Fancy an ice-cold dessert as big as a watermelon?

Autumn is right around the corner, but the temperature in Japan remains uncomfortably high. While covering yourself up or using a parasol to block off sun might be a great idea, nothing beats the summer heat as well as the age-old method of eating something cold and delicious.

One cozy cafe in Omotesando, Tokyo serves a Japanese icy dessert called kakigori (“shaved ice”) in a unique way that makes customers come back for more.

▼ The inviting cafe front

Conveniently situated behind the Omotesando Hills shopping complex, the cafe “Trees and Water and Earth” provides customers a moment’s respite from the scorching sun.

▼ Kakigori is the summer staple in Japan.

To be fair, the cafe is famous for its pancakes, but we just couldn’t resist ordering the huge Peach Summer Special (1,450 yen, US$13.28) after seeing it on the menu. The store recommended the dessert to be shared among two people, but really, when it comes to delicious icy treats such as this, it’s every man for himself.

▼ Okay, they weren’t kidding when they said it was huge.

The menu did mention the kakigori to be 20 centimeters (7.87 inches) in height, which we initially dismissed since we weren’t mathematicians, but imagine our surprise when the thing turned out to be the size of a human head.

▼ Just looking at it made us shiver.

▼ There’s no turning back now. It’s time to dig in!

▼ The milky sweetness was delightful.

▼ The dessert came with a rich peach syrup,
whipped cream, and pieces of peach.

▼ We drizzled some peach syrup over the kakigori

▼ And nestled some fruit pieces on top for a luxurious treat.

What a delectable dessert! This one’s worth trying if you’re in the neighborhood looking for a cozy place to rest tired feet and recharge from all that shopping. Just remember to bring a friend along if you can’t finish a kakigori of epic proportions, or it will seriously own you.

And if you’re still craving icy treats, a short walk from there will bring you to a place selling ice cream served in a watermelon slice.

Store Information
Trees and Water and Earth Omotesando / 木と水と土と 表参道店
Address: Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku, Jingumae, 4-13-4
東京都渋谷区神宮前4-13-4
Open: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Closed: New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Website

Images: ©SoraNews24
[ Read in Japanese ]