Summer Means Shaved Ice! Three Popular Spots to Try in Asakusa

Nothing beats a refreshing bowl of kakigori during a summer stroll through Asakusa. After exploring Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street in the summer heat, this refreshing treat is the perfect way to cool down. Asakusa offers a wide variety of distinctive kakigori, from traditional Japanese flavors such as matcha and sweet red bean paste to colorful creations made with seasonal fruit. Here, we introduce three popular spots: Asakusa Kanmidokoro Saika, known for its fluffy shaved ice and Japanese sweets; Sakura Saku, which serves innovative kakigori with yogurt sauce; and Asakusa Naniwaya, also renowned for its taiyaki. Stop by during a family summer holiday or a day out with friends and enjoy a refreshing taste of Asakusa.

Fluffy Shaved Ice Featuring Japanese Flavors at Asakusa Kanmidokoro Saika

Tucked away on a side street off Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street, Asakusa Kanmidokoro Saika is approximately a two-minute walk from Asakusa Station. Its convenient location near Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street makes it an ideal place to take a break while sightseeing.

The shop is known for its finely shaved ice, which melts instantly in the mouth. Firm ice is shaved with an exceptionally sharp blade to create a fine texture resembling powder snow. The menu includes flavors made with seasonal fruit, as well as a wide range of Japanese ingredients such as signature matcha syrup, sweet red beans, shiratama rice-flour dumplings, roasted soybean flour, brown sugar syrup, and milk.

One of its signature items is Saika-gori, named after the shop itself. This shaved ice combines roasted soybean flour, brown sugar syrup, and milk, offering both a fragrant nuttiness and a mellow sweetness. The shop also serves anmitsu, matcha parfaits, homemade rich matcha pudding, oshiruko sweet red bean soup, and warabimochi made with carefully selected Japanese ingredients. Relax in the calm, modern Japanese setting and enjoy a refreshing moment with Japanese sweets in Asakusa.

Hours	Weekdays: 11:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Weekends and public holidays: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. The shop has irregular closing days, and its opening hours are subject to change.
Address	1F, 1-32-3 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Access	Hotel Gracery Asakusa: About a 4-min. walk
URL	https://www.instagram.com/asakusasaika

Innovative Shaved Ice with Yogurt and Fruit at Sakura Saku

Located in Kaminarimon, Sakura Saku is a specialty kakigori shop where visitors can experience “Mysterious Shaved Ice,” a unique style of kakigori originating in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture. Its fluffy shaved ice is topped with a special yogurt-based sauce characterized by its mellow acidity and richness. The refreshing yogurt enhances the sweetness of the fruit, creating a lighter finish that is different from conventional kakigori topped with condensed milk or syrup.

The colorful presentation, featuring beautifully arranged seasonal fruit and a finishing drizzle of honey, is another highlight that makes each serving worthy of a photograph. The sweetness of the fruit, the gentle acidity of the yogurt, and the rich aroma of the honey come together in a satisfying dessert that can be enjoyed to the very last spoonful.

In July and August, the shop remains open from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., making it a convenient stop during a day of sightseeing or for dessert after dinner. It offers an innovative experience that may completely change the way you think about kakigori.

Hours	Regular hours: 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Last order is 30 minutes before closing. Summer opening hours: From May 17: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. June: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. July and August: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Opening hours are subject to change. Please check the official website or Instagram account before visiting.
Address	1-9-2 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Access	Hotel Gracery Asakusa: About a 4-min. walk
URL	https://sakurasakuasakusa-amebaownd-com.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en

Carefully Crafted Shaved Ice from a Famous Taiyaki Shop: Asakusa Naniwaya

Located near Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station, Asakusa Naniwaya opened in 2010 as an independently operated shop carrying on the traditions of the renowned Naniwaya Sohonten in Azabu-Juban. In addition to taiyaki individually baked in traditional single molds, the shop is also popular for its fluffy, smooth shaved ice.

The kakigori is made with carefully selected ingredients and fresh fruit. Its sauces are slowly simmered to achieve a balanced sweetness and acidity while bringing out the natural flavor of the fruit. The red bean paste is made with adzuki beans from Tokachi, Hokkaido. The beans are simmered in a copper pot for approximately eight hours and then carefully kneaded by hand to bring out their full flavor.

The subtly sweet red bean paste pairs beautifully with both the taiyaki and kakigori. After cooling down with shaved ice, try one of the shop’s thin-skinned taiyaki, individually baked over high heat until crisp and aromatic. It is a wonderful place to enjoy two of Asakusa’s most beloved sweet treats.

Hours	Weekdays: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Weekends and public holidays: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Address	2-12-4 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Access	Hotel Gracery Asakusa: About a 12-min. walk
URL	https://a-naniwaya.com/en/