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.

Enjoyed this please feel free to check out:

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• 10 Japanese desserts you must try
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