Kakigori Japan: Top 5 Must-Try Shaved Ice Destinations

Few Japanese treats are as iconic—and Instagram-worthy—as kakigori, the ultra-fine shaved ice crowned with seasonal syrups, fresh fruit, matcha and even condensed milk. In this guide we rank the top 5 artisanal kakigori cafés across Japan, complete with budget details, access tips and insider advice to help American and other international visitors beat the summer heat in style.

Overview

We selected kakigori spots based on:

• Popularity: Highly rated by international travelers and Japanese gourmands.
• Craftsmanship: Use of hand-crushed ice, house-made syrups or premium matcha.
• Atmosphere: Instagram-friendly interiors and English-friendly service.
• Budget: Average price under ¥1,500 (≈\$10–\$12) per serving.

Top 5 Kakigori Spots in Japan

1. Asakusa Himitsudo (Tokyo)
2. KAKIGORI CAFÉ & BAR yelo (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
3. Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory (Setagaya, Tokyo)
4. Nakamura Tokichi Honten (Uji, Kyoto)
5. Kagurazaka Saryo (Kagurazaka, Tokyo)

1. Asakusa Himitsudo (Tokyo)

Himitsudo is legendary for its light, fluffy ice and rotating seasonal flavors. Expect queues, but they move fast thanks to English menus and friendly staff.

• Women-friendly café with pastel décor
• Seasonal fruit (strawberry, yuzu) and milk-syrup options
• English menus and credit-card support

Price	Specialty	Address	Nearest Station
¥950–¥1,300	Honey-lemon, strawberry milk	2-38-7 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo	Tsukuba Express Asakusa (5 min on foot)

2. KAKIGORI CAFÉ & BAR yelo (Shinjuku, Tokyo)

By day a laid-back café, by night a chic bar—yelo’s uniquely coarse-flake ice suits bold flavors like mango lassi and matcha espresso.

• Open late (to 11 pm) for dessert-hungry travelers
• Alcoholic kakigori cocktails (Umeshu granita)
• Multilingual staff on weekends

Price	Specialty	Address	Nearest Station
¥1,100–¥1,500	Mango lassi, Umeshu granita	3-19-4 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo	JR Shinjuku (8 min walk)

3. Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory (Setagaya, Tokyo)

Best known for its Totoro cream puffs, this whimsical shop also serves genmaicha shaved ice paired with matcha custard.

• Artisan ice made from 100% natural spring water
• Japanese-style matcha and hojicha syrups
• Cash only—ATM nearby

Price	Specialty	Address	Nearest Station
¥1,200–¥1,400	Genmaicha with matcha custard	2-4-1 Taishido, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo	Den’en-chofu Station (15 min bus)

4. Nakamura Tokichi Honten (Uji, Kyoto)

Steeped in tea history, Nakamura Tokichi’s flagship serves premium Uji-matcha kakigori under traditional noren curtains.

• Rich, house-made matcha syrup with tonal sweetness
• Quiet tatami seating—note dress code: no shoes
• English brochure & tea demonstration

Price	Specialty	Address	Nearest Station
¥1,200–¥1,500	Uji-matcha double scoop	9-8 Uji Renge, Uji-shi, Kyoto	JR Uji Station (7 min walk)

5. Kagurazaka Saryo (Kagurazaka, Tokyo)

A hidden gem in traditional Kagurazaka alleyways, Saryo specializes in azuki bean and sakura syrup ice.

• Historic building with garden view
• Seasonal sakura and chestnut flavors in spring/autumn
• Nomikai (group) reservations accepted

Price	Specialty	Address	Nearest Station
¥1,000–¥1,300	Sakura-azuki, chestnut syrup	5-34 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo	Tokyo Metro Kagurazaka (3 min walk)

Summary & Travel Tips

From Asakusa’s bustling lanes to Kyoto’s tea fields, these five kakigori spots deliver authentic flavors, memorable settings and manageable prices. To beat the summer crowd:

• Go early (11 am opening) or late afternoon.
• Check social media for seasonal menu updates.
• Pack a portable fan and carry cold-resistant cash.

Frequently Asked Questions