Japan has been experiencing hot days every day. I would like to introduce some delicious ice cream shops that are perfect for hot weather.
Soft cream (soft serve ice cream)
In Japan, “ソフトクリーム” (soft cream) refers to soft serve ice cream. It’s a creamy, smooth, and soft-textured ice cream that is typically served in a cone or a cup. Soft cream is very popular in Japan, and you can find it in a wide variety of flavors, ranging from traditional vanilla and chocolate to unique Japanese flavors like matcha (green tea), black sesame, and sweet potato. Many tourist spots, such as local attractions and roadside service areas, often have their own special flavors of soft cream that reflect regional specialties.
Shiroichi (白一）Shibuya Tokyo
白一 (Shiroichi) in Shibuya is a well-known ice cream shop in Tokyo, Japan. Shiroichi is famous for its unique soft serve ice cream, made with high-quality fresh milk, giving it a rich, creamy flavor and smooth texture. The shop often garnishes their soft serve with various toppings, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy a delicious and visually appealing treat. Shiroichi is particularly noted for its tall, spiral-shaped soft serve, which has become a distinctive feature of the brand.
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Next, I will introduce a long-established shop in Asakusa with a history of about 170 years. It is conveniently located close to the station.
Umezono Asakusa Tokyo
梅園 浅草本店 (Umezono Asakusa Honten) is a traditional Japanese sweets shop located in Asakusa, Tokyo. Established in 1854, Umezono is renowned for its wide variety of classic Japanese desserts, known as wagashi. Some of the popular offerings include anmitsu (a dessert made with agar jelly, sweet bean paste, fruits, and syrup), dorayaki (pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste), and zenzai (sweet red bean soup with mochi). The shop is celebrated for preserving traditional flavors and techniques, making it a beloved destination for both locals and tourists who want to experience authentic Japanese confectionery.
You can enjoy a unique style of soft serve ice cream served with dorayaki (Japanese pancake) batter instead of a cone.
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Petit Barie プチバリエ (Shinjuku Tokyo)
It is a shop near Shinjuku Station where you can easily enjoy crepes and soft serve ice cream.
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At Ministop convenience stores, you can also enjoy soft serve ice cream. Ministop’s soft serve ice cream is truly authentic and delicious.
Ministop
I also recommend Halo-Halo, which is like shaved ice.
ハロハロ (Halo-Halo) is a popular dessert offered at Ministop convenience stores in Japan. Originating from the Philippines, Halo-Halo is a colorful and refreshing dessert made by mixing shaved ice with various ingredients such as sweet beans, fruits, jellies, and sometimes topped with ice cream and leche flan.
In Japan, Ministop has adapted this dessert to suit local tastes while retaining its original charm. The Ministop version of Halo-Halo usually includes a mix of sweetened beans, nata de coco, coconut jelly, colorful tapioca pearls, and a variety of fruit pieces, all layered with shaved ice and often finished with a dollop of ice cream or sweet syrup on top. This dessert is particularly popular during the summer months for its cooling and refreshing properties.
