6 Unique Japanese Ice Creams You Must Try (Summer Edition)
If you’ve ever experienced summer in Japan, you’ll know one thing:
It’s intense.
Temperatures can hit 40°C, and when you add the humidity, it becomes almost unbearable at times.
One of the best ways to cool down?
Ice cream — and Japan does it differently.
From matcha flavours to mochi-filled bars, here are 6 unique Japanese ice creams you should try if you’re visiting during summer.
🍵 1. 7-Eleven Matcha Cone
Part of 7-Eleven’s premium dessert range.
Rich, creamy matcha ice cream with a slightly bitter edge that balances the sweetness perfectly.
The cone itself adds a buttery crunch, which really finishes it off.
Verdict:
Premium quality and one of the best matcha ice creams you’ll find in a convenience store.
🍠 2. Sweet Potato Ice Cream
One of the more unusual options.
Designed to look like a real sweet potato, with:
- A wafer shell
- Vanilla ice cream
- Sweet potato paste filling
Verdict:
Very rich and quite sweet. Not for everyone, but definitely unique.
🍵 3. Matcha Latte & Mochi Ice Cream
Another matcha-based dessert, but much more complex.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Milk sauce
- Mochi pieces
- Black honey mochi
Verdict:
Creamy, chewy, and less sweet than most. One of the most interesting textures on this list.
🐟 4. Taiyaki Ice Cream
Inspired by traditional taiyaki — a fish-shaped pastry often filled with red bean paste.
This version includes:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Anko (sweet red bean paste)
- Chocolate coating
- Fish-shaped wafer
Verdict:
The sweetest option here — but also one of the most iconic Japanese desserts.
🍉 5. Watermelon Ice Block
A classic summer treat in Japan.
Shaped like a slice of watermelon, with chocolate chips as “seeds”.
👉 Only about 5% real juice — but still refreshing.
Verdict:
Light, fun, and perfect for hot weather.
🍐 6. Japanese Pear Sherbet Ice Cream
One of my personal favourites.
Made with Japanese pear (nashi), known for being:
- Juicy
- Refreshing
- Slightly sweeter than watermelon
Verdict:
Light, refreshing, and ideal for summer. A great alternative to heavier ice creams.
Final Thoughts
apanese ice cream isn’t just about flavour — it’s about creativity and experience.
From mochi textures to fish-shaped cones, there’s always something new to try.
Just keep in mind:
Most of these are seasonal, so you may not find them outside of summer.
