July and August are the hottest months in Kyoto which means it's time for kakigori! This Japanese ice treat is a must-try for any traveller visiting during the summer. Check out these shops for a refreshingly delicious cup (or bowl!) of shaved ice.
Yukinoshita Kyoto is famous for pancakes, but offer special summertime-only kakigori. Only available between late April and late September, this shop’s best seller is Fujieda Strawberry and Milk kakigori (1,100JPY). Yukinoshita also has an original kakigori served all year round- a sherbert made from freshly crushed fruits like strawberry (1,200JPY) and persimmon (1,000JPY).
View this post on Instagram
It is an 8 minute walk west of Karasuma Oike Station or an 8 minute walk south-east of Nijojo-mae station.
Opened at the end of 2020, Ozu Kyoto is a relatively new cafe shop that has gained a lot of popularity thanks to its many desserts, especially summer kakigori. Standard flavors like chocolate banana (500JPY) or Matcha Azuki Shiratama (800JPY) are popular choices. There are also more unique flavors such as the lemon kakigori (800JPY).
View this post on Instagram
Located about 5 minutes away from Gion-shijo station, exit number 1 is the closest to the shop.
Tasuki is a beautifully designed cafe. The inside has a very bright and spacious design to it, on the outside it looks like a traditional kyoto teahouse. They offer many kinds of sweets and drinks including kakigori. Each one of them is presented on a unique plate and are made from the best ingredients like the high quality matcha they used for their Matcha mitsu kakigori (1,210JPY).
Photo: Tasuki official website
Tasuki Kyoto Gion Store is located a few minutes away from Gion-Shijo station exit number 9.
Shimizu Ippoen is a cafe that is directly managed by a tea wholesaler that still uses a stone mill to make Uji matcha. They use that Uji matcha not only to make tea but in many of their dishes as well including kakigori. One of their recommended kakigori is the Jo-Kame that comes with Wasanbon syrup (1,200JPY).
View this post on Instagram
Located about a 10 minute walk from Shichijo station.
Omo cafe is inside a beautifully renovated traditional teahouse. During the summer they offer a few different kakigori such as the Strawberry milk (900JPY) or raw mango (1,200JPY).
Source: secondhouse
Omo cafe is only 5 minutes away from Kyoto-Kawaramachi station exit number 9.
NOTE: Due to the on-going COVID-19 Pandemic, the business hours of the shops above may differ from the hours listed on OpenRice JP. Please confirm with the shop directly before your visit.