If you’re planning to visit Kyoto during the summer months, trying kakigori—Japan’s renowned shaved ice dessert—should be at the top of your list. This video highlights the best spots in Kyoto (京都) to enjoy this cool, fluffy summer treat. Perfect for beating the city’s legendary humidity and heat, kakigori comes in a variety of flavors, ranging from classic matcha (green tea) to more innovative fruit blends and artisanal syrups.

Kakigori has a longstanding tradition in Japan, and Kyoto’s shops are celebrated for using high-quality local ingredients. The texture of Kyoto-style kakigori is exceptionally soft, almost snow-like, and is often topped with specialty syrups such as yuzu, Uji matcha, kinako, or azuki beans. Many of the featured venues are located near Kyoto’s famous sightseeing areas, making them convenient refreshment stops for travelers exploring the city’s temples, gardens, or bustling shopping streets like Shijo Kawaramachi.

Several of the city’s top kakigori cafés are highlighted in the video, and viewers are encouraged to find a full list at piqtour.com/shaved-ice-kyoto. With both modern dessert cafés and longstanding kissaten-style teahouses represented, there’s a kakigori variety and style to fit every preference. Pairing a visit to these seasonal shops with a photographic tour, as suggested by PiQtour Japan, provides not just a cooling treat but also a memorable cultural experience in Kyoto’s unique summer atmosphere.