Japan’s Favorite Summer Treat—3 of Osaka’s Best Shaved Ice Specialty Stores

Maybe you’ve had shaved ice before, but have you ever tried kakigori (かき氷)? This traditional Japanese dessert takes shaved ice to a whole new level!

Compared to a snow cone, kakigori is notably more delicate. The ice is shaved into ultra-fine feathery flakes. Plus it melts instantly in your mouth leaving behind a delicate flavor.

This popular summer treat is also street food you’ll find at festivals. Usually you can choose from a selection of fruity colorful flavors like strawberry, melon, lemon, or even blue hawaii. Sometimes it is topped with sweetened condensed milk, fresh fruit, or even red bean paste and bite-sized mochi balls. Whatever the flavor, it is delicious!

Light, fluffy, and refreshing, kakigori is a special summer treat. And recently, cafes and specialty stores are taking kakigori to the next level. You’ll see toppings like fresh cream, espuma, and homemade syrups.

After indulging in countless bowls of this kakigori, I narrowed it down to three unforgettable shops. They are amazing and unique. Plus they’re all located in Osaka’s Minami district.

Traditionally Delicious with Temple Garden Scenery—Chaniwa

First off, let me show you this very Japanese kakigori spot that’s right across the street from Horie Park. The special thing about this cafe is that it’s located inside the grounds of Manpukuji Temple. Temple history stretches back at least 400 years. And you can take in the traditional latticed windows, gorgeous greenery, and that serene feeling unique to Buddhist temples.

Bright red benches dot the temple garden. And a welcoming cafe with window-side seating invites visitors inside the building just inside the entrance. The cafe is named Chaniwa, meaning ‘tea garden’. And that is exactly what it is.

Like any cafe they serve teas, coffees, and cakes all year long. But it is extraordinary to enjoy cafe time against the beautiful backdrop of well-manicured greenery and temple architecture. Plus during summer months, there is a special treat on the menu—ice cold kakigori!

Traditional Japanese Flavors Transformed into Kakigori

When I visited, there were three different flavors on the menu:

It was a tough choice. But eventually I decided on the plum syrup kakigori, because I like a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

Soon a mounded bowl of shaved ice appeared fresh from the kitchen. There was also a small dish of plum jelly and a heart-sized pitcher of plum syrup on the platter. Because you pour on the syrup yourself, it won’t melt before you start to eat. And you can add a measured amount of syrup to flavor the ice however you like.

It felt so decadent to eat this sweet treat while looking out over the beautiful garden. Most items on the menu were between ¥1,000–¥2,000. Keep in mind, they only accept cash so please come prepared.

Sweet on the Tongue and the Wallet—Naniwa Hyoshitsu

Next up is Naniwa Hyoshitsu. This no-frills kakigori shop delivers a wide range of flavors, nostalgia, and cold cups of shaved ice. Everything is made right inside a teeny tiny storefront in the Horie neighborhood. And their prices are easy on the travel-budget, making this an easily accessible kakigori spot in the heart of Osaka. The ice is fluffy and the syrup is sweet.

Naniwa Hyoshitsu’s Classic Shaved Ice Flavors

At Naniwa Hyoshitsu, shaved ice options run the gamut of traditional colors and flavors—strawberry, melon, lemon, matcha, blue hawaii, mizore sweet syrup. Each one could be topped with an additional layer of sweetened condensed milk, or two!

Again, it was hard to choose a flavor. But I went with the lemon since I’m a fan of tart desserts. Honestly, it was still very sweet, but it’s hard to beat the ¥350 price. I’ve yet to see such a good price this centrally located part of Osaka.

Keep in mind, there is no seating at Naniwa Hyoshitsu. So be prepared to stand near the shop or take your kakigori to go. On busy days you may find a small crowd of customers enjoying their sweet treats nearby or lined up to order. Oh, and keep in mind, the shop is closed on rainy days, simply because—who is going to stand on the street eating shaved ice in the rain?!?

Stunningly Superb Flavor Creations—Bonne Journee

Finally, I visited Dessert & Cafe Bonne Journee in America-mura. It was the most expensive of the three shops I visited. Regardless, the quality and flavor was very impressive. If you’re looking for top of the line kakigori, look no further.

Bonne Journee specializes in kakigori year-round. And while you may be thinking, “Who is going to eat shaved ice in the middle of winter?” I want you to know that this shaved ice is so good. You’ll probably want to eat it every single day of the year!

Unique Kakigori Flavor Creations

The menu always features the staple Banana and Salted Caramel. Plus there is a selection of seasonal specialties that can be viewed on the shop’s Instagram page.

When I visited there were so many enticing seasonal options:

I went with the American Cherry ice. I felt like I was eating a slice of cherry pie. But it was cold and refreshing! Inside the cherry ice, bits of crumbly pie crust were waiting to be discovered. And a layer of yogurt whipped cream topped the whole thing off. And like many good desserts, there was a cherry on top.

The attention to detail here is amazing! When you order, you can select the color of dishware for your kakigori. And it’s served with a cup of hot water. What a perfect palette cleanser! And I didn’t get even the slightest hint of brain-freeze.

Definitely make reservations if you can. Before you visit, either send a DM via Instagram or call by phone. Each dessert is carefully and painstakingly handcrafted so please plan enough time to enjoy this kakigori. It is truly an experience! Also be aware that each customer must order at least one dish. (When I was there, the other customer actually ordered two!)

Well, that’s it! I hope you found at least one shop you’d like to visit for some delicious mid-summer kakigori in Osaka. Hopefully, you’ll have a chance to visit all three!