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
日本、〒630-8212 奈良県奈良市春日野町１−４
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.
日本、〒630-8222 奈良県奈良市餅飯殿町４７
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.
日本、〒630-8226 奈良県奈良市小西町３５−２ コトモール 1F
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.
日本、〒630-8224 奈良県奈良市角振町２３
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.
日本、〒631-0065 奈良県奈良市鳥見町１丁目５−１
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.
日本、〒604-0931 京都府京都市中京区寺町通二条下ル榎木町６７
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.
日本、〒606-0861 京都府京都市左京区下鴨西高木町２５
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.
日本、〒605-0074 京都府京都市東山区祇園町南側５７０−１８８
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.
日本、〒611-0021 京都府宇治市宇治壱番１０
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.
日本、〒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
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.
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