For most Japanese, summer means yukata, fireworks and shaved ice!
(Image source: Instagram @23channel)
Continuing with our shaved ice series, in this feature, we introduce some of our favorite spots in Kyoto.
(Please note that the pictures below may be deleted by the respective users on Instagram!)
Gion Rakuraku (ぎおん楽楽)
In a traditional machiya (house), Gion Rakuraku offers delicious shaved ice that is not overly sweet.
This one has berries, mango and peach sauce with some shiratama.
Gion Rakuraku (ぎおん楽楽)
Address: 2F, 570-122 Miniamigawa, Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto (京都府京都市祇園四条花見小路下ル西側 ぎおん楽楽 2F) (Google Maps)
Opening hours: 13:00 – 18:00
Official website (in Japanese): http://gion-sweets.com
Chasanraku (茶三楽)
A traditional tea house, you can try the matcha flavored shaved ice. Before digging into the ice, just taste the froth and green tea followed by the kanoko beans and ice. Don’t forget to take a picture 🙂
Shaved ice sale schedule for 2019:
May: Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 14:30
June: Daily from 14:30, closed on Wednesdays
July: Daily from 14:30, closed on Wednesdays
August: Daily from 14:30 (no holiday)
September: Daily from 14:30, closed on Wednesdays
*Please be aware that there may be irregular holidays.
We’re sure Arashiyama will be in your list of places to visit in Kyoto, so how about stopping by here.
Chasanraku (茶三楽)
Address: 7 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (京都府京都市右京区嵯峨天龍寺造路町7) (Google Maps)
Opening hours: 11:30-17:30 (L.O 17:00) (Irregularly closed)
Official website (in Eng): https://www.chasanraku.co.jp/en/
Kezurihiya Kyoto Gion (けずりひや京都祇園)
This place has the most unique shaved ice in all of Kyoto.
Served in a tea bowl, the shaved ice is flattened and stenciled with beautiful Japanese motifs using various tea powders.
You can choose between green tea, hojicha and black tea.
Kezurihiya Kyoto Gion (けずりひや京都祇園)
Address: 555 Gionmachi, Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto (京都市東山区祇園町南側555番地) (Google Maps)
Opening hours: 12:30 – 17:30 (L.O.17:00)
Official website (in Japanese): http://kezurihiya.com/
