[Kyoto Prefecture] Great Places for Kakigori (shaved ice)! 9 Picks, Mainly in Kyoto City

Photograph:砂浜ノート

Kyo Hyoka Tsurara is a kakigori (shaved ice) specialty shop in Nakagyo Ward.

The bright and calm interior has a modern Japanese feel. Since you can enjoy good kakigori here year-round, many people come from outside Kyoto Prefecture as well. There can be a line, so reservations are recommended.

Photograph:Abundantia1219

The fluffy kakigori (shaved ice) comes in both seasonal limited editions and year round menu items, with creative kakigori made to match the season.

Depending on the flavor, it is topped with espuma, nuts, crunch, and more, so you can enjoy the texture too. The photo shows the year round menu item "Strawberry Milk."

Photograph:り き

"Mont Blanc Cassis," generously topped with Mont Blanc cream, is an autumn menu item.

It is topped with shibukawani (sweet simmered chestnuts in their skins), and inside the shaved ice are filled with marron cream and cassis sauce, making it almost like a cake.

Photograph:佳麗

Ocha to Sake Tasuki Shinpukan is a cafe on the first floor of a commercial complex in Kyoto City.

The simple, stylish interior has a cool and chic feel. The menu features tempting options such as kakigori (shaved ice) made with seasonal ingredients from Kyoto through the four seasons and craft beer.

Photograph:てれみお

Seasonal flavors like sakura-mochi (sweet rice cake with cherry leaf) and fresh Pione grapes with cream cheese are especially popular.

The main ingredients vary widely, including fruit, wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets), and Western-style desserts. Along with their bright, eye-catching look, their creative ideas and fresh combinations are part of the appeal.

Photograph:serinaris

Shaved ice you can enjoy like a cocktail is another thing that makes this place unique!

The menu seems to change with the seasons, with items like “cassis orange” and “sencha gin lime (green tea gin lime) ~ with ao-sansho (Japanese green pepper) ~.” The “lemon sour” in the photo is said to let you enjoy the aroma of alcohol and a refreshing lemon finish.

Photograph:ｻｲｹﾝ8700

Kyo-gori Yukimi-an in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, is a popular shop where you can enjoy kakigori (shaved ice) that looks like art.

The interior, renovated from a kominka (traditional Japanese house), has a calm atmosphere with the warmth of wood. There are 15 seats in total, including counter seating, and it often fills up in summer.

Photograph:ぱんだコぱんだ＠きょうと

A wide range of syrups, from standard favorites to seasonal limited editions, is one of the reasons for its popularity!

The "ichigo matcha (strawberry matcha)," with its beautiful contrast of red and green, comes topped with espuma and shiratama (rice flour dumplings), and is said to contain strawberry pieces and azuki (red beans) inside. You can enjoy many different flavors in one dessert, so it offers a high level of satisfaction.

Photograph:hmk0116

Ringo Janjanburu is known for its cute look, like a whole apple.

The surface of the shaved ice is topped with ginger custard sauce, and inside are apple confiture and sauce, so you can enjoy the changing flavors as you eat.

Photograph:さとうみゆけい

Kakigori Senmonten no "Kyo no Koriya Sawa" is located in Taido-Kataharacho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City.

The compact interior has a modern and stylish feel. They say you can find artistic kakigori (shaved ice) built around the concept of being old and new at the same time, just like Kyoto.

Photograph:り き

From regular staples to limited-time specials, the wide range of flavors is part of the appeal!

The "Kakifuji" in the photo is shaved ice shaped like Mount Fuji and generously topped with a rich persimmon syrup, with a milk-based center. It is said to strike an excellent balance between Japanese and Western flavors, making it tasty all the way to the last bite.

The Uji matcha (powdered green tea) shaved ice menu is extensive, and you can choose from several kinds of matcha.

The "Uji and hojicha (roasted green tea) half-and-half" is an irresistible item for tea lovers. It is said to have kurozato kanten (brown sugar agar jelly) inside the ice, so you can enjoy a range of textures and flavors all at once.

Located near Nishiki Ichiba (Nishiki Market) in Kyoto City, this restaurant lets you enjoy smoked meat sushi and kakigori (shaved ice).

The walls inside are decorated with artwork that gives traditional Japanese patterns a pop-style feel, creating a fun setting that delights visitors. The seating includes counter seats, table seats, and Private room options, and the space is said to be very comfortable.

