Exploring Japan's Natural Ice — Historic Ice Makers & Shaved Ice Shops in Nikko, Chichibu, Karuizawa, and Yatsugatake
Exploring Japan's Natural Ice — Historic Ice Makers & Shaved Ice Shops in Nikko, Chichibu, Karuizawa, and Yatsugatake
Did you know there is ice made entirely without machinery? It's called "natural ice" (tennen-kori), crafted over two weeks in winter by filling outdoor ponds with pure spring water and carefully skimming away leaves by hand. Today, only a handful of traditional ice producers remain in all of Japan: three in Nikko (Yondaime Tokujiro, Shogetsu Himuro, and Mitsuboshi Himuro), one in Chichibu (Asami Reizo), plus a few in Karuizawa and Yatsugatake. Because it freezes so slowly, the ice forms large, hard crystals that don't melt easily even when shaved paper-thin—which is why it won't give you brain freeze! Here is a summer map guiding you to the ice makers' own shops and local spots serving this legendary shaved ice.
2026.08.01
·Total ~288.2km
日本、〒369-1305 埼玉県秩父郡長瀞町長瀞７８１−４
Founded in 1890, this is Chichibu's only natural ice maker. Located along the approach to Hodosan Shrine from Nagatoro Station, it's widely considered a sacred pilgrimage spot for kakigori (shaved ice) lovers.
日本、〒369-1621 埼玉県秩父郡皆野町金崎２７−１
The main location featuring the original icehouse. This is where they first started serving kakigori back in 1992, allowing you to soak in the charming atmosphere of the traditional storehouse. It offers a slightly more relaxed vibe than the Hodosando branch.
日本、〒321-1421 栃木県日光市所野１５３５−２２７
Directly run by Yondaime Tokujiro, one of Nikko's three famous ice producers. Enjoy a fluffy bowl of shaved ice drizzled with homemade syrup inside a cozy log cabin on Kirifuri Highlands.
日本、〒321-1261 栃木県日光市今市３７９
The flagship shop directly operated by Shogetsu Himuro, renovated in 2024. They carefully layer the syrups throughout the ice, giving you delightful new flavor combinations with every bite.
日本、〒321-2522 栃木県日光市鬼怒川温泉大原１３９８−６
Serves natural ice from Mitsuboshi Himuro, the third of Nikko's renowned ice producers. Located just 30 seconds on foot from Kinugawa-Onsen Station—it's the perfect cool treat after a hot spring bath!
日本、〒389-0102 長野県北佐久郡軽井沢町軽井沢６９１−４
A classic Japanese sweet shop on Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza Street. Enjoy Japanese-style shaved ice made with Karuizawa's natural ice, and be sure to pair it with their signature "Chimoto Mochi."
日本、〒408-0315 山梨県北杜市白州町白須１３０８
A shaved ice stand operated directly by Kuramoto Yatsuyoshi, an ice maker located in a region famous for Southern Alps spring water. Open only during the summer season, right next to a free spring water fountain.