Enjoy Japanese Shaved Ice “Kakigori” Using Natural Ice in Nikko’s Summer 2018!
Summer Treat in Nikko, Japan: Natural, Hand-Crafted Shaved Ice “Kakigōri” Cool Off and Quench Your Thirst!
Date: June 24, 2018
Source: Tobu Railway Co., Ltd.
NIKKO, Japan – June 24, 2018 – Nikko, an area just less than two hours north of Tokyo on the Limited Express Tobu-railway line, has been famous in Japan for more than a century, providing a respite for cooling off and immersing in nature, during Tokyo’s hot and humid summers.
One means for cooling off is ice. During winter, Nikko’s good-quality natural mountain spring water and traditional methods are used to make hard, highly transparent ice. These are preserved, and in June, as the height of summer approaches, Tokyo escapists and other visitors enjoy shaved ice products called “Kakigōri,” made with this carefully-chiseled and crafted natural ice. Because of the pure, mineral-rich water, Nikko’s Kakigōri is characterized by a soft, delicate, cotton candy-like texture, and subtle sweet flavor.
Currently, only a few traditional purveyors are left in Japan producing and selling natural ice, but there are three in the Nikko area! These are:
1. Shogetsu Himuro
A traditional purveyor of natural ice founded in 1894, the store is about 10 minutes on foot from Shimoimaichi Station on the Tobu Nikko Line. In summer you might have to queue. A rich range of items are served, including desserts made with locally-produced fruit.
Shogetsu Himuro’s Shaved Ice
- Shop Name:
Shogetsu Himuro (Japanese Name: 松月氷室) - Address:
379, Imaichi Nikko city, Tochigi Prefecture, 321-1261, Japan - Business Hours:
11:00am-5:00pm / closed on Mondays (※if holiday, closed the following day) - Access:
10 minute walk from Shimoimaichi Station
2. Nikko Coffee Goyouteidori
This cafe is inside a refurbished traditional Japanese house built more than 90 years ago. Their flagship offerings include ice produced by craftsman “Nikko 4th Tokujirou.” The ice goes wonderfully well with a tasty cup of coffee.
Nikko Coffee Goyoteidori’s Shaved Ice
- Shop Name:
Nikko Coffee Goyoteidori (Japanese Name: 日光珈琲 御用邸通店) - Address:
3-13 Honcho, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, 321-1434, Japan - Business Hours:
10:00am-6:00pm / closed on Mondays, 1st and 3rd Tuesday of Month (In case of national holiday, the day off is moved to the next day) - Access:
2 hours by train via the Tobu Skytree Line – Tobu Nikko Line from the Asakusa Station to the Tobu Nikko Station, then get off and take a 10-minute bus ride.
3. Nikko Kanaya Hotel Japanese Cafe Shou
This cafe is located inside one of Nikko’s most historic, classic hotels “Nikko Kanaya Hotel“. Shaved, natural ice is their seasonal specialty. Try it topped with “Tochi Otome Strawberry Syrup” or “Matcha Azuki” – a combination of green tea and sweet beans.
Come to Nikko in Summer. Explore the world heritage sites and the natural beauty, and don’t forget to try the natural shaved ice, a very much anticipated seasonal treat.
Nikko Kanaya Hotel Japanese Cafe Shou’s Shaved Ice
- Shop Name:
Nikko Kanaya Hotel Japanese Cafe Shou (Japanese Name: 日光金谷ホテル 甘味処 笙しょう) - Address:
Main Building 1st floor, 4-3 Matsubaracho, Nikko-shi, Tochigi-ken 321-1406, Japan - Business Hours:
11:00am – 4:30pm (L.O.) - Access:
10 minutes by free shuttle bus from Tobu Nikko Station or 25 minutes on foot
Natural ice carefully produced in the Nikko
The traditional ice manufacturing method dating back more than a century is carried forward by the craftspeople.
Get to Nikko using TOBU Railways:
The TOBU Railway Group is a major Japanese corporate group consisting of approximately 90 companies. The Tobu Railways cover the longest operating distance in the Kanto area, and lead to many tourist attractions including Asakusa and Tokyo SKYTREE TOWN in Tokyo, Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen, famous as a world heritage and hot spring location, the Tatebayashi and Ashikaga area known for its beautiful blooming flower fields, and Kawagoe, where the atmosphere of the Edo era still live on.
Are you looking for Shaved Ice Machine?
- Kakigori Machine
on Amazon
- Shaved Ice Machine on Rakuten
on Amazon
Are you looking for other hotels or ryokans in Nikko area?
- Nikko Area on Rakuten Travel
- Nikko Area on Booking.com
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