Photograph:しまうまぐるぐる

For kakigori (shaved ice), there are two kinds, "Matcha no Kakigori" made with matcha from Kyoto and "Ichigo no Kakigori," along with a limited-time sauce.

One bite of the "Matcha no Kakigori," and its rich matcha flavor fills your mouth. It is a standout dish with just the right volume, and even the S size is said to be highly satisfying.

Photograph:柳川侍従

The "Ichigo (strawberry) kakigori (shaved ice)" is a rich treat that feels just like a shortcake.

It is topped with plenty of house-made strawberry sauce over the ice, smooth melting cream, and flower petals. The sweet-tart strawberry sauce pairs well with the rich cream, and it is said to be so good it will hook you.

Photograph:moe.grumen

Mikazuki Hyoka Ten is a kakigori (shaved ice) specialty shop where you can enjoy simple shaved ice made with Uji matcha (green tea powder from Uji).

The building has a Kyoto-like look and a hideaway feel. In addition to table seating, there is counter seating, and guests can relax while looking out at the garden.

Photograph:ky477

The generously sized kakigori (shaved ice) is known for its light, feather-like texture.

The year-round Uji Kintoki (shaved ice with matcha and sweet red beans) comes with homemade an made by slowly simmering Hokkaido azuki beans and vanilla ice cream inside.

Photograph:あるぱかーん

They also offer limited flavors, so you can enjoy a range of tastes depending on the season.

The “miruku hojicha (milk roasted green tea)” features carefully shaved ice with a lively look, a pleasantly crisp texture, and a smooth melt-in-your-mouth feel! The just-right bitterness of the hojicha pairs well with the milk, making it a dish that really shows attention to detail.

Photograph:まるあ〜る

Yoridokoro Hiyori is a kakigori (shaved ice) specialty shop in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, by reservation only.

The compact interior is decorated with plants and has a cafe-like feel. In addition to fruit, they also serve creative kakigori made with vegetables and Japanese sweets.

Photograph:あーりーさん

Many people are said to visit because they are drawn in by visuals that look like a work of art.

The "Cherry Cheesecake" is a dish generously topped with an anglaise base and plenty of cheesecake sauce, then finished with American cherries. It is popular for being fun to eat like a parfait.

Photograph:ぶーめい

Unexpected flavors like “potato salad” and “purple cabbage” may also make an appearance.

The “horenso no shira-ae (spinach dressed with tofu sauce)” is said to be an exciting mix, with the sharp bite of wasabina (Japanese mustard greens), the rich tofu cream, and the sweetness of the hidden kabocha salad all matching perfectly.

Photograph:果汁99%

Tsuginome is a kakigori (shaved ice) specialty shop that operates only during the day as a shared-space restaurant inside a kushiyaki (grilled skewer) restaurant.

The interior has a calm atmosphere, and people say you can spend time there at a relaxed pace. They also say you can enjoy unique kakigori made with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients.

Photograph:り き

The "Choco to Banana to Omikan no Custard" is a rich type made with plenty of chocolate syrup, milk syrup, and nuts.

Even though the sweetness hits hard, the omikan (mandarin orange)-flavored diplomat cream adds a nice accent and leaves your mouth feeling refreshed.

Photograph:Thavasa0_0

They also offer simple classic kakigori (shaved ice) options, such as the “Strawberry Milk” shown in the photo.

The strawberry sauce, made by combining Benihoppe and Akihime strawberries, has a light, natural sweetness that is less rich than it looks. Condensed milk ice cream is hidden inside, so you can enjoy the change in flavor as you eat.

Photograph:VOLVO850R

Uso to Boku is a shaved ice shop by reservation only, where you can enjoy one of a kind kakigori (shaved ice) made with seasonal fruit in a hideaway like space that feels out of the ordinary.

This stylish kakigori shop is said to show careful attention not only in the interior design but also in the bowls used to serve the shaved ice.

Photograph:ぴちまる04

"Kisetsu no Kajitsu Parfait Gori (seasonal fruit parfait shaved ice)," beautifully arranged with several kinds of fruit.

Some people are said to be surprised by its look, which has even more impact than they imagined. Rather than typical shaved ice, it is finished more like a bright and elegant parfait.

Photograph:ｻｲｹﾝ8700

"Moon Rouge" is a standout shaved ice dessert filled with diced Moon Rouge (a rare apple) and hojicha (roasted green tea) jelly inside.

The pink apple looks beautiful, and the crisp apple is said to have low acidity and a refined sweetness.