🍜 Kakigori Gem Box

A short 8-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, the "Nara Mochi Hotel Central Street," known as the oldest shopping street in Nara, is lined with over a hundred shops, both new and old. Tucked away in a corner of the shopping street is "Kakigori Hōseki-bako," a pioneer that sparked the kakigori (shaved ice) craze in Nara. While typical kakigori uses ice that has been frozen for 2 days, this shop uses specially made ice blocks that have been frozen for 3 days (72 hours). This process allows them to create a light and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Almost every dessert is topped with a mousse-like foam milk cream (Espuma), which is one of its distinctive features. The flavors utilize locally produced matcha from Nara and fresh milk from nearby farms, combined with seasonal fruits such as citrus, cantaloupe, white peaches, pears, chestnuts, persimmons, muscat grapes, strawberries, and more, paired with custard sauce, mascarpone cream, pistachios, local honey, and white miso. They create various ice desserts designed to evoke "Early Summer at Wakakusa Mountain," inspired by Nara. Since the flavors frequently change, it is recommended to check their official website before visiting. Additionally, what used to require long lines to enjoy can now be reserved online, allowing you to specify a time and avoid waiting.

The famous shaved ice that has sparked a craze in Nara. Made with carefully selected pure ice, it melts in your mouth and has a light texture. They frequently introduce new flavors, so no matter how many times you've been, you can always try something new. Just make a reservation online to skip the line.