Kakigori, the delicious shaved ice that calls out to you and helps you cool down on hot summer days. When the heat is unbearable, the cold taste is particularly refreshing. Perhaps because the region gets so hot in the summer, there are many places to eat delicious kakigori within Aichi Prefecture. It may be hot outside, but that only enhances the wonderful, freezing cold taste of kakigori all the more.
A representative of Nagoya, this long-running Japanese confectionary is currently holding an “Ice Tour” at four locations in the city. In addition to Nishio Matcha and Kishu Nanko-Ume flavors at all four stores, each store will sell one limited-time flavor that is only available at that location.
Nishio Matcha has the aroma and taste of refined matcha green tea, while inside is sweet red bean paste, the pride of Ryoguchiya Korekiyo. Kishu Nanko-Ume is made with yogurt-flavored ice and a high-quality plum center, slightly sour and refreshing at the same time.
All of the kakigori flavors bring out the natural taste of only the best ingredients. The dense, rounded shape of the kakigori against the white bowl is also appealing to look at. Moreover, it’s a pleasant surprise whether it will be sweet bean paste or ice cream hidden within the ice. Similarly to eating Japanese sweets, kakigori will delight your sense of sight as well as your sense of taste.
*Year-round availability at Hana-no-Chaya only. Expected availability at the other three stores is from June 1 until the end of August.
Suzume Odori is a long-running “uiro”sweet shop founded in 1856, during the late Edo period. Located in the Sakae district, it is both a shop and a tearoom. Colorful carp swimming in a pond in the middle of the floor will help you to relax and forget your worries. Kakigori is the most popular item on Suzume Odori’s menu. With five different flavors (Uji Matcha, Strawberry, Green Plum, Sugar Syrup, and Molasses) and seven different toppings (ice cream, milk, azuki beans, jellies, chewy rice cakes, warabi-mochi, and kinako powder) as well as seasonal flavors, the possible combinations are endless. Molasses using 100% Okinawan brown sugar and other ingredients are carefully prepared in-house, allowing you to enjoy the full, rich taste of the high-quality sweets.
Dating back to the Edo period, Kawabun is famous for being the restaurant with the longest history in Nagoya. In Kawabun’s tearoom, you can appreciate sweets made by Kawabun’s skilled chefs accompanied by a delightful garden view. The peaceful and elegant garden includes hexagonal lanterns with a modern feel, a stone wash basin reminiscent of the tea ceremony, black pebbles used in a dry landscape garden, and a stone well with an amusing backstory unique to Kawabun. Beloved by tea ceremony masters, the thickly growing ubame oak, isu trees, and other greenery are especially stunning. Have a calming and relaxing time while enjoying high-quality kakigori.
