Desserts Archives | Tokyo Cheapo

There’s nothing that hits the spot like a good gelato. Or ice cream …? What’s the difference, anyway? Both are cooling, sweet, and divinely delicious -- but they are two separate treats. As someone who's had the real deal in Florence before heading to try all of Tokyo's finest frozen treats, here are some of my favorite spots around the city. I'll point you to specific stores, as well as general areas where you can scoop some of the popular Japanese flavors, like matcha, sweet potato -- and even seafood. In no particular order, here are some of the best ice-cream options in Tokyo. Pro tip: Check out gold-leaf ice cream in Kanazawa, if you're traveling around Japan. 1. Gelateria Mamma Mia -- Ueno 3 Chome-42-11 Yushima, Bunkyo This traditional Italian gelateria is tucked away in the back streets of Ueno, only a few minutes from Ueno Park. The owner handmakes and churns classic flavors, such as stracciatella (sweet milk with couverture chocolate), tiramisu, and lemon for a top-quality cup of gelato. You can choose between one, two, or three flavors in a cup for . The one catch is that the store opens at irregular times. If it is open, it will be in the afternoon from around 2 p.m. The best way to check is Google Maps, where the owner will periodically update their opening times. The challenge adds to the satisfaction, in a way. It's my all-time favorite, a real trip to Italy, in a cup. 2. Gelateria Acquolina -- Yutenji 1 Chome-11-10 Gohongi, Meguro Another store that focuses on traditional ingredients and technique is Gelateria Acquolina. Just south of Shibuya, outside of Yutenji Station, this small parlor sells gelato to eat in or take out. Their flavors lean traditionally Italian, with fior di latte, pistachio, and white chocolate and passion fruit, among their most popular. However, they also use local flavors -- Japanese citrus and walnuts are two of their more experimental options that are delicious. Gelateria Acquolina is open from 1 p.m. except on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you show up after 3 p.m. though, you might be in for a wait -- there’s often a queue. 3. Eataly -- Ginza, Nihonbashi, Harajuku, Marunouchi Locations around Tokyo While best known for offering Italian groceries to Tokyoites, Eataly is a great spot to sit down to some authentic Italian snacks. They serve freshly made panini, caprese, and of course, gelato. Expect to find a spread of classic flavors, like rum-raisin, raspberry, and tiramisu. A single cup or cone will set you back , and you can upgrade to a double or even triple scoop. The four branches are conveniently located outside major stations, making them perfect cool-off spots while exploring. Even better, they’re open quite late, closing at 10 p.m. 4. Gelato Bravo -- Shibuya 1 Chome−33−18 Ebisunishi, Shibuya Gelato Bravo focuses on handcrafted gelato with premium, small-batch ingredients. This is reflected in their curated menu, which uses traditional ingredients such as high-fat milk, Campari oranges, and pistachios. However, they also make use of Japanese flavors like black sesame to provide a local twist, for a transporting yet uniquely Japanese gelato. You can choose a mix of two flavors per cup, or double up on your favorite. That cup will set you back , and be sure to check their seasonal options before picking! The store is open until 8 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 p.m. on weekends, but is closed on Mondays. 5. Sweet-potato ice cream -- Kawagoe Moving away from the traditional, we step into Japan’s world of original flavors, and we’d be remiss not to mention Kawagoe’s sweet-potato ice cream here. You’ll recognize it straight away by its bright-purple hue, and you can usually choose to get it by itself or swirled in with vanilla. These sweet treats can be found in the older parts of Kawagoe, a popular day-trip destination for its Edo-period atmosphere. A cone will usually set you back around , and it’s the perfect thing to cool you off after a long walk through the old candy street. Or maybe it’s just one in a long line of snacks from the vendors? 6. Japanese Ice Ouca -- Ebisu 1 Chome-6-6 Ebisu, Shibuya Ouca Ebisu has been such a hit that they’ve been forced to start offering ice-cream delivery. The secret to their success? It’s their ice-cream flavors, packed with traditional Japanese notes. Among their most popular are kinako (toasted soybean powder) and black honey, black sesame, and even sakura red-bean paste. If you’re looking to chill out a little way away from the crowds, head over -- a cup will set you back just for a small. 