break From The Summer Heat

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Japanese summer can be hot, humid, and... enjoyable! Summer is the best time of year to enjoy traditional Japanese shaved ice dessert: "kakigori." In this article, we will cover kakigori including its history, popular flavors, as well as some of the best shops in Tokyo to enjoy this delicious Japanese treat. Furthermore, we will explain how to make your own kakigori at home.

We also have many other articles covering Japanese food including Japanese sweets, green tea, noodles, natto, tempura, and more.

What is Kakigori?

Kakigori is a traditional Japanese dessert made of shaved ice with toppings such as syrups, fruits, condensed milk, etc. It is a popular treat that can be enjoyed at various places ranging from upscale hotels and cafes to convenience stores and festival stalls. Even more, you can make one at home! While its popularity peaks in the summer, nothing stops you from enjoying kakigori during other seasons and there are many specialty stores in Japan serving it all year round.

History of Kakigori

The history of kakigori goes all the way back to the Heain period (794-1185), when it was enjoyed exclusively by aristocracy. You can't make kakigori without ice, which was one of the main reasons for its scarcity and exclusivity in the past.

As times went on, technological progress made it possible to turn a new page in history of kakigori. Development of first ice makers in the Meiji era (1868-1912) made mass production of ice a reality. Kakigori was no longer a privilege of elites to enjoy, the general public finally tasted this mouthwatering dessert too. Invention of an ice shaving machine further cemented status of kakigori as one of the most popular Japanese summer treats.

If you are interested in learning about the history of Tokyo, be sure to check: "A Complete History of Tokyo: Edo Period, Meiji Era, and Beyond".

How to Find Kakigori?​

One of the easiest ways to find a kakigori shop or a stall is to keep an eye for a banner with red kanji (Japanese character) meaning ice. There are many designs and varieties of banners for kakigori places. But red "氷"(ice) kanji probably means you have found a place that will serve you some shaved ice dessert. If you attend one of the summer festivals in Japan, make sure not to miss it.

Kakigori Flavors

Once you have found a kakigori shop, it is time to choose a flavor of your dreams. While a cotton candy like texture of kakigori is sure to leave you craving for more, the sheer variety of available flavors is what never ceases to amaze. Some of the most popular flavors are strawberry with condensed milk and ujikintoki (made of matcha syrup and azuki beans).

Melon, lemon, mango, blue Hawaii and shirokuma are also some of the favorite flavors among Japanese people. There are also many more unique syrups and toppings you can encounter in the world of kakigori. It would be impossible to list all of them in this article.

As one Japanese proverb says: "hyakubun wa ikken ni sikazu", which can be translated as it is better to see something once than hear about it one hundred times. No matter how much we talk about kakigori, going to a shop and trying it yourself is the best and the most delicious way to experience Japanese culture. Please keep reading as we will explore some of the best places to enjoy kakigori in Tokyo.

Kakigori Shops in Tokyo

Tokyo is home to a plethora of shops to enjoy kakigori and we are happy to share with you some of the most delicious ones. After satisfying your cravings for kakigori, you may also be interested in visiting one of the "Tokyo's Best Fruit Parlors" to enjoy luxury fruits and desserts. 

Using one of the restaurant guides is also a very convenient way to explore eating establishments in Tokyo as well as in other cities in Japan. For a list of restaurant guides available Japan, please check here.

Kakigori Atelier Sekka

It serves kakigori made with ice from Mount Fuji and flavored with a handmade syrup. Atelier Sekka's attention to details definitely makes it worth a visit.

Website: http://atelier-sekka.com (in Japanese)
Address: 3-37-6 Sugamo, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Mejiro Shimura

On the first floor, there is a shop where you can purchase various "wagashi" (Japanese traditional sweets), and on the second and third floors, there is a cafe where you can enjoy delicious kakigori! You can check their Instagram page (in Japanese) for menu, photos of kakigori, and more.

Website: https://shimurakashi.base.shop (in Japanese)
Address: 3-13-3 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Himitsudo

Menu at Himitsudo changes daily and a manually operated ice shaving machine is used to shave ice. Himitsudo pays great attention to ingredients and does not use ready-made syrups.

Website: http://himitsudo.com (in Japanese)
Address: 3-11-18 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Hyousha Mamatoko

This shop is a must visit for those of us who are eager to explore the world of kakigori flavors. Menu changes on regular basis and often includes rather unique toppings.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/hyousha_mamatoko/ (in Japanese)
Address: 6-31-2 Honcho, Nakano-ku, Tokyo

Asakusa Naniwaya

The shop specializes in taiyaki, a fish shaped cake made with anko (red bean paste). It is also a popular place to enjoy kakigori!

Website: https://a-naniwaya.com/en/
Address: 2-12-4 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Ichounoki

When it comes to creativity in kakigori, there is probably no better place than Ichounoki. Kakigori served there is more than a shaved ice dessert, it is a delicious masterpiece. For more information, updates, etc., please visit their Instagram page (in Japanese).

Website: https://ichounoki.com/
Address: 1-28-14 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

DÉGUSTATION

DÉGUSTATION is a French restaurant in Tokyo that serves delicious kakigori. Its menu changes monthly and reservation is required. 

Website: https://www.degustation.jp/kakigoori/english.php
Address: 2-37-11 Seijo, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

How to Make Kakigori

We have some good news for those of you who would like to relax and enjoy home-made kakigori without leaving the comfort of your home – making one is easy! In order to make this traditional Japanese dessert, you would need to have pure water to make ice (using tap water is not recommended), syrup and an ice shaving machine called "kakigori-ki" in Japanese. You can either go for a traditional manually operated one or choose an electric one. Using the electric ice shaving maching is easier, but the traditional manual one may give you a more authentic experience. Kakigori-ki can be bought at electronics stores or ordered online using such services as Amazon.

Once you have prepared ice, it is strongly recommended to let it melt a bit before crushing it. Then, you simply shave it using kakigori-ki. When you have finished shaving ice, you need to pour syrup on top of it. That’s it! Your kakigori is ready! For those of you who would like to go a little bit further, it is always possible to make a syrup yourself or add some fruits. There are countless recipes for kakigori and you are sure to find one that will satisfy your taste buds.

While summer is a great time to enjoy kakigori, it is also the time of the year when a number of people experience heatstroke, making it important to take preventive measures. For more information on how to prevent heatstroke as well as how to respond to it, please check "How to Survive Japanese Summer and Prevent Heatstroke".

Kakigori at Home

You can purchase a Kakigori Machine and flavored syrup online.