Enjoy the four seasons with shaved ice
I knew it was popular, but I just couldn't find the time to visit. This "Tokyo Special" gave me the opportunity to reexamine that attitude. By actually visiting the stores to cover the interviews, seeing, hearing, and tasting the food, I realized, "This is what I like."
One of these topics was "shaved ice." We asked professional figure skater Kanako Murakami, who says she eats 500 bowls of shaved ice a year, to introduce us to her carefully selected recommended shaved ice shops.
The first thing that surprised me was that there are more shops offering shaved ice all year round than I had imagined. What's more, in Japan, where there are four seasons, they adjust the way the ice is shaved, the presentation, and the toppings depending on the temperature and humidity so that people can enjoy shaved ice all year round.
In April, many shops offer cherry blossom shaved ice, or use seasonal fruits as sauces. The abundance of limited-time menu items that can only be enjoyed in that season is another factor that draws you in. Coincidentally, I conducted my research between late February and early March, when it was still necessary to wear a down jacket. However, my preconceived notion that "shaved ice in the middle of winter..." was completely shattered. All the shops were warm with heaters, and it seemed as though the room temperature was kept at a level that allowed for delicious shaved ice.
April is a time when there is a big difference in temperature between morning and evening, but don't let the temperature put you off and take a step forward.
