¥6,000 for shaved ice: Is luxury ‘kakigōri’ worth it?
The summer staple is being elevated into an extravagant treat by dessert purveyors — with varying results.
In the sweltering Japanese summer, the sight of a dome of ice laden with colorful syrup is hard to miss in the display cases of dessert shops. Kakigōri, shaved ice, is a popular treat that becomes particularly popular during the summer months. Known for its delicate texture, the ice is created using specialized shaving machines.
While kakigōri shares similarities with similar dishes found across East and Southeast Asia, Japan's version is distinguished by its unique texture. A basic kakigōri consists of shaved ice topped with syrup; however, some vendors offer additional fillings or toppings like anko, mochi, or fresh fruit. This dessert has gained popularity as an affordable summer treat, often found at yatai (food stalls) during traditional festivals.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
