What to eat on a hot summer day in Japan. The ultimate Japanese dessert: Kakigori – “shaved ice”

The Japanese people have been combining their wisdom to survive the hot summer months since ancient times. One type of Japanese sweets that is perfect for coping with the heat just by eating it is “kakigori” – shaved ice. Shave or carve down a block of ice, pour sauce on it, decorate the whole thing with some fruits and put it in your mouth: instant happiness! In this article, we introduce this year’s shaved ice trends that aren’t just for children!

Authentic shaved ice made of natural ice

Every summer, Hotel New Otani Tokyo offers a special shaved ice menu. When the kakigori season starts with “Satsuki Shaved Ice”, many “shaved ice”-fans gather at “KATO’S DINING & BAR” inside the hotel.

Hotel New Otani Tokyo offers a special kakigori summer menu

The great thing about eating at a hotel is the calm atmosphere. You can fully concentrate on the intricate flavors of the shaved ice.

On the right: This year’s new shaved ice is called “blancmange”. It’s blancmange with kuzumochi and lychees hidden inside the kakigori with a lychee syrup topping!

The restaurant’s shaved ice is famous for the “ice” itself. Natural ice from Nikko is used here. At Nikko, natural water freezes naturally during the winter months. It is then cut and stored until the following summer. Other than “normal” water frozen in a freezer, it has a much fluffier texture. It feels like eating a cloud with a hint of the fresh taste of spring water. The ultimate shaved ice!

The shaved ice is huge! The macaroon on top, matching the taste of the ice, completes the creation.

The restaurant’s menu has some kakigori tastes that can only be eaten here. Try “Wasanbon” shaved ice, which is a combination of the Japanese wasanbon sugar, brown sugarcane sugar, and salt!

There are five types of shaved ice in total: Matcha, Wasanbon, Blancmange, Strawberry, and Melon.

Period: Until September 30, 2019 (Monday)
Time: 14: 00-17: 00 (L.O.16: 30)
Price: Matcha, Wasanbon ¥2,000 / Blancmange, Strawberry, Melon ¥1,800 (* Excluding tax and service charge)

Hotel New Otani Tokyo
KATO’S DINING & BAR

Tel.03-3221-2857
4-1 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
https://www.newotani.co.jp/tokyo/restaurant/kato/kakigori/
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/uUhe7p4LYPMALGdt7
Nearest stations: Akasaka Mitsuke Station, Yotsuya Station, Nagatacho Station, Kojimachi Station

The latest shaved ice trends at a hidden cafe at Iidabashi

“Mamechawan” near “Iidabashi Sakura Terrace” is a Sanuki udon and shaved ice cafe. Here you can eat shaved ice matching the seasons all year round. The cafe can’t be seen from the main street, but especially during the summer months, you might wait for more than an hour to finally go inside. It’s extremely popular!

Put your name on this list
“Mamechawan”

Don’t forget to write your name and the number of kakigori you want to eat on the list at the entrance. But is it worth the wait? Absolutely! Once you taste the shaved ice here, you will forget about waiting outside and instantly cool down.

The Peanuts and Lemon Curd

The cafe’s kakigori is fully on-trend with its creamy toppings. As soon as one kakigori type is sold out, the menu changes to another one, so you can try a different taste every time you visit. It never gets boring. Anyway, the diversity of Japanese shaved ice is breathtaking. Plus, and the prices at “Mamechawan” are reasonable, too. Check it out!

At first, I was still feeling overheated from waiting outside, but after eating the shaved ice, I actually got goosebumps.
Mamechawan

2-7-2 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Plano Iidabashi Plano Mall B Zone
https://www.facebook.com/mamechawan/
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/AtsCPE7obB3n3a7H9
Nearest station: Iidabashi Station