Enjoying Exquisite Shaved Ice in Asakusa! Top 6 Local Favorites Part 1

Asakusa is a town where you can enjoy the good old Japanese atmosphere and a diverse food culture. In this article, we carefully select and introduce seven shaved ice shops loved by locals in Asakusa, detailing the unique characteristics and highlights of each shop. Many shops are conveniently located for a quick visit during sightseeing and are open all year round, allowing you to experience the charm of Asakusa not only in summer but throughout the year. By reading this article, you will fully understand everything from the taste and atmosphere to tips for avoiding crowds and combining it with nearby sightseeing. Your shaved ice experience in Asakusa will be greatly enhanced.

1. The Charm of Enjoying Shaved Ice in Asakusa

1.1 The Unique Atmosphere of Historic Asakusa

Asakusa is known as a deeply historical area in Tokyo, where the ambiance of the Edo period is still strongly present. As you pass through the Kaminarimon and walk down Nakamise Street, you are greeted by souvenir shops and long-established confectionery stores. Enjoying shaved ice in such a Japanese setting provides a special time that goes beyond just having a sweet treat. In particular, Asakusa offers unique spaces not commonly found elsewhere, such as sweet shops that retain a Showa era feel and tea houses with gardens where you are greeted by staff in traditional attire.

1.2 A Gourmet Spot to Enjoy Along with Sightseeing

Asakusa is also highly popular as a gourmet destination. The shaved ice shops offer a variety of styles, from long-established Japanese sweet shops to modern cafes and international specialty stores. You can enjoy Edo flavors such as eel, tempura, and monjayaki before or after your shaved ice, and combine it with sightseeing at Sensoji Temple or Hanayashiki, making for a fulfilling day unique to Asakusa. There are also areas where eating while walking is allowed, offering mini-sized shaved ice cups to enjoy while strolling.

1.3 Plenty of Shaved Ice Shops Open All Year Round

While shaved ice is generally known as a summer tradition, there are many shops in Asakusa that offer it all year round. Specialty shops using natural ice are so popular that they even have lines in winter, and the reason lies in the high quality of the ice and ingredients. For example, there are luxurious menus that combine shaved ice with traditional Japanese ingredients like black syrup, matcha, and shiratama, evolving into a dessert that can be enjoyed regardless of the season.

Furthermore, as shown in the table below, knowing the characteristics of representative shaved ice shops that operate throughout the year can make it easier to plan your visit.

Shop Name	Operating Period	Main Features
Asakusa Naniwaya	All year round	Elegant taste with natural ice and homemade syrup
Fruit Parlor Goto	All year round	Luxurious fruit shaved ice using seasonal fruits
Sweet Shop Umezon Asakusa Main Store	All year round	Famous for Japanese sweets like Uji Kintoki and Anmitsu

This way, the enjoyment of shaved ice in Asakusa goes beyond the typical ‘summer-only’ image. Especially in winter, enjoying shaved ice with tea can be a soothing time that warms you from the inside, making it an attractive option for sightseeing all year round.

2. Top 7 Popular Shaved Ice Shops in Asakusa

2.1 Asakusa Naniwaya

2.1.1 Fluffy Shaved Ice from a Famous Taiyaki Shop

‘Asakusa Naniwaya’ is a hidden gem highly rated even among shaved ice enthusiasts, located in a shopping district known for its famous taiyaki. The fluffy texture of the ice is like snow, melting in your mouth with each bite.

2.1.2 Commitment to Natural Ice

The ice used is natural ice from Chichibu’s Azami Refrigeration. The pure ice is luxuriously shaved after being frozen over time, offering a smooth and mellow taste. Popular menu items include ‘Uji Matcha Milk Kintoki’ and ‘Strawberry Special’ featuring seasonal fruits. The lineup changes with the seasons, ensuring you never tire of visiting all year round.

2.2 Fruit Parlor Goto

2.2.1 Luxurious Shaved Ice at a Long-Established Fruit Shop

At this parlor managed by ‘Goto’, a fruit specialty store founded in the Taisho era, you can enjoy luxurious shaved ice made with an abundance of seasonal fruits. It’s a spot where you can fully experience Asakusa’s fruit culture, attracting fans who visit every season.

2.2.2 Luxurious Syrup Made with Seasonal Fruits

All products are handmade in the store. From strawberries to melons and mangoes, the homemade sauces are packed with fruit, offering a taste that surprises with its perfect balance with the ice, ensuring a steady stream of repeat customers.

2.3 Sweet Shop Umezon Asakusa Main Store

2.3.1 Japanese-Style Shaved Ice from a Long-Established Store

‘Umezon’, a representative of Asakusa’s sweet culture, is known as a long-established Japanese confectionery store dating back to the Meiji era, with people continuously visiting for anmitsu and dorayaki. The shaved ice available at Umezon is a masterpiece where tradition and craftsmanship merge.

2.3.2 Enjoy with Uji Kintoki and Anmitsu

In summer, Uji Kintoki and ice shiruko are extremely popular. There is also a set available all year round with anmitsu, allowing you to enjoy traditional sweets and a cold texture at once. It’s a valuable spot where you can experience the essence of Asakusa.