Kansai Shaved Ice: From the Holy Land of Ice in Nara to Traditional Kyoto Sweets Shops and Osaka Ice Merchants
Kansai Shaved Ice: From the Holy Land of Ice in Nara to Traditional Kyoto Sweets Shops and Osaka Ice Merchants
The history of shaved ice (kakigori) actually started right here in Kansai. Himuro Shrine in Nara dates back to the Heijo-kyo era, when ice harvested from mountain icehouses was dedicated to the capital—a tradition of offering ice that continues every summer today. Now, Nara has become a true shaved ice hot spot with over 40 shops competing with creative treats. In Kyoto, century-old traditional confectionery shops freeze pure well water—from the same source as famous historic springs—to shave their own ice. Over in Osaka, specialty ice merchants and fruit shops use their unique expertise to craft incredible kakigori. Though it's all shaved ice, every city brings its own flavor and history. We’ve lined them up as you head west, from Nara to Kyoto and then Osaka!
2026.08.02
·Total ~113.1km
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Himuro Shrine
A shrine where ice harvested in the mountains was dedicated to the ancient capital during the Heijo-kyo era. Every year on May 1st at the Ice Offering Festival, giant pillars of ice containing carp and sea bream are offered here. This shrine is the main reason Nara is known as the sacred land of kakigori.
〒630-8212 奈良県奈良市春日野町１−４
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Kakigori Housekibako
Famous nationwide for its creative shaved ice topped with fluffy espuma foam. The name 'Houseki' comes from the Nara dialect word for 'snack.' Online reservations required; closed Thursdays.
〒630-8222 奈良県奈良市餅飯殿町４７
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Ochanoko
Located on the 2nd floor of Yume CUBE in the Mochiidono Center Street shopping arcade. Open until 8:00 PM, making it a great backup option if other popular shops sell out for the day. Just a 3-minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station.
〒630-8226 奈良県奈良市小西町３５−２ コトモール 1F
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Horiuchi Fruit Farm Nara Sanjo
A shop run directly by a fruit farm. Topped generously with fresh seasonal fruit, these treats rely on the natural, vibrant flavor of fruit rather than sweet syrups. A 4-minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station.
〒630-8224 奈良県奈良市角振町２３
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Miyake Old Konoike Residence
Serves Japanese sweets inside a relocated grand merchant residence from the wealthy Konoike family. Located an 8-minute walk from Kintetsu Tomio Station, it's slightly outside the city center, but the gorgeous historic architecture makes it well worth the trip.
〒631-0065 奈良県奈良市鳥見町１丁目５−１
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Nijo Wakasaya Teramachi
A tearoom run by a Kyoto confectionery shop with over a century of history. They use well water drawn from the same underground source as Somei—one of Kyoto's three famous water springs—and freeze it slowly over 4 to 5 days in a specialized freezer. Closed Wednesdays.
〒604-0931 京都府京都市中京区寺町通二条下ル榎木町６７
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Saryo Hosen
A traditional sweets shop overlooking a tranquil garden in Shimogamo. Renowned for their expertly cooked azuki red beans, their kakigori is equally refined. A 15-minute walk from Matsugasaki Station—a place where you can savor both the treat and the serene atmosphere.
〒606-0861 京都府京都市左京区下鴨西高木町２５
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Gion Kitagawa Hanbei
A Gion tearoom run by a long-established tea wholesaler. Famous for kakigori highlighting deep matcha and roasted hojicha flavors. Open until 10:00 PM, making it perfect for a late-night treat after strolling through Gion.
〒605-0074 京都府京都市東山区祇園町南側５７０−１８８
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Nakamura Tokichi Main Store
A famous tea merchant in Uji. Located in a renovated tea processing factory from the Taisho period, they serve rich matcha shaved ice alongside their signature raw tea jelly. Located right near JR Uji Station—great to pair with a visit to Byodoin Temple.
〒611-0021 京都府宇治市宇治壱番１０
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Osaka Naniwaya
A taiyaki shop that branched off from the famous Naniwaya in Azabu-Juban, Tokyo. Known for delicious kakigori made with natural ice. Great to drop by while exploring the trendy alleyways of Nakazakicho.
〒530-0016 大阪府大阪市北区中崎１丁目９−２１ 平和ビル 1F 天五中崎商店街
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Naniwa Himuro
A seasonal shaved ice stand operated during summer by a wholesale ice dealer. Because they shave their high-purity commercial ice directly, the incredible quality of the ice shines through. Located in Kitahorie, within walking distance from Yotsubashi Station.
〒550-0014 大阪府大阪市西区北堀江１丁目１１−３ 仲尾ビル
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Yamaguchi Kudamono Uehommachi Main Store
Shaved ice from a specialty fruit shop with over 70 years of history. Long lines form even before opening during peak peach and melon seasons. Enjoy seasonal fruits selected with an expert's eye right on top of your ice!
〒542-0062 大阪府大阪市中央区上本町西２丁目１−９
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Kakigori Takara Juso Main Store
A specialty shaved ice shop focused entirely on tea flavors. They excel at serving bowls packed with rich, intense matcha and hojicha taste. Located in Juso-honmachi, just a short walk from the station.
〒532-0024 大阪府大阪市淀川区十三本町１丁目４−１８