Something funny happened in a meeting the other day: we were chatting about our weekend ice cream indulgences when my boss remarked, 'Does anyone really dislike ice cream?'
You can stroll into any convenience store, any season, and be greeted by an overwhelming selection of ice creams. Ice cream is practically Japanese food now. While we have the ever-present Häagen-Dazs from the US, Japan's own classic ice creams are not to be overlooked.
Take Akagi Nyugyo's 'Garigari-kun,' a beloved treat with its distinctive crunchy texture and easy-to-eat format, even when you're feeling under the weather.
And it struck me – it's true! I've hardly ever encountered someone who doesn't enjoy it.
Is Ice Cream the Real National Food of Japan?
Ice cream has become such a ubiquitous part of Japanese life, it's almost a traditional dish! |
| Convenience store ice cream section |
You can stroll into any convenience store, any season, and be greeted by an overwhelming selection of ice creams. Ice cream is practically Japanese food now. While we have the ever-present Häagen-Dazs from the US, Japan's own classic ice creams are not to be overlooked.
Take Akagi Nyugyo's 'Garigari-kun,' a beloved treat with its distinctive crunchy texture and easy-to-eat format, even when you're feeling under the weather.
The standard soda flavor is a hit, but the real fun comes from their limited-edition, mind-boggling flavors, like corn potage or tomato spaghetti!
Lotte's 'Yukimi Daifuku,' introduced in 1981, is a popular ice cream treat featuring ice cream encased in a thin mochi (rice cake) layer, resulting in a fascinatingly chewy texture despite being frozen.
But when it comes to a truly unique Japanese ice experience, nothing beats “kakigori” (shaved ice). This is not your average homemade version; we'll guide you to the world of genuine kakigori.
Kakigori, while the star, selflessly enhances the individuality of the sauce. Its presence is simple yet overwhelmingly powerful. And then, it leaves only a refreshing coolness, vanishing without a trace. Is there any other food so cool!?
What's even better, natural ice Kakigori is known for its smooth texture and the fact that it doesn't give you a brain freeze easily. I actually experienced this myself!
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| Garigari-kun soda flavor |
Lotte's 'Yukimi Daifuku,' introduced in 1981, is a popular ice cream treat featuring ice cream encased in a thin mochi (rice cake) layer, resulting in a fascinatingly chewy texture despite being frozen.
 |
| Yukimi Daifuku |
But when it comes to a truly unique Japanese ice experience, nothing beats “kakigori” (shaved ice). This is not your average homemade version; we'll guide you to the world of genuine kakigori.
Genuine Kakigori
Natural ice is created by slowly freezing natural water over a long period of time in natural cold conditions. This results in highly transparent ice with very few impurities or air bubbles, which is hard and slow to melt. Its slow-melting property allows it to be shaved extremely thin, creating a fluffy, powder-like texture that melts in your mouth. |
| These ponds are used to create high-quality natural ice. It takes approximately two weeks for the natural water to freeze. |
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| Natural ice free of impurities |
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| Kakigori from paper-thin shavings of natural ice |
Kakigori, while the star, selflessly enhances the individuality of the sauce. Its presence is simple yet overwhelmingly powerful. And then, it leaves only a refreshing coolness, vanishing without a trace. Is there any other food so cool!?
What's even better, natural ice Kakigori is known for its smooth texture and the fact that it doesn't give you a brain freeze easily. I actually experienced this myself!
I once devoured a huge mountain of fluffy natural ice Kakigori without realizing it, and I remember thinking, 'Hey, I didn't get a brain freeze!'
It feels like natural ice, a blend of nature's gift and human artistry, is kind to your body. It's just amazing how perfectly nature can work.
This was a delicate and deeply moving journey into the world of Kakigori, a testament to Japan's abundant natural resources and the dedication of its craftsmen.
For anyone who's now thinking, 'Wow, natural ice is seriously cool!', please share your impressions in the comments below! 🧊
Authentic Kakigori Experience
Nikko City in Tochigi Prefecture, located in central Japan, is famous for its natural ice production. During the summer, many shaved ice shops become bustling with customers. The towering mounds of shaved ice, generously topped with seasonal fruits and rich condensed milk, are truly Instagram-worthy! |
| Kakigori with strawberry syrup |
This was a delicate and deeply moving journey into the world of Kakigori, a testament to Japan's abundant natural resources and the dedication of its craftsmen.
For anyone who's now thinking, 'Wow, natural ice is seriously cool!', please share your impressions in the comments below! 🧊
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