Regional Ice Cream Festival in Winter
Indulge in Japan’s Local Ice Cream at Shibuya PARCO’s "Hobonichi"
The "Winter Local Ice Cream Festival" is being held at "Hobonichi" on the 8th floor of Shibuya PARCO. This unique event offers a delightful opportunity to savor a wide variety of local ice creams from across Japan, even during the colder months. Enjoying cold ice cream in a warm room presents a different kind of charm compared to the summer experience.
The festival showcases a curated selection of ice cream recommended by writer and essayist Minori Kai. Ms. Kai’s choices are characterized not only by their delicious taste but also by their adorable shapes and packaging, reflecting the unique character of each region they represent. The event features over 70 kinds of ice cream, including ice candy, ice cream manjū, ice cream sandwiches, shaved ice, and frozen yogurt, with various flavors available for purchase and on-site consumption.
Scheduled Ice Cream Arrivals
The festival boasts an impressive lineup of ice cream from various prefectures, including:
- Aomori Prefecture: Kalan Kalan Ice, Jumbo Ice (Fujita Ice Shop)
- Akita Prefecture: Baba Hera Ice Baramori Cup (Kodama Reika)
- Fukushima Prefecture: Handmade Ice Cream Manjū (Matsunaga Milk)
- Tochigi Prefecture: Lemon Milk Cup/Soft (Futaba Foods)
- Gunma Prefecture: Ice Cream Manjū (Shirofuji)
- Tokyo: Ring Tarts Sandwich Ice Cream (Izumiya Tokyo)
- Niigata Prefecture: Momotaro (Seihyo)
- Yamanashi Prefecture: Kikyo Shingen Mochi Ice Cream Premium (Kikyo-ya)
- Aichi Prefecture: Chuo Frozen Yogurt (Chuo Dairy)
- Mie Prefecture: Frozen Pudding Soft (Frozen Pudding Soft Co., Ltd.), Ofuku Ice Mac (Ofuku Mochi Honke)
- Hyogo Prefecture: Jersey Ice Cream (Tango Jersey Farm Milk Kobo Sora)
- Wakayama Prefecture: Kuzubā, Ice Cream that Doesn’t Melt (Kashō Ninomiya)
- Kyoto Prefecture: Fruit Ice Bar (Fruit Parlor Cricket)
- Osaka Prefecture: Hokkyoku Ice Candy (Hokkyoku Arctic)
- Tottori Prefecture: Shirobara Milk Bar (Daisen Dairy Agricultural Cooperative Association)
- Hiroshima Prefecture: Tamago Ice (Handmade Ice Cream Karasawa)
- Kochi Prefecture: Oppai Ice Milk (Kubota Foods)
- Fukuoka Prefecture: Kaba Brand Ice Candy (Kabashima Hyōka Honten), School Lunch Mousse (Celia Loir)
- Nagasaki Prefecture: Nagasaki Castella Ice Cream (New York-do)
- Kumamoto Prefecture: BLANCO ICE CREAM (BLANCO)
- Kagoshima Prefecture: Shirokuma (Tenmonkan Mujaki)
Please note that the lineup may be expanded during the exhibition period, and some items may be sold out due to limited quantities. Insulated bags and ice packs are available for purchase, but bringing your own cooler bag is recommended.
"Warm Cafe" and Eat-in Space
A spacious eat-in area within the venue allows visitors to enjoy their purchased ice cream immediately. Additionally, the "Hobonichi" cafe, known for its rotating themes, will be offering a selection of "warm drinks" during the festival. This allows for a pleasant contrast, pairing the cold ice cream with warm coffee or tea.
Exclusive Ice Cream Talk Event
A special one-night-only talk event featuring Minori Kai and singer-songwriter Moka Sato will be held on February 13th at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:45 PM, scheduled to end at 8:30 PM). Moka Sato, a close friend of Minori Kai, is known for her love of ice cream, even composing a song titled "Ice Cream Mambo." This event promises a lively discussion centered around the theme of ice cream. Tickets for the talk event are priced at 2,000 yen (tax included) and can be purchased in advance.
Ice Cream-Related Merchandise
The festival also offers a selection of ice cream-related goods curated by Minori Kai. These include unique items such as non-melting wooden ice cream by woodworker Ryota Nishimoto, as well as recommended bowls and ice cream spoons. The popular original cooler bag, created to commemorate the publication of "Ice Cream Journey," will also be restocked. Furthermore, Ms. Kai has supervised a series of "Local Ice Cream Miniature Figures," which will be sold in capsule toy machines (only the 3rd and 4th series will be available).
Event Details
- Event Name: Winter Local Ice Cream Festival
- Location: Hobonichi, Shibuya PARCO 8th floor
- Address: 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8377 (MAP)
- Nearest Station: Shibuya Station (5-minute walk) (Shibuya PARCO)
- Dates: February 7, 2025 (Friday) – March 9, 2025 (Sunday)
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closes at 5:00 PM on February 13th)
- Admission: Free (Ice cream is sold individually, with eat-in available)
- Official Website: https://www.1101.com/hobonichiyobi/exhibition/6906.html
Please note that the published content is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official website of the venue or organizer.
What is Shibuya PARCO?
Shibuya PARCO is a shopping complex in Shibuya, Tokyo, known for its fashion-forward stores and cultural events. It offers a mix of high-end boutiques and unique concept shops, alongside a variety of dining options that appeal to both local and international visitors. The complex also hosts art exhibitions and live performances, providing a glimpse into contemporary Japanese culture. With its modern design and diverse offerings, Shibuya PARCO remains a notable part of Tokyo’s urban scene.
