In late June, I travelled Japan for days. Although the official rainy season wasn’t over, the weather was already summer!
When I arrived in Gifu, my hometown, I was instantly hit by the heat. It was over 35°C every single day—even before the official rainy season ended! Staying indoors felt like being in an oven, so my sister, my son, and I all had the same idea: Let’s go find kakigori!
For those who don’t know, kakigori is Japan’s version of shaved ice—but trust me, it’s not your average snow cone. It’s lighter, fluffier, and so much more creative!
We hopped in the car and drove about 20 minutes, and soon enough, we found a perfect café: Scimmia Rosso, a stylish dessert café in Gifu known for its stunning kakigori creations. And wow, they did not disappoint!
We ordered three flavours:
🍓 Strawberry milk – Classic, creamy, and nostalgic.
💚 Zunda – A sweet green paste made from edamame, rich and surprisingly refreshing.
🍉 Watermelon – Light, juicy, and perfect for the summer heat.
But the biggest surprise came as we kept eating—hidden inside the fluffy layers were soft mochi, crunchy biscuits, and other delightful textures. It was like a treasure hunt in every bowl!
Each café had their own original take on kakigori, and Scimmia Rosso was no exception. Their seasonal menu and stylish presentation made the experience even more special.
To my delight, I later found out that a café just around the corner from my family home—Ibicha no Sato—also started offering kakigori from July! Their creations are made using high-quality Gifu-grown tea and local ingredients, giving it a special regional flavour. I can’t wait to visit them next time!
🍧 Cafés we visited in Gifu:
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Scimmia Rosso – Modern and stylish shaved ice creations
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Ibicha no Sato – Tea-themed kakigori with a local touch