Ice Cream in Japan: Best Places in Tokyo!

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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!