Another year, another summer in Japan; when the sun is scorching and humidity is at a all time high, Japanese turn to the most best possible way to make the heat more bearable. Some escape to department stores, some wear traditional clothes such as yukata.

Though in our opinion, eating Japan’s traditional summer dessert kakigori is the way to go. Not only its delectable it cools you from the inside out.

On this article, we’d like to introduce you three hottest (no pun intended) kakigori establishment in Japan. What makes this cafe stands out from the rest you ask? The three that we will list are artisanal kakigori that are made different than most normal kakigori.

Ballon D’essai

Known for its quality coffee and latte art, Ballon D’essai is also known for one other secret menu that is loved amongst many people in Tokyo, its Original Blend Espresso Kakigori. Of course it being a coffee shop, their most famous kakigori is also that of a coffee flavor. But do not be mistaken if you thought this is just a cup of ice coffee in shaved ice form.

Ice and milk are combined to create a soft, smooth body. At the bottom of the bowl, adding more texture, is softened ice cream and homemade coffee jelly. The final touch to a already grand dessert is a shot of their homemade espresso poured into the middle of the kakigori.

Chimoto

A small unassuming shop located at a residential area, Chimoto serves one of our most loved kakigori in Tokyo. Our favorite is their number one selling kakigori, a mix of two classic flavors of kakigori, Milk and Matcha in one kakigori.

The result is one of the most flavorful, yet subtle kakigori we’ve ever tasted. Coupled with a cup of their tasty houjicha (roasted green tea), this is one shop you don’t want to miss this summer.

 

Ice Monster Japan

Hailing from Japan’s neighboring country, Ice Monster is a Taiwan original store specializing in shaved ice. Opened in April 2015 in Omotesando, Ice Monster have been reinventing the kakigori scene in Japan for its unusual flavored ice block. The resulting shaved ice is a smooth, fluffy shaved ice experience

Try their Tapioca Milk Tea or Mango Kakigori. Guaranteed to not dissapoint.