Kakigori trends in Japan show rising popularity of gourmet shaved ice

Shaved ice, known as kakigori, continues to evolve in Japan from a simple festival snack into a gourmet dessert. A survey of Mynavi News members revealed that Uji Kintoki (matcha with red bean paste) is the most popular flavor at 31.9%, followed by strawberry at 22.5%. While traditional flavors like melon and lemon remain common, there is a growing market for premium versions, with over 10% of respondents willing to pay more than 1,000 yen for a single serving.

Highlighting the intense passion for the dessert, kakigori enthusiast Miho Sonoda has sampled over 500 varieties. At one point, she consumed 46 bowls in just 10 days during a trip to Tokyo. To manage the high sugar intake, Sonoda maintains her health through regular exercise, often walking up to 20,000 steps a day while visiting different shops.