tokyotreat mobile logotokyotreat logo
close button
0
All TopicsNewsCultureJapanese Snacks & CandyFood & DrinkTravelEntertainmentMember Spotlight
A matcha ice cream cone in Tokyo.
A matcha ice cream cone in Tokyo.

Ice Cream in Japan: Best Places in Tokyo!

James LauJames Lau
Published Time
Posted on August 29, 2024

Japan is a paradise for ice cream lovers, offering diverse, unique, and tasty options. From rich matcha to rolled ice cream and artisanal gelato, the city’s ice cream shops deliver traditional Japanese flavors and original combinations that will impress. Whether you’re exploring Shibuya or Asagaya, Tokyo’s ice cream scene is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered!

Nanaya Aoyama (Shibuya)

Nanaya Aoyama is a cozy tea and gelato shop located in Shibuya, known for offering the “world’s richest matcha gelato.” Originally from Shizuoka, a region famous for its high-quality green tea, Nanaya serves matcha-based sweets, including gelato, with seven different levels of matcha intensity. The shop’s signature is its No.7 gelato, which boasts a deep, rich bitterness, appealing to true matcha enthusiasts.

An assortment of gradually intense matcha ice cream.
Nanaya Aoyama has some of the strongest matcha ice cream in the city! Image via Food Blag [sic]

The shop is popular not only for its desserts but also for its high-quality tea products sourced from Shizuoka. They include loose-leaf teas, matcha-infused chocolates, and bottled teas. Overall, Nanaya’s offerings are a perfect way to experience authentic Japanese tea culture.

Roll Ice Cream (Harajuku)

Roll Ice Cream Factory, in Harajuku, has become popular since its opening. Originally from New York, this ice cream shop introduced Thai-style rolled ice cream to Japan. The process is simple: liquid cream is poured onto a cold plate chilled to minus 10 degrees Celsius, then skillfully rolled into cylinders and topped with your choice of over 40 toppings.

Four different cupte of Roll Ice Cream from Harajuku.
Roll ice cream is one of the most creative desserts around! Image via Sugotoku Docomo

It’s famous for its customizable ice cream. It offers a choice of four regular flavors and two seasonal ones, along with various mix-ins and toppings. The shop’s photogenic ice cream, such as the famous “Cookie Monster,” has attracted a large following, making it a favorite for Instagram-worthy moments and a great takeout option that stays firm without melting quickly.

Are you looking for amazing snacks from Japan? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, drinks, snacks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest Japanese drinks and snacks directly from Japan!

Sowa Ice (Toranomon)

Sowa Ice Cream has been delighting customers since 1955. Located just a short walk from Tokyo Tower, Sowa offers various handmade ice creams and sorbets made daily. The shop is known for its simple and rich flavors, including black sesame, sakura, houjicha, and many seasonal varieties. Their affordable prices and nostalgic charm make it a popular spot for everyone, from businesspeople on lunch breaks to tourists exploring the area.

A cup of ice cream from Sowa in Tokyo.
Sowa Ice Cream offers classic flavors. Image via Facebook

In addition to their in-store offerings, Sowa also sells take-home and delivery ice creams, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite flavors at home. The shop’s daily soft serve flavor is a hit, and their sorbets feature refreshing summer fruits like mango and melon. Sowa’s reputation for quality and taste has made it a favorite in Tokyo. With a second location in Jiyugaoka and online ordering, Sowa Ice Cream is a must-try for any ice cream lover.

Gelateria Sincerita (Asagaya)

Gelateria Sincerita is dedicated to creating simple, honest, and delicious gelato using fresh and seasonal ingredients. The shop prides itself on crafting flavors people want to enjoy daily. They use honey and wasanbon sugar for a gentle sweetness that enhances the ingredients’ natural flavors.

Two large cups of gelato from Gelateria Sincerita.
You can also buy their gelato online! Image via Let’s Enjoy Tokyo

Sincerita values the connection between producers and the final product. They often visit farms to learn the story behind their ingredients. The gelato is handmade with a focus on craftsmanship. Each recipe is perfected by carefully selecting the best ingredients for a rich, smooth texture. This deep respect for quality and origin is reflected in every scoop of their gelato!

John’s Ice Cream (Kami-Meguro)

John’s Ice Cream is a hidden gem offering some of Tokyo’s most unique and inventive flavors. It shares its space with a hair salon, so you might easily miss it if you’re not looking closely. The shop regularly updates its menu and is known for its unusual flavor combinations, such as Hamamatsu orange with black pepper and olive oil, black chocolate with bamboo charcoal, and cognac with fruit and nuts.

A hand holding a drippy ice cream cone from John's Ice Cream.
Their flavors include black pepper! Image via Timeout Tokyo

In addition to its creative flavors, John’s Ice Cream is famous for its over-the-top creations, featuring colorful sprinkles and custom sugar cookies designed by Cookie Boy, a famous cookie artist. These artistic toppings add extra fun to your ice cream experience. The shop’s “Eat Art” theme encourages customers to turn gelato into a personalized masterpiece using a wide range of high-end toppings!

Why should I try these ice cream spots in Tokyo?

Trying ice cream in Tokyo is an opportunity to experience the city’s blend of tradition and innovation. Shops like Nanaya Aoyama offer a deep dive into Japanese flavors with matcha gelato, made from high-quality green tea sourced from Shizuoka. On the other hand, Roll Ice Cream Factory introduces the playful concept of rolled ice cream, where you can customize your treat with various toppings.

A bowl of matcha kakigori.
Which of these ice cream spots would you like to visit? Image via Shutterstock

Each ice cream spot in Tokyo offers something special, making it a must-visit for any dessert lover. Sowa Ice Cream offers handmade flavors and nostalgic charm, allowing you to taste Tokyo’s past. In contrast, Gelateria Sincerita emphasizes seasonal ingredients and artisanal craftsmanship.

For those seeking something truly unique, John’s Ice Cream presents inventive flavor combinations that push the boundaries of traditional ice cream. Have you tried any of these ice cream places in Japan? Which one did you like the best? Let us know in the comments below!

Enjoy Delicious Japanese Candy And Snacks Every Month!

Starting from$32.50 USD
Get TokyoTreat

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Enjoy Delicious Japanese Candy And Snacks Every Month!

Starting from$32.50 USD
Get TokyoTreat

Related articles

Food & Drink

Shabu Shabu and More Amazing Pork Dishes from Japan!

The flavors and textures of pork dishes, with their sweet, umami, and savory touches, are the ultimate comfort food!

October 30, 2024
Food & Drink

Hakodate and More Places with Great Fish Markets!

Hakodate is just one of many amazing places with thriving fish markets! In this blog, we’ll explore some of Japan’s best fish markets. Each destination offers a unique experience, making it a must-see spot for seafood lovers.

October 29, 2024
Food & Drink

Kushikatsu: Golden Fried Food on a Skewer!

Kushikatsu is in the Osaka food scene with the famous okonomiyaki (savory pancake) and takoyaki (octopus balls). Learn why kushikatsu continues taking Japanese taste buds by storm, and find out where you can get some!

October 23, 2024
Food & Drink

Japanese Rice Cooker: Creative, Easy Recipes to Try Today!

You might not realize it, but that Japanese rice cooker sitting on your countertop could be the perfect tool you’ve been missing!

October 18, 2024
Food & Drink

What is Kuidaore: A Trip with Osaka’s Street Food!

Here is everything you need to know about kuidaore and the best spots to enjoy street food in Osaka!

October 17, 2024
Food & Drink

Ministop and More: Unique Convenience Stores in Japan

Japan is home to other, lesser-known convenience store chains that provide a different, often more specialized experience.

October 17, 2024