Enjoy the layers of ice, sauce, and toppings
Kanako Murakami first discovered her love for shaved ice around 2015, when her senior colleague Mao Asada took her to the famous shaved ice shop, Kurogi. Her love for shaved ice grew to the point where she opened her own shaved ice shop.
Shaved ice, which has become popular in recent years and is different from the so-called "old-fashioned" shaved ice, has a reason why people want to eat it in each season.
"For example, every April, many shops offer cherry blossom shaved ice, but each shop has a different way of shaving the ice, and the combination of ingredients and layers. From the first bite to the very bottom, you can enjoy each shop's carefully planned story."
He says he always tries to stay warm so he can enjoy shaved ice. Why do ice athletes crave shaved ice even in winter?
"It's similar to how beer lovers will drink an ice-cold glass even on a cold day. It doesn't matter the season. I like the feeling of cold ice melting on my body. I think if you can enjoy that, you're a gauler."
Kanako Murakami recommends 6 shaved ice shops in Tokyo
Korichashitsu Tsukisome (Ginza)
Sakura Chocolate Mint
This shaved ice shop is run by a bartender. The "Sakura Chocolate Mint" (1,600 yen) is ice topped with mint and cherry milk and topped with chocolate sauce. The salty cherry leaves add a nice accent. There is also the "Potato Mentaiko" with a rosemary scent. The original and creative menu changes weekly.
Kurogi Kitchen (Ueno Hirokoji)
Brown sugar syrup and kinako
This shaved ice specialty shop is run by the Japanese restaurant Kurogi. Their sauces, inspired by Japanese cuisine such as the addition of soy sauce, are exquisite. The classic "Brown Sugar Soybean Flour" (1,750 yen) is a generous pile of ice topped with brown sugar cream and kinako (roasted soybean flour). You can enjoy the changing texture of the ice as it gradually mixes with the cream.
Sabo Okuno Shibuya (Shibuya)
Amazake Sakura
This shaved ice shop is run by a former Japanese confectioner. The limited-time offer until mid-April, "Amazake Sakura" (1,980 yen), is made with homemade amazake made from pure rice ginjo sake and mascarpone sauce to resemble a cliff. The pond of cherry sauce with pulp and the sweet bean paste that emerges from the ice create a playful drink. You can also change the flavor by adding cherry syrup.
Ice House Mamatoko (Shin-Nakano)
Shonan Gold and Rare Cheese
This is the shop of Harada Asako, the person who started the ice boom. The ice is shaved and layered in a way that is meticulously thought out to ensure you can enjoy the texture of the ice. Another great thing is that you can freely combine the sauces. The photo shows the limited-time "Shonan Gold and Rare Cheese" (1,800 yen).
Kobe Minatoya (Sasazuka)
Avocado Milk
This takoyaki and Akashiyaki shop, run by an owner who trained at Osaka's long-established Takoya Dotonbori Kukuri, also serves exceptional shaved ice. They stock around 14 flavors, including "Avocado Milk" (1,100 yen). The simple combination of ice and one fresh sauce made to order is reassuring, making you want to return again and again.
