Nikko Natural Shaved Ice Guide: Sampling the Three Legendary Ice Houses
Of the only five natural ice producers remaining in Japan, three are located right here in Nikko: Yondaime Tokujiro, Shogetsu Himuro, and Mitsuboshi Himuro. Made by filling outdoor ponds with pure spring water in winter and letting it freeze slowly over two weeks, this ice shaves into light, fluffy bowls that melt slowly and won't give you a brain freeze. This map highlights spots serving ice from these top three ice houses, spanning from Nikko Station all the way to Okunikko and Kinugawa—along with notes on which producer each shop uses. Exploring Nikko in the summer with shaved ice in hand is definitely the way to go!
2026.08.01
·Total ~101.5km
日本、〒321-1421 栃木県日光市所野１５３５−２２７
Directly operated by Yondaime Tokujiro ice producer. Enjoy a bowl topped with homemade syrup inside a log cabin in Kirifuri Highlands, cooled by the gentle mountain breeze.
日本、〒321-1261 栃木県日光市今市３７９
Directly operated by Shogetsu Himuro and renovated in June 2024. They layer multiple syrups so the flavors evolve delightfully with every bite.
日本、〒321-1406 栃木県日光市松原町１０−１
Uses Mitsuboshi Himuro ice. Famous for fried yuba (tofu skin) manju, their specialty shaved ice features real frozen strawberries shaved directly into the bowl. Located right outside Tobu-Nikko Station.
日本、〒321-1406 栃木県日光市松原町２５３
Uses Shogetsu Himuro ice. They carefully adjust their shaving technique to highlight the natural purity of the ice. A major bonus: it's served year-round!
日本、〒321-1403 栃木県日光市下鉢石町９４６
Uses Shogetsu Himuro ice. Enjoy shaved ice drizzled with homemade sweet red bean sauce inside a renovated Meiji/Taisho era storehouse. Located in the World Heritage area.
日本、〒321-1434 栃木県日光市本町３−１３
Uses Yondaime Tokujiro ice. Set in a charming renovated traditional house, offering 6 refreshing fruit flavors and 4 decadent ones. A great spot to pop in after visiting Toshogu Shrine.
日本、〒321-1661 栃木県日光市中宮祠２４７８
Enjoy Mitsuboshi Himuro ice right on the shores of Lake Chuzenji. Available only during summer (mid-July to early September)—a perfect cool-down during an Okunikko getaway.
日本、〒321-1261 栃木県日光市今市１１４７
Uses Yondaime Tokujiro ice. Known for precise shaving techniques and homemade syrups, with a constant stream of seasonal limited-edition flavors. Located near Imaichi Station.
日本、〒321-1261 栃木県日光市今市７５４
Uses Yondaime Tokujiro ice. A cozy cafe tucked into an alleyway of a former geisha district. Popular for bowls combining soft shaved ice with ice cream and real fruit.
日本、〒321-2522 栃木県日光市鬼怒川温泉大原１３９８−６
Uses Mitsuboshi Himuro ice paired with homemade syrups. Just a 30-second walk from Kinugawa-Onsen Station—perfect for a refreshing treat between hot spring hops.