One-of-a-kind kakigōri (shaved Ice dessert) for Adults

Have you tried Japanese traditional summer sweets, “kakigōri” (shaved ice dessert)? Kakigori has been going under great changes in recent years and I would like to bring you up to date about this popular summer sweets loved by Japanese people.

kakigōri was already mentioned in the book written more than 1,000 years ago during Heian period and it has been loved by Japanese people ever since. kakigōri is sold in festivals, convenience stores, coffee shops, and restaurants and you can pick your favorite syrup to pour on top of it. Popular flavors include strawberry, melon, lemon, and "Blue Hawaii", and you can enjoy colorful varieties. When I was a kid, I used to go to a shop which provided colorful varieties of syrup and allowed customers to pour on kakigōri as much as we wanted. I remember enjoying a rainbow kakigōri by using two or more different syrups. It usually costs only 200 – 300 JPY per each bowl. The poster of “Kori (ice)” is a popular sign during hot summer months among Japanese people regardless of their ages.

However, a great change has come about for kakigōri in recent years and it has been transformed into a stylish dessert menu for adults. There are some specialized kakigōri shops in Japan riding the crest of the kakigōri boom in those days. They decorate kakigōri with great variations such as fresh fruits, chocolate, ice cream and sometimes alcohol and serve their dessert in special tableware. When it’s served like that, some of them are just like an art and you might feel they are too good to eat. I know some shops offer them at more than 1,000 JPY.

The Japanese popular travel magazine “Tokyo Walker” has a special feature section on kakigōri, too.
http://www.shaveicewalker.com/

I would like to introduce you my favorite kakigōri. Visit Coconoma Season Dining located inside Hotel and Residence Roppongi for their incredible new summer offering!

My best recommendation is a mojito flavored kakigōri! Enjoy fresh mint and lime flavor. Mint leaves are so pretty on top of kakigōri. You can also enjoy a tomato-basil and pina colada version, too! Since both of them are not too sweetened, you cannot stop eating and no worries about calories. They are priced reasonably as 600 JPY – quite a value for money as dining inside the hotel. Their friendly staff can speak perfect English too.
http://www.hr-roppongi.jp/en/restaurant/
https://www.facebook.com/Coconoma.SeasonDining

COCONOMA Season Dining
TEL; 03-5772-2472 (English/Japanese)
1-11-6 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Enjoy both traditional and unique kakigōri desserts this summer while you are in Japan!