7. Suzukien Asakusa -- matcha, and lots of it 3 Chome-4-3 Asakusa, Taito Tucked away in the warren of streets that make up Asakusa, Suzukien is a teahouse that’s known for its matcha artistry. They offer gelato mixed with matcha of various strengths -- from Level 1 with a light tang all the way to the Level 7 challenge. If you’re brave, be prepared for a bold and punchy matcha assault. Suzukien is the perfect spot to cool off on your Asakusa explorations, and is popular with tourists and locals alike. Prices are very reasonable, with a single cup priced at . If you go for the Level 7 premium matcha challenge, it’ll set you back . 8. Whitebait ice cream -- Enoshima and Tsukiji Fish Market A "popular" delicacy around Enoshima, and also available at Tsukiji Fish Market, is whitebait ice cream. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a plain vanilla ice cream covered in loads of tiny whitebait fish. Despite the odd combination, it’s apparently tasty -- the whitebait’s salty notes creating a sort of salted vanilla flavor. If that sounds like your thing, we salute your bravery. Prices vary, but expect to pay around for a serving. And if you're into seafood ice cream, also look out for squid-ink flavor, which pops up here and there around Japan. 9. IKEA Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku -- plant-based ice cream Locations around Tokyo You might know IKEA for their Swedish meatballs and flatpack furniture, but ice cream? Surprisingly, IKEA is one of the most popular ice-cream spots in Tokyo. Firstly, their plant-based ice cream is excellent, and ideal for those who don’t eat dairy products but still want a cool treat. But most importantly, a cone will only set you back ! The central-Tokyo IKEA stores are conveniently located in major travel hubs, with each being only a few minutes’ walk away from the JR stations. Stop in, grab a ticket from the machines, and you’re on your way. 10. Baskin Robbins Locations around Tokyo Baskin Robbins is affectionately known as “31” in Japan, based on the pink numbers in their logo. With over 20 stores across Tokyo, they’re known for their crazy array of flavors, as well as being friendly on the wallet. Small cups start at , making them an accessible and affordable treat. You can expect to queue, particularly at popular tourist spots like Shibuya and Akihabara. But we reckon a cup of their mint chocolate chip is worth the wait. 11. Masudaen Sohonten Asakusa -- classic flavors 1 Chome-1-17 Asakusa, Taito Sometimes the classics work best, and in Asakusa, Masudaen Sohonten has been proving that for over 100 years. One of the oldest teahouses in the area, they also offer budget-friendly ice cream for the crowds -- at , it’s no surprise there’s always a queue. Their menu is simple, with matcha, vanilla, and a mixed cone, but on a hot Tokyo day, what else do you need? Masudaen Sohonten is seconds away from Asakusa Station. One small bonus -- the ice cream is certified as halal. 12. Convenience stores -- all shapes and sizes We couldn’t finish this list without mentioning Tokyo’s beloved convenience stores. With thousands scattered across the city, you’re never more than a few hundred metres away from an ice-cold snack. With everything from cones to ice lollies, Häagen-Dazs, and even frozen chocolate smoothies, there’s something for everyone -- with seasonal offerings thrown in the mix. Ice cream in convenience stores will usually set you back around to , and occasionally stores at very popular tourist spots do sell out. But no need to worry, you’ll only be a minute’s walk from another one. Bonus: Edible Elegance -- Venchi Ginza 4 Chome-3-2 Ginza, Chuo One last place we have to include is Venchi Ginza -- a feast for the eyes and the stomach. A gourmet brand, they offer fresh gelato at their Ginza store. Wander into the lavishly decorated interior, and try some of the most extravagant gelato in Japan. They are a little pricey, with a three-scoop cone and topping coming to . But for the appearance and quality, it’s worth every yen. There is standing space to eat the gelato outside the store, but no seating available. What's the difference between gelato and ice cream? Ice cream is about 10% fat, with milk and butterfat churned in at high speed to give it that airy texture. In constrast, gelato is 4-8% fat, with more milk than cream. It's also churned slower, creating a denser yet smoother taste on the tongue. While we do our best to ensure it's correct, information is subject to change.

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