Cold Stone is closing its final branch in all of east Japan, but it’s going down singing
Parting is such very, very sweet sorrow. No one’s really watching their calories on October 31, right? Between trick-or-treating, Halloween parties, and all those tempting candy displays in the stores, there’s no better occasion for indulging your sweet tooth multiple times during the same day. And if you’re already leaving room for desserts, this Halloween […]
On October 31, Cold Stone will be closing its final branch in east Japan, marking the end of the American "creamery's" time in the country. The chain first entered Japan in 2005 and quickly gained popularity among sweets enthusiasts, with long lines forming as customers eagerly awaited the chance to try the offerings of this American "creamery."
However, enthusiasm for Cold Stone waned over time, and branches began to close, including the departure of Tokyo entirely for a brief period. In 2023, Cold Stone made a comeback with new branches in Tokyo's Tama district and Harajuku neighborhood, but both locations ultimately failed to sustain a strong presence. The only remaining Cold Stone location in east Japan was in an outlet shopping mall in Tochigi Prefecture, which closed down just one month after its opening.
Recently, there was a glimmer of hope when Cold Stone opened a branch in Kamakura, a popular sightseeing destination near Tokyo. Kamakura, with its temples, shrines, hiking trails, and beaches, is only about an hour's train ride from Tokyo, making it a convenient day trip for locals and visitors staying in the capital.
Written by urgent.news from SoraNews24's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
