During summer, Asakusa is home to a variety of kakigori spots, from traditional Japanese sweet shops offering classic shaved ice to specialty stores creating unique and creative flavors.
However, if you are trying Japanese kakigori for the first time, you may have some questions:
What makes Japanese kakigori different from the shaved ice you find at festivals or food stalls?
Does it cause the usual “brain freeze” associated with shaved ice?
Is kakigori available all year round, or is it mainly a summer treat?
In this article, I'll answer these questions and introduce three Asakusa kakigori spots that I personally visited and would happily recommend.
From rich Uji matcha to anmitsu-inspired kakigori and a unique orangette kakigori, each spot offers something special. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect kakigori experience in Asakusa!
1. What Makes Asakusa Kakigori Different from Festival Shaved Ice?
When you think of Japanese shaved ice, you may picture the colorful shaved ice topped with sweet syrup sold at summer festivals.
Festival shaved ice is a beloved part of Japanese summer culture, enjoyed at events like summer festivals and fireworks displays. It brings a nostalgic feeling and is a simple yet special treat.
However, the kakigori you can enjoy at Asakusa’s traditional sweet shops and specialty stores is something completely different.
With finely shaved, fluffy ice topped with carefully crafted syrups, matcha, cream, shiratama rice cakes, and other toppings, modern Japanese kakigori is more than just shaved ice — it’s a dessert experience.
Beyond its beautiful appearance, one of the charms of Japanese kakigori is the attention to ingredients and the unique creations offered by each shop.
In Asakusa, you can discover a wide variety of kakigori, from traditional Japanese flavors to creative and innovative creations.
2. Why Japanese Kakigori Is Less Likely to Cause Brain Freeze
When trying Japanese kakigori for the first time, you may wonder, “Will eating something this cold give me brain freeze?”
However, kakigori served at specialty shops is quite different from regular shaved ice.
The ice is shaved into extremely thin, delicate flakes, creating a soft and fluffy, snow-like texture. Because the ice melts gently in your mouth, it feels less intensely cold compared to eating coarse ice quickly, making it less likely to cause brain freeze.
Of course, everyone’s experience is different, but enjoying the light and fluffy texture slowly is one of the unique pleasures of Japanese kakigori.
That said, even fluffy kakigori can still cause brain freeze if you eat it too quickly.
Take your time and enjoy each bite to fully appreciate the flavors and textures of this special Japanese dessert.
3. Things to Know Before Visiting a Kakigori Shop
The availability of kakigori in Asakusa depends on the shop.
Some shops serve kakigori throughout the year, while others offer seasonal kakigori that is only available during the summer months. In particular, special limited-time menus at popular shops may only be available for a certain period, so it’s important to plan your visit accordingly.
To avoid missing out on a kakigori you were looking forward to trying, be sure to check the shop’s official website or social media before visiting for the latest information on opening hours, availability, and menu details.
My Experience
1. Saika（彩夏）
I ordered the Anmitsu Kakigori.
Served on a small plate, this kakigori makes an impressive first impression with its generous mound of fluffy shaved ice completely covered in sweet red bean paste.
At first glance, it almost looks like chocolate, but it is actually smooth and delicate koshi-an (sweet strained red bean paste). The finely textured paste coats the entire surface of the ice, and I felt that the ice stayed fluffy even while enjoying it slowly.
The shaved ice is so light and fluffy that the shop intentionally does not add syrup or sauce in the center. Instead, you are encouraged to make a small hole from the top and enjoy the kakigori as you slowly dig in.
As you continue eating, you’ll discover kanten (agar jelly) and brown sugar syrup hidden underneath, creating a perfect combination of flavors inspired by traditional anmitsu, a classic Japanese dessert.
There are many different types of kakigori, but this was my first time experiencing an entire bowl of shaved ice that captures the flavors and elements of anmitsu. With its surprising appearance and unique way of enjoying it, this was truly a special kakigori experience.
Basic information
🏠 Saika（彩夏）
📍 1-32-3 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo
🕘 11:00 - 18:00
💤 Open daily
🚶 3-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Ginza Line)
💴 Cash only
2. Asakusa Izumi（浅草いづ美）
I ordered the Uji Kintoki.
The matcha is freshly whisked to order and generously poured over a mountain of fluffy shaved ice, creating a luxurious bowl full of rich aroma and delicate flavors.
The slightly bitter taste of matcha pairs beautifully with the elegant sweetness of the sweet red beans. Since the matcha itself is not sweetened, the natural sweetness of the beans stands out even more, creating a well-balanced flavor that you can enjoy until the very last bite.
I also highly recommend adding shiratama rice cakes as a topping. You can add five pieces for just ¥100, and their chewy texture makes this kakigori even more enjoyable.
One of the charms of Asakusa Izumi is that you can experience authentic Japanese flavors in a traditional atmosphere, making it a perfect place to enjoy a classic Japanese-style kakigori.
If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can also add extra toppings such as condensed milk or ice cream (vanilla or matcha).
Basic information
🏠 Asakusa Izumi（浅草いづ美）
📍 1-8-6 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo
🕘 11:30 ～ 18:00
💤 Open daily
🚶5 min walk from Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station
💴 Cash only
3. Orange kikaki
I ordered the Orangette Kakigori.
This special kakigori features fluffy chocolate shaved ice paired with citrus cream cheese, with a citrus craft ice cream hidden inside.
It is also topped with a cute orange-shaped cookie, making it a truly unique creation that could only come from an orangette specialty shop.
Served on the side is a fresh Iyo citrus pulp sauce. Pouring it over the kakigori brings out an even brighter citrus aroma and a refreshing sweet-and-tart flavor.
With the first bite, the chocolate shaved ice melts softly in your mouth, creating a surprisingly light and delicate texture. I also found that it was much less likely to cause the typical “brain freeze” associated with shaved ice, making it easy to enjoy until the very end.
The gentle tanginess and richness of the cream cheese pair beautifully with the sweetness of the chocolate. Combined with the refreshing citrus notes, this kakigori is the perfect dessert for a hot summer day.
This kakigori is available for a limited time until the end of September, so don’t miss the chance to try it if you’re interested!
Basic information
🏠 ORANGE kikaki ASAKUSA
📍 6-1-3 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
🕘 12:00〜18:30
💤 Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
🚶 7-minute walk from Asakusa Station
💴 Credit cards, e-money, and QR code payments accepted
If you want to see more delicious food in Asakusa, be sure to check out my Instagram too📸✨Just click the icon below!
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