You might be surprised by the almost intense, “poisonous” shade of red in the photo. It’s not often that we see such vivid, primary colors in food. Yet, doesn’t it look incredibly interesting and refreshing, somehow sparking your appetite? While shaved ice, or kakigori, is a famous symbol of the Japanese summer, I would like to introduce a shop that stands out even among the rest.
The strawberry-flavored kakigori in the top photo is from “Himitsudo,” located near Nippori Station in Tokyo. Himitsudo offers an extensive menu, and every item carries a strong visual impact. For example, their pineapple-flavored kakigori isn’t just about the syrup—it has actual chunks of pineapple sitting right on top. It’s “twice as delicious” because you get to enjoy both the fruit and the ice together.
The Secret Behind Himitsudo’s Fluffy Natural Ice
The secret to Himitsudo’s popularity doesn’t stop there. There is a special secret to the ice itself: they use “natural ice.” Kakigori made from natural ice has a wonderfully fluffy texture, and interestingly, you don’t get that sharp “brain freeze” headache even when eating something so cold.
Because of these qualities, even though it is located near Nippori Station—which isn’t a major terminal hub—Himitsudo is extremely popular. When I visited in the summer, I had to wait in line for several dozen minutes.
Winter Special: Scorching Gratin and Shaved Ice
It is currently February and the middle of winter, but Himitsudo remains open. You might think, “Shaved ice in winter?” But right now, the wait times might be shorter than in the summer. Furthermore, the shop has another trick up its sleeve: in winter, they even serve gratin. According to their official social media (you can find today’s menu on thier X official X: https://twitter.com/himitsudo1), which features their latest menu, it’s called “Scorching Hot Gratin.” The combination of ice-cold kakigori and scorching hot gratin is quite a unique combo, isn’t it? While I do wonder if my stomach can handle it, I have to take my hat off to the shop’s creative ideas.
Nippori is about 15 minutes away from the terminal station of Ikebukuro and just a few minutes’ walk once you arrive. If you are getting a little tired of ordinary gourmet food and find yourself nearby, please give it a try